Meet our team

Bryan Orr

Co-founder

Bryan Orr, father of ten, is the co-founder of GRIT Foundation.

As president of Kalos Services and founder of HVAC-School Bryan leverages decades of experience in the skilled trades to promote and inspire the next generation of workers.

Ruchir Shah

Co-founder

Ruchir Shah, co-founder of GRIT is the founder of SkillCat, an online training app for the skilled trades that has helped over 300,000 students. Ruchir, a four-time entrepreneur, holds a degree in engineering from Rice University and an MBA from Stanford Business School.

Leilani Orr

Executive Director

Leilani Orr, Executive Director at GRIT, a home-school educator for 20+ years, events coordinator & volunteer at Kalos Services is heavily involved in the community and building partnerships with others to help bridge the gap of skilled workers in the USA.

Ty Branaman

Head of training

Ty Branaman, head of training at GRIT, brings 30 years of HVAC experience, from apprentice to business owner. A Certified Master HVAC Educator, Ty is passionate about helping others succeed in the trades. With expertise in traditional, online, hybrid, and field training, he uses a variety of methods to empower individuals to thrive in their careers.

About Us

At GRIT Foundation, we are on a mission to bridge the skills gap and empower the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in the skilled trades. We believe that a rewarding career in the trades is a pathway to financial stability, personal growth, and long-term success — without the burden of overwhelming college debt.

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GRIT Camps: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a GRIT Camp?

GRIT Camps are hands-on, interactive training programs where young people learn essential skills in skilled trades like HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Carpentry.

Our Vision

The skilled trades are a vital part of our economy, yet the workforce is rapidly aging, and there’s a growing shortage of skilled workers entering the industry. GRIT is here to change that.

Through our GRIT Camps, we’re inspiring others to explore careers in fields such as HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, and more. By creating hands-on learning experiences, we help them develop real-world skills while fostering curiosity and confidence in the trades.

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