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

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

Author: Bill Spohn July 25, 2025 Duration: 53:50

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.

 


Ever wonder why some buildings feel just right-healthy, comfortable, and surprisingly efficient-while others seem to work against you? That’s the territory explored in Building HVAC Science, a podcast hosted by seasoned experts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn. This isn't just about thermostats and ductwork; it's a deep, practical dive into the physics and principles that make indoor environments work. You’ll hear conversations that dissect real-world diagnostics, question common practices, and explain the often-overlooked science behind temperature, airflow, and moisture. The discussions naturally progress from foundational concepts to the latest tools and technologies used for measurement and verification, always linking theory to tangible results in building performance. By focusing on the interplay between proper HVAC design, installation, and human well-being, this podcast provides actionable knowledge for professionals and curious minds alike. Tune in for a clear-eyed look at how understanding the built environment leads to spaces that are better for both people and the planet.
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