Meet Our Founder

V. Brett Melvin has worked for over 30 years in both the public & private sectors. With a Political Science and a MPA degree from East Carolina University, Brett spent 12 years as a VP at National Association of Convenience Stores and went on to found and sell 2 different companies that both focused on helping small businesses in the convenience store and petroleum industry improve their bottom line. In 2008 he joined the Bush Administration as a senior advisor in the Dept. of Labor.

Tampa Bay Times Interview

In 2014, Brett joined Specialized Carrier & Rigging Association’s effort to develop a solution to their Skills Gap challenge. Brett’s unique background of trade associations, government service and entrepreneurial success made it possible for him to build the Lift & Move USA program into a one of a kind workforce development program. The program brings industry professionals together with young people between the ages of 17-24 seeking entry level career-oriented jobs with potential industry employers. His efforts built a team that included: SCRA member companies, education & certification organizations, media organizations, unions, manufacturers and others. At the 9 Career Skills Events that he championed, over 5,000 students attended and another 100,000+ were exposed to the industry and the opportunities through social media.

In 2018, Brett has taken this concept to the next level with Bridging America’s Gap to help create an employee pipeline with other trade skill industries and businesses and to begin building tomorrows workforce together.

Thomas Alva Edison

“America’s Inventor”

501 (c)(3) Workforce Development Organization

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