J.H. Kelly pushed this age-old concept to a higher level early last year, when the Longview, WA-based mechanical contractor developed its School of Construction. Since then, the $1 million investment has grown into a training machine.

“There’s no substitute for hands-on learning,” says Dan Evans, president, CEO and majority owner of J.H. Kelly. “You need to have confidence in your employees. The more tools you put in their hands, the better off you are.”