Page 16 - BusinessWest August 4, 2025

Matt Ganhao checks out a residential basement crack.
Staff Photo
Apprentice >>Continued from page 14
There’s plenty of room for growth.”
Ganhao, who graduated from both West Springfield-based CTEC
and Ludlow High School this past spring, is already convinced.
“I don’t really want to go to school and learn a different trade; I
did decide that I want to go full-time,” he said. “It’s a new experience,
and it’s something that not everyone’s going to like. But if you’re inter-
ested in the industry, this is something you should try
out.”
When he was 16, Tomala said, he didn’t know if
this was the industry for him; he needed exposure and
experience.
“These young people should have an opportunity to
really learn, and not just be kind of barked orders at.
They’re full employees, on payroll, and we also teach
them the whole finance component — how to open up
checking accounts, getting direct deposits. So we’re
preparing them for the real world, no matter what they
choose to do. And hopefully, it’s construction.”
Desire to Inspire
Tomala has served in leadership with local, state, and
national trade organizations, with the overall goal of “just
kind of making sure that we’re all doing things the right
way, the proper way.”
And building things to code is only the bare minimum,
he added. “It’s like graduating with a D. You still pass, but
did you do a great job? Our focus is showing everybody
that it doesn’t have to be difficult — that it really can be
an easy transition to just doing things better. It’s about
collaborating with the right manufacturers and the right products
and finding the systems that really work for you.”
That philosophy carries over to the way he mentors young people
in the field. “I think my message to other builders out there is, take
the time; put the energy in. Don’t show them just how to dig a hole,
but why we dig that hole and, better yet, the importance of doing it
right before we have to dig a hole. Make sure the foundation’s sealed
correctly; make sure the roof is put on with all the right underlay-
ments; make sure the windows are taped and sealed.
“I’ve found, throughout my years, that a lot of times, we get some
older people in the industry who just wanted to do a job. They didn’t
want to learn how. So I sit on the board for three trade schools
[Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy in Springfield is
the third] because I want these young folks while they’re fresh, while
“It’s a new
experience, and
it’s something
that not
everyone’s going
to like. But if
you’re interested
in the industry,
this is something
you should try
out.”
Celebrating 40 years in business!
We’re looking for skilled workers to join our team!
© Peter Brown Architectural Photography
© Robert Benson Photography
Commercial Services:
• New Construction
• Renovations
• Interiors
• Site Development
• Repair & Maintenance
Industries we specialize in:
• Financial Institutions
• Education
• Health Care
• Municipal/Public
• Property Management
Call us for info on career opportunities!
(413) 734-2138
600 Union St, West Springfield, MA 01089
www.adamsruxton.com
Proud to be a certified women and veteran-owned business.
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AUGUST 4, 2025
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