As a manufacturer, we (Felling Trailers, Inc.) always look for ways to support and encourage the trades, as they keep the wheels of industry turning. We’ve taken steps throughout the years to do so by offering a variety of programs to the area schools and surrounding community. Programs such as: Careers in the Community – a program for high school 11th and 12th-grade students to learn about and be an active part of the manufacturing process, Youth Welding Camps – boys and girls ages 12-18 explore the career opportunities and requirements of a professional metal fabricator, and Women in Welding Camp – women ages 18 & up gain an understanding of the career opportunities in manufacturing and becoming a metal fabricator. Felling Trailers has also given scholarships to students furthering their education in the trades. Beyond what we can offer at Felling Trailers, we support local school robotics and engineering teams.
“I am a big advocate for just about anything promoting the trades. We need to bring more attention to these lines of work,”
– Brenda Jennissen, Felling Trailers’ CEO
Felling Trailers’ CEO, Brenda Jennissen has always been very supportive of anything to do with promoting the trades to the young and the old. “I am a big advocate for just about anything promoting the trades. We need to bring more attention to these lines of work,” said Brenda. In December of 2022, when commenting on a local children’s book author, Jeanna Borgmann’s Linewife_author Facebook page, she noticed another comment from “Tiny Tradesmen.” Intrigued by the name, Brenda looked up the Tiny Tradesmen Facebook page. Tiny Tradesmen turned out to be a series of blue-collar children’s books about the trades. The author, Sarah Reijonen, has written two books. The first book in her series, “Light Up the World,” is about life as a lineman. The second book, “Let the Sparks Fly,” is about the trade of welding! “I ordered one immediately!” said Brenda.
A Story Too Good Not to Share
After receiving her “Let the Sparks Fly” copy, Brenda knew it needed to be shared. Reijonen’s elementary-level books teach the values of hard work and ingenuity while educating children about the trades from a young age. Brenda contacted the Tiny Tradesmen author and placed a bulk order with plans to give a copy to interested Felling Trailers’ team members with young children. Additional books were also donated to local schools and public libraries.
“The Tiny Tradesmen series of books are about encouraging children to consider a career in any trade while teaching them that a four-year degree is not the only path toward success.”
– Sarah Reijonen, Author of Tiny Tradesmen series
“The Tiny Tradesmen series of books are about encouraging children to consider a career in any trade while teaching them that a four-year degree is not the only path toward success (Hint: There will be more books to come!). The trades are more important and in higher demand than ever. My husband and I pride ourselves in taking the “road less traveled” — we hope your children will be inspired to do the same,” said Sarah Reijonen.
How to get your own copy
For those interested in obtaining a copy, a limited supply of “Let the Sparks Fly” will be available for purchase locally at Felling Trailers’ Sauk Centre location, or it can be purchased online at www.tinytradesmen.com.
About Tiny Tradesmen & Author Sarah Reijonen
Tiny Tradesmen aims to ignite your child’s imagination and give them a glimpse into life as a tradesman. Whether your tiny helper wants to know more about mom or dad’s job or is just curious about how the world works, this series of books about the trades will help them climb to new heights and encourage them to one day pursue a career in the trades.
Author and Small Business Owner Sarah Reijonen is a proud line wife who has spent the last decade on the road with her rambling lineman husband. Sarah studied journalism at Washington State University, but she is passionate about teaching young people that a college degree is not the only path toward success.
For more information about Tiny Tradesmen, visit www.tinytradesmen.com, contact [email protected]. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @tinytradesmenbooks
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