Skilled Trades Take the Spotlight at ETCS

Electrician wearing helmet and gloves working on wiring inside an electrical panel, with visible colored wires

Best of luck to the competitors at the ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series (ETCS) in West Palm Beach, FL, this weekend! Sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, this competition celebrates highly skilled tradespeople.

Finalists are competing for the title of top tradesperson in the country for their category, and a share of more than $100,000 and sponsored prizes, in two categories:

Each finalist earned their spot by participating in a series of knowledge-based and hands-on tests beginning this summer. After winners stake their claim, the series will air on CBS Sports Network in December.

Faces of the Championship: People Powering the Trades

The tradespeople competing at ETCS come from many walks of life. Meet a few of the dedicated tradespeople who joined the competition.

Balancing Books and Pipes: Plumbing National Championship Winner Tyler Edelman’s Unique Role in the Industry

When Tyler Edelman was in seventh grade, he had his future mapped out in finance and accounting. Little did he know, his path would soon take a sharp turn, leading him into the skilled trades—a decision that would offer both fulfillment and financial success beyond what he initially imagined. Read more.

Person wearing a white hard hat labeled 'Edelman' and gloves, working with plumbing tools and equipment.

Ditching the Desk for a Hands-On Career: Marine Veteran to HVAC Champion—Patrick Boldt

The traditional path to success has long been paved with college degrees, student loans, and office jobs. But some of the most fulfilling, financially stable, and in-demand careers often lie outside the cubicle.

That has been the case for Patrick Boldt, a Marine Corps veteran who found his true calling not behind a desk, but in the world of Skilled Trades—specifically, HVAC. His talent has been consistently recognized at the ServiceTitan HVAC National Championship where he earned a podium spot in each of his three years of participation. Read more.

Two individuals on stage at the HVAC ServiceTitan National Championship; one holds a $15,000 check while the other claps, with FLEX equipment visible.

From Backyard Builds to NASCAR: Randy Giroux’s Full-Throttle Ride Through the Trades

Some people are born with a passion, and for Randy Giroux, it came with wheels. “My earliest memories are driving around in a little Power Wheels Jeep when I was three, and then riding a 50cc ATV my dad bought me when I was five. I rode that thing until it wouldn’t run anymore, and then Dad and I fixed it together.”

That early bond over machines wasn’t just a hobby. It was the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of speed, precision, and purpose. Today, Randy is a Teardown Mechanic at Trackhouse Racing, a NASCAR Cup Series team. It’s a role that demands technical skill, attention to detail, and a deep love for motorsports, all of which Randy has in abundance. Read more.

Man working on the rear wheel of a lifted white vehicle with a 'WE'RE HIRING' fleet management sign.

About ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series

The ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series (SETCS) was founded in 2016 with a clear mission: to raise awareness and support for the growing shortage of skilled trade workers across the nation. Over time, it has evolved into the premier championship platform dedicated to promoting the trades and celebrating the highly skilled professionals who have long been underappreciated. Through large-scale competitions, SETCS shines a spotlight on these individuals. Learn more at EliteTrades.global.

About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing 427,000 people globally in 2024 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

Promotional image for Express Employment Professionals featuring text and a welder in a workshop. Transcribed Text: Companies filling roles that require specialized talent need qualified Skilled Trades workers. Work with Express to find the right company that fits your needs! Contact your local office to find your next job.