Our Complete Story

How we bridge the gap between young people, opportunity, and the skilled trades

Creating real-world opportunities that spark interest, build confidence, and open doors to meaningful careers

Our Origin Story

It Started With a Simple Observation

For over 20 years, Seaside Plumbing had been doing something special. Beyond running a successful Maryland-based plumbing business, founders Josh and Lauren Martin were transforming lives through apprenticeships, mentorship, and hands-on training. They welcomed students into their workshops, visited schools to share their passion for the trades, and watched young people discover capabilities they never knew they had.

But with each success story, a bigger picture emerged: talent was everywhere, but opportunity wasn’t.

Our Leadership

Josh Martin

Board Vice President & Founder

Master Plumber | 20+ Years Training Experience

Josh built Seaside Plumbing from the ground up, but his proudest achievements aren’t the jobs completed—they’re the careers launched. A passionate advocate for blue-collar professions, Josh has trained dozens of apprentices who now run their own successful plumbing businesses across Maryland.

“Every student who discovers they’re capable of more than they imagined reminds me why we do this work.”

Lauren Martin

Board President

CPA | Business Operations Expert | Workforce Development Advocate

With two decades of experience in business leadership and operations, Lauren brings strategic vision to workforce development. She leads legislative efforts to remove barriers to trade careers and ensures the organization operates with transparency and maximum community impact.

“We’re not just training plumbers—we’re creating pathways to economic mobility and community strength.”

Katherine Klosek

Secretary

Public Policy Leader | Education Innovation Expert

A nationally recognized advocate for education and workforce innovation, Katherine specializes in breaking systemic barriers and increasing access to opportunity for underrepresented communities. Her expertise in nonprofit strategy and program development guides our expansion efforts.

“The Seaside Toolbox Academy proves that the right combination of practical training and genuine care can transform communities.”

Our Mission in Action

What We Believe

Real-world learning works.

You can’t learn plumbing from a textbook. Our students work on actual projects, solve genuine problems, and see the immediate impact of their skills.

Skills + Character = Success.

Technical competency matters, but so do reliability, problem-solving, and pride in your work. We develop both.

Real-world learning works.

You can’t learn plumbing from a textbook. Our students work on actual projects, solve genuine problems, and see the immediate impact of their skills.

How We're Different

We Come to You

Our mobile skills lab brings professional-grade training directly to schools, community centers, and events. No barriers, no excuses—just opportunity delivered.

Learning Through Service

Our Plumbing Relief Program provides real training opportunities while serving families facing financial hardship. Students learn by helping their neighbors.

Industry-Connected

With 20+ years in the plumbing industry, we don't just teach skills—we open doors. Our graduates enter the workforce with established connections and proven competencies.

Results-Driven

High job placement rate isn't just a statistic—it represents individual lives changed and families lifted. We measure success by the careers we launch.

The Challenge We're Addressing

Maryland's Skills Gap Crisis

While four-year college enrollment has increased, Maryland faces a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople. The numbers tell the story:

The Opportunity Youth Challenge

Nationally, 269 million young people are not in employment, education, or training. In Maryland alone, thousands of capable young adults face barriers to traditional pathways while desperately needed careers in the skilled trades go unfilled.

We’re the bridge between these two realities.

Our Programs: Education That Works

Perfect for: Schools, community events, career fairs

Mobile Skills Lab & Outreach

Bringing professional training directly to you

Our state-of-the-art mobile lab transforms any classroom into a hands-on learning environment. Students work with the same tools and techniques used by working professionals, discovering career possibilities they never knew existed.

Perfect for: Hands-on experience, community impact

Plumbing Relief Program

Training students while serving neighbors

When families face plumbing emergencies they can’t afford, our students provide professional service under expert supervision. Real problems, real solutions, real learning.

Perfect for: Administrators, counselors, teachers

School Partnership Program

Comprehensive trade education for your district

We work directly with educators to integrate skilled trades exploration into existing curricula, providing everything from career day presentations to full semester programs.

Our Vision for the Future

Expanding Opportunity

While we started with plumbing, our vision extends to all skilled trades. Future programs will include:

HVAC systems and green energy technology

Growing Our Reach

By 2027, we aim to:

Serve 2,000+ students annually through all programs

Partner with 50+ Maryland schools and community organizations

Establish permanent training facilities in three Maryland regions

Launch an employer partnership network with guaranteed job pathways

Building a Movement

Our ultimate goal isn’t just training individuals—it’s changing how Maryland thinks about career pathways, economic opportunity, and the value of skilled work.

Financial Transparency

How We Use Your Support

Multiple Ways to Get Involved

Ready to explore what's possible?

Join us for interactive demonstrations, meet local employers, and explore trade career pathways. Free event with lunch provided!

Expand your students' horizons

Partner with us to show students the professional opportunities available in skilled trades. We handle the logistics, you see the inspiration.

Invest in Maryland's future workforce

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your tax-deductible donation directly supports student training and community services. Every contribution creates opportunities and solves real problems.

Connect with job-ready talent

Our graduates enter the workforce with practical experience and professional attitudes. Partner with us to build the talent pipeline your business needs.