Dedication and Passion: Kayleen McCabe's Journey Through the Trades

In the world of woodworking, carpentry, and construction, it’s not often that we see women taking on the roles typically dominated by men. ButKayleen McCabeis a shining example of breaking stereotypes and carving her own path in a male-dominated industry. With a passion for building that started in her childhood, McCabe has not only made a name for herself as a former TV host on shows likeTrading SpacesandRescue Renovation, but she has also dedicated her life to teaching and advocating for the trades.

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A Childhood Passion for Building

McCabe’s love for building started at a young age when her grandfather introduced her to a bandsaw at the age of four. From making tiny wooden hearts for her parents to assisting with school projects and high school musical sets, McCabe’s journey into the world of woodworking was a natural progression. She jokes about her early misconceptions about construction, like using a tiny child to check the depth of a post, before she truly discovered her love for building while working with a master carpenter onTrading Spaces.

From TV to Teaching: A Career Evolution

While her time on TV shows likeTrading SpacesandRescue Renovation catapulted her into the spotlight, McCabe’s true passion lies in teaching and advocating for the trades. After leaving television to start her own construction company, McCabe founded the McCabe Foundation in 2009 to support veterans and students entering the trades. Through her foundation, she teaches young kids the basics of building and emphasizes the importance of skills like hand-eye coordination and proper work gear.

Lessons Learned and Valuable Insights

Throughout her career, McCabe has had her fair share of triumphs and failures, all of which have shaped her into the skilled builder and advocate she is today. From learning the importance of respecting homes to the artistic nature of woodworking, McCabe strives to educate others about the hard work and talent that goes into building. She emphasizes the need for proper education and training in the trades and hopes to be a global voice for promoting skills development in the industry.

Rapid Fire Round: Getting to Know Kayleen McCabe

Favorite tool or piece of equipment: My pencil and my pencil sharpener.
Favorite piece that you’ve made: My Oliver table.
Biggest goal: To be the voice of education in the trades globally.
Favorite accessory in the workshop: My banded earplugs.
Favorite step of the process: Doing my cut sheets and the math behind it.
Music on or off while working: It depends, usually music in the mornings and quiet afternoons.
On headphones or speaker: I try to avoid headphones for safety reasons.

Final Words of Wisdom

As Kayleen McCabe wraps up our conversation, she leaves us with a cheeky piece of advice—”Everybody should try welding. And sawdust is pretty dirt. Pretty, clean dirt.” Her lighthearted approach to building, coupled with her dedication to education and advocacy, serves as an inspiration to all aspiring builders, regardless of gender.

In the world of woodworking and construction, Kayleen McCabe stands out as a trailblazer, a teacher, and an advocate for the trades. Her journey from TV host to educator exemplifies the transformative power of passion and dedication in the pursuit of a fulfilling career. So, the next time you pick up a hammer or fire up a saw, remember Kayleen McCabe’s story and let her passion for building inspire you to carve your own path in the world of trades.