About
About the Rick Kading Trade Foundation
The Rick Kading Trade Foundation was created in 2022 with the goal of encouraging and supporting careers in skilled trades. Rick Kading, the founder of Kading, credits the shop and mechanics classes he took in high school as significant contributors to his over 45-year career in owning and managing this statewide company.
"It was in my high school wood, shop, and construction classes, I gained the confidence and skills to build something bigger…I started a construction company right after graduation and it’s grown to a statewide company that develops, builds, and manages workforce housing for Iowans," says Rick who was recently named the 2022 Alumni of the Year by the Urbandale High School Alumni Association for his dedication to the community and the next generation of trade worker.
Kading has a proud history of mentoring high school students and bringing internship opportunities to students. By fostering hands-on learning, students refine their skills under the mentorship of the company's most seasoned teams.
The foundation is an extension of the great work Kading does as a company to support these career pathways for the younger generation. When you support the Rick Kading Trade Foundation, you help us:
- Advance the skilled trades in Iowa
- Bring awareness to the growing career opportunities in various industries that rely on trades
- Foster interactive experiences for students to see the rewards, value, and pride that come from putting their minds and skills to work
- Educate organizations, students, and the community about the key role skilled trades play in growing communities
Support Our Mission
Rick Kading, Founder
Rick Kading Trade Foundation Events
Annually, we host the Rick Kading Trade Foundation Golf Outing. This spring event draws supporters out to a local golf course to raise money for scholarships, organization support, and education on skilled trade careers.