EP228 GRIT Camps: Where Trades Meet Transformation with Leilani Orr and Ty Branaman (July 2025)

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with two passionate leaders from the GRIT Foundation—Executive Director Leilani Orr and Head of Training Ty Branaman. Together, they unpack the origin story, purpose, and transformative impact of GRIT Camps, which introduce youth to the skilled trades in immersive, hands-on ways.

The conversation explores how GRIT—which stands for Growth and Resilience in the Trades—isn't just a clever acronym but a mindset. Through personal stories, Leilani and Ty reflect on the deeper "why" behind the camps: fostering curiosity, building confidence, and instilling pride in practical skills that often go unrecognized. They discuss how using tools like the Socratic method not only helps students learn but transforms mentors as well—often reigniting their passion for the trades.

You’ll hear about real-life transformations: timid students who become torch-wielding creators, mentors discovering new ways to engage, and parents witnessing their children light up with newfound purpose. As a pending nonprofit, the GRIT Foundation is fueled by heart, vision, and a small but mighty network of supporters—with hopes of expanding nationwide through thoughtful partnerships.

“If I can do this, anybody can do this. I don’t want to be the guy—I want to be the guy helping other people become the guy.” – Ty Branaman

“We’re not recruiting kids into the trades—we’re fostering curiosity and confidence in whoever they want to become.” – Leilani Orr

“What you’re doing is important because it touches your heart—or brings a tear to your eye.” – Bill Spohn

The Grit Foundation: https://www.thegritfoundation.com/

Leilani’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilani-orr-5a0948343/

Ty’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-branaman-cmhe-07604a33/

Bryan Orr’s book, Unconfomed: An Unbound and Unbridled Path to Unstuck Growth: https://a.co/d/9zMmSmQ

This episode was recorded in July 2025.