Craftsmen News - Madden Craftsmen

5 Winter Activities to Get In Touch With Your Wild Side

With winter in full swing, most people are retreating into their homes for a few months of hibernation before comfortable weather resumes. As a craftsman, you’re not phased by the biting temperatures or retreating daylight. You’re used to braving the elements every day on the job site. Let’s explore some exhilarating winter activities you can … Continue reading

5 Undeniable Reasons a Construction Gig is Better Than A Desk Job

Whether you’re a high schooler thinking about entering into the job market, a college student looking for a rewarding career path, or an employee seeking a more meaningful profession, the construction industry might just be exactly what you need. Every day, tens of millions of workers assume their positions at desks from 9 until 5, … Continue reading

You Thought You Knew What Duct Tape Was Used For (Think Again!)

Duct tape is notorious for its ruggedness, strength, and versatility. It’s the closest thing you’ll ever have to the perfect tool. For decades, craftsmen have been using duct tape for quick fixes, unique builds, and other odds and ends. You’ve probably already gotten creative with this dynamic tool, but you haven’t thought of everything! Let’s … Continue reading

Add These Must-Have Winter Tools to Your Arsenal When Battling Snow & Ice

Craftsmen are natural problem-solvers. It’s one of many characteristics you perfect on the job site and bring to other areas of your life. With winter just around the corner, you’re already anticipating all of the problems the unrelenting northwestern climate can dish out. Now is the time to start stocking up your arsenal of tools … Continue reading

Awesome Things You Can Do With a Wooden Pallet

Wooden pallets are a dime a dozen on the job site with a clear functional use. But over the past few years, an entire subculture of crafty individuals has found countless ways to repurpose these seemingly static items into a variety of creative uses. As a craftsman, you’re never one to shy away from a … Continue reading

Home DIY Fixes That Will Label You the Handyman Hero

As a craftsman, you take pride in your handiwork both on and off the job site. Whether you’re tackling a major project at work or just doing some touchups around the house, you’re aiming for a perfect final product. This commitment to quality makes craftsmen the go-to solution whenever something needs repairing, fixing, or building … Continue reading

Is College Worth It?: What the Trades Offer Above Higher Education

With rising tuition costs and an increasingly competitive workforce, it’s no secret that many people are starting to question the value of a college education. For decades, it was widely accepted that a college degree was the most secure path towards a rewarding career. Now, many high schoolers are turning their attention towards alternatives like … Continue reading

The Science Behind Assembling the Perfect Toolbox

Whether you’re taking on a project at home, helping out the neighbors, or making a quick fix, you deserve a toolbox that gets the job done. While normal people are perfectly fine with choosing a random toolbox and tossing in some random tools, that’s not going to fly with you. As a craftsman, you see … Continue reading

9 Characteristics You Develop on the Job Site That Benefit Your Life Overall

Being a craftsman isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle. The skills you develop on the job site have a broader impact on other areas of your life. Here, we’ll take a look at some characteristics that benefit craftsmen overall. Problem-solving skills On the job site, there’s no giving up or starting over. When you’re … Continue reading

The 10 Craftsmen Commandments to Follow On and Off the Job Site

There’s no profession quite like being a craftsman. It requires a certain level of drive, commitment, and grit that most people don’t have. Craftsmen might come from all walks of life but there’s a unifying creed that connects all who join the ranks. This unspoken code informs everything a craftsman does both on and off … Continue reading

How to Become “One of the Crew” When Joining a New Team

Joining a new team is a nerve-wracking process for craftsmen. With teamwork and collaboration being a key elements in the construction industry, it’s common for teams to have a strong sense of camaraderie. This tight-knit component is amazing when you’re on the inside but can be a bit daunting when you’re trying to prove yourself … Continue reading

Why the Post-Pandemic Economy is the Best Time to Join the Construction Industry

It can be tough to get your bearings when there’s so much talk of uncertainty and fear going around. In reality, things are looking brighter than they ever have following the pandemic, especially for craftsmen. In fact, now might just be the best time to enter the construction industry! Don’t believe us? Well, we’ll prove … Continue reading

Why More Young People Should Consider a Career in the Construction Industry

There aren’t many questions as stress-inducing as the too-often-asked, “What do you want to do with your life?” Young people are bombarded with this question or similar variations by friends, family members, and acquaintances. Too often, high school graduates or college-age individuals feel trapped into choosing a career from a limited set of pre-chosen options. … Continue reading

Why You Should Be Proud to Be a Craftsman

Craftsmen are a different breed. They’re just built a little different than other professionals. This is partially due to their individual personalities and partially due to the uniqueness of the industry. For all of the perks of working as a craftsman, one of the best advantages is the feeling of satisfaction that comes with the … Continue reading

How to Make Your Backyard a Summer Paradise

The warm weather is finally here! And what better way to celebrate than revamping your backyard for those enjoyable parties, cookouts, and get-togethers. Let’s take a look at a few steps you can take to transform your backyard into a summer paradise. Renovate your deck. Looking for a summer project to keep you busy on … Continue reading