Rick Donovan
Trades Editor
As the Trades Editor for AllTradesJournal, Rick Donovan reports on construction tech, tool innovation, and safety standards across the trades. His coverage spans essential topics like welding, HVAC, plumbing, and automotive services, providing readers with actionable industry insights. Rick approaches his writing with a commitment to demystifying complex techniques and highlighting the latest practices for professionals and DIYers alike.
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Latest Articles
Electric Lawn Care Surges Amidst Landscaping Business Adaptations
Sales of electric lawnmowers are projected to surge from 16 million units in 2023 to 25 million annually by 2028, signaling a quiet revolution in yard care.
Aug 16, 2026 · 5 min read
SEER2 HVAC system types and efficiency ratings
The best available model of residential central air conditioner can save homeowners up to $6,724 in hot-humid states compared to less efficient models, according to Energy. This potential for savings drives homeowner interest in new HVAC systems, their efficiency ratings, and optimal maintenance.
Aug 15, 2026 · 5 min read
Tradeswomen Surge: Women Reshaping Construction & Skilled Trades
The number of tradeswomen in construction and extraction occupations surged by 77.
Aug 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Organizations Expand Trades Training to Meet Skilled Labor Demand
Since 2018, The Home Depot Foundation's partnerships alone have certified over 70,000 participants in skilled trades, highlighting a massive, accelerating push to fill critical labor gaps.
Aug 14, 2026 · 2 min read
Soft services facilities management market reaches $933B by 2030
The soft services facilities management market is set to expand by nearly $300 billion in just five years, projected to reach $933.
Aug 13, 2026 · 2 min read
Michigan's economic boom fuels urgent demand for skilled trades
New members joining Iron Workers Local 25 start with a $57 an hour package, including upward mobility and guaranteed pensions, according to The Detroit News .
Aug 13, 2026 · 2 min read
Meta's America's Workforce Academy Trains Tradespeople for New Tech
In its first seven days, Meta and CBRE's LevelUp fiber technician training program received 35,000 applications for just 1,000 openings.
Aug 13, 2026 · 3 min read
Home Improvement Retail's 2026 Omnichannel Shift: AI & Subscriptions
Lowe's deployed Mylow Companion, a generative AI assistant, to all its stores in May 2025, providing its associates with instant access to product information and project guidance.
Aug 13, 2026 · 3 min read
The Green Shift: How Eco-Friendly Practices Are Redefining Cleaning Services
Customers hiring professional cleaning services now demand granular data on fuel consumption, water use, waste diversion, and employee retention, moving beyond vague green promises.
Aug 12, 2026 · 2 min read
High-pressure vehicle cleaning market: Robust growth, tech-driven
The global high-pressure vehicle cleaning service market, often dismissed as a mundane chore, was valued at $35.
Aug 12, 2026 · 3 min read
South Korea Aims for 20th WorldSkills Title in Shanghai
Park Min-hyeok, a 21-year-old cloud computing competitor for South Korea, trains up to 14 hours a day in pursuit of a gold medal at the upcoming WorldSkills Shanghai Competition.
Aug 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Hot Work Safety: Risks, Prevention, and Protocols
Hot work—welding, cutting, brazing—is a leading cause of worker death in incidents investigated by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) .
Aug 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Philadelphia Airport delays flights amid equipment outage
The New York area operates with only 57% of its target air traffic controller staff, a critical factor in FAA ground stops at eight major Northeast airports in 2026.
Aug 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Victoria ISD's CTE program builds skilled trades pipeline
During the 2025-26 school year, Victoria ISD students earned 1,184 industry-based certifications, establishing a robust pipeline for skilled trades.
Aug 9, 2026 · 3 min read
InstaService launches nationwide marketplace for home services
Starting next Monday, a single app will connect 300 million Americans to plumbers, electricians, and cleaners, as InstaService completes its nationwide rollout.
Aug 8, 2026 · 3 min read
July jobs slump: Skilled trades face deeper chill
In July, the US economy added a mere 187,000 jobs.
Aug 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Lowe's Foundation Invests $34 Million in Skilled Trades Training
Since 2023, the Lowe's Foundation has poured over $34 million into Gable Grants, spearheading a national effort to rebuild America's skilled trades workforce.
Aug 8, 2026 · 6 min read
Trades Adapt to Growing Green Building Market
The green building materials market expanded from $369.
Aug 8, 2026 · 4 min read
County Grant Funds Freeport Armory Conversion to Trade School
Nassau County has awarded a $300,000 grant to Freeport, initiating the transformation of its historic armory into a new trade school.
Aug 7, 2026 · 2 min read
Local trade schools are key to economic growth.
At Chattahoochee Technical College, many students secure employment in high-demand fields like HVAC before completing coursework, proving the immediate value of practical education.
Aug 7, 2026 · 2 min read