LEXI ABREU: FROM UPSTATE NEW YORK TO THE TRADES - AN ELECTRICIAN'S JOURNEY
NAVIGATING THE CURRENT TRADESCAPE
On a thought-provoking episode of the Ol' Boy Podcast, we delve into the intricate relationship between trade skills and social media, as demonstrated by the journey of Lexi Abreu, famously known as Lexi the Electrician. As a 27-year-old from New York, Lexi's unexpected path from being accepted to West Point to dominating the electrical field serves as a testament to the diverse prospects that trade jobs offer, debunking the myth that success is tethered solely to a college degree.
THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF TRADE JOBS
The conversation highlights the immense satisfaction derived from hands-on work, underscoring the shortages within skilled trades today. Lexi and Speaker A touch on the misconceptions about vocational paths and the underappreciation of trades such as plumbing and electrical work, despite their significant societal contributions.
THE DIGITAL LANDSCAPE AND ITS DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD
Digital content takes center stage as the speakers explore the double-edged sword of social media's influence on professional tradespeople. While it offers an unmatched platform to showcase skills and attract a following, it also fosters a concerning focus on 'influencing' as an end goal. Lexi's massive growth on social media is proof of its potential—but also a marker of the unique challenges faced by women in trades.
BRANDING BLUE COLLAR COOL
A respectful nod is given to brands like Troll co., honoring their role in making blue-collar culture 'cool' and promoting apparel that does not just bear slogans, but is designed for the rigorous demands of trade work. This intertwining of fashion and functionality empowers tradespeople to wear their vocation with pride, erasing outdated stigmas.
FOSTERING FEMALE REPRESENTATION
Sparing no details, Lexi discusses the value of education and outreach in inviting more females into the trades, advocating for a rekindling of the vocational training and OJT in high schools. The podcast underscores the need for multifaceted efforts to spark interest and ensure that trades do not slip into anonymity.
OUTDOOR PASSIONS AND THE PURSUIT OF AUTHENTICITY
Beyond their professional musings, both Lexi and Speaker A share a love for the outdoors, adding a layer of commonality that extends past the job site. From consuming content on sports and barbecue to discussing the virtues of outdoor-themed videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, they revel in the authenticity that comes with sharing passions and connecting with viewers. The episode with Lexi Abreu encapsulates a vibrant discussion on embracing the evolution of trade skills within our technology-driven world. It provides a blueprint for balancing digital engagement with the gratifying tangibility of trade work while advocating for gender inclusivity and the celebration of skilled labor.
LISTEN HERE
3 FUN FACTS ABOUT LEXI
Lexi Abreu was accepted into West Point but decided not to attend.
Speaker A once bought produce for Publix and has a finance degree, but has never worked in that field.
Both Lexi and Speaker A share backgrounds in the trades and have a concern for the decline of tradespeople, with Lexi starting her electrician work full-time around 18 years old.
