3/31/2026 at 9:11:59 AM
I worked for a privately held $company, looking to launch a new, commercially-focused lighting control product ecosystem. Along with other advisors, we hired a prior Milwaukee employee who had focused on JATCs (Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers, IBEW Locals).At their recommendation, we internally staffed a Quality Training and Service Team to focus on hands-on training with on first-year electrical apprentices.
With the guidance of the erstwhile Milwaukee re, our QTS team developed and delivered hands-on trainings (with $company’s products) in the US & Canada, for first-year apprentices.
I covered the Western Region at that time and every training center I observed, from Hawaii to Colorado, had Milwaukee-provided tools and training for the apprentices to learn & grow with. When they turn out (become journeymen), it’s little wonder what they “Pack Out” with. Which is what we hoped to — and at least in some markets did— accomplish with our product.
I’ve personally been a DeWalt guy since the early oughts, and in addition to feeling a steady decline, I was particularly hurt when one of my (Milwaukee-loving) foremen informed me that “T-Stack” sounds like a male enhancement pill.
edit: clarity, grammar. not-edited: my irregular use of the AI-shibboleth emdash
by nemosaltat