Corinne Hall, Workforce Development Coach
This month, we’re highlighting Corinne Hall, a Workforce Development Coach with NexTech Academy! Since 2019, Corinne has devoted herself to helping members kickstart their own workforce development programs.
Q: Where and when did you get your start in the trades?
A: The short answer is that I got started in 2003-2004, and it involved my college boyfriend and one of my best friend’s family businesses.
In the fall of 2003, I was in my first semester of college and dating a plumber. His dad owned his own business and built a few houses as an investment. Spending time with my boyfriend eventually turned into helping to clean up jobsites, which led to learning about tools, understanding fittings, and learning about pitch for drain lines and connecting pipe. I was fascinated! An additional “hook” was the camaraderie and friendly banter I saw happening between vendor reps, subs, and contractors.
But that was plumbing, and my career has been in electrical. There’s a simple explanation for that: I expressed an interest in becoming a plumbing apprentice to my boyfriend, and he said, “Don’t be a plumber; be an electrician. It’s easier!” I still laugh about that to this day, as plumbing and electrical each have their challenges, but the advice stuck. At the time, I didn’t know any better.
As luck would have it, the father of one of my best friends from high school owned a company called Eastlake Electric. In 2004, I approached him with my interest in joining an apprenticeship program, and he provided the opportunity for me to work with him over the summer to see if I liked it. I enrolled in trade school in the fall of 2004 and didn’t stop there.
As I committed to my electrical apprenticeship, I was hired at Reliable Electric in Hayden, ID. They hired me without knowing me initially, and I’m forever grateful for their support. They offered me benefits and helped me pay for my four years of trade school!
Q: What brought you to NexTech Academy?
A: It’s not so much of a what – it’s more of a who. Elaine Damschen, owner of Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Spokane Valley, WA, has always believed in me more than I believed in myself. She was a member of the Nexstar Board of Directors, and about ten months after I left their employment, I got a message from her, asking if I’d be interested in a job opportunity at Nexstar.
Umm…yes!
My experience with Nexstar coaches and trainers in the past had been nothing short of amazing. I couldn’t believe I might have a chance to be a part of that. I had developed such a passion for the trades, customer service, and quality workmanship over the course of my career, and I wanted to make a difference in a big way. Elaine knew this, and I’m forever grateful that she thought of me when Nexstar was hiring for an expert on electrical matters to help build the electrical content for NexTech Academy
Q: Was there someone who inspired your journey into the trades? If so, would you share a bit about their impact on your career path?
A: There were some amazing individuals who believed in me throughout my journey, cheered me on, and challenged me by providing me with new opportunities to develop and grow. They shared their praise, recognition, and encouragement with me every step of the way.
Kyle and Pete Ward of Harpo’s Plumbing get credit for introducing me to the trades. Steve Harns of Eastlake Electric was the reason for my start in the electrical trade. Lee and Patty Phelps, and Reed, Shawn, and Wayne Hall of Reliable Electric supported me through my apprenticeship. Todd and Elaine with Mainstream Electric gave me my introduction to the business model focusing solely on residential service work and helped me with personal growth. Ernie Crocker with the City of Spokane gave me the opportunity to gain some experience as an electrical and mechanical inspector, building confidence in my subject matter expertise.
Among those who inspired my journey is my partner, Martin. Without him, I wouldn’t be here! His loving support, accountability, and thoughtful questions continue to drive me towards personal success.
Q: What are some of the career milestones that have been important in guiding you to your role as a workforce development coach?
A: Getting started back in 2003-2004 was the first one! Idaho had a requirement to attend classroom instruction as part of the state’s apprenticeship program. The learning I did there to complete my apprenticeship and earn my journeyman’s license in ID was another milestone.
I hit a few milestones in my time as an apprentice to different journeymen. Each had unique styles, strengths, and limitations, and learning from them was important for my development as an electrician. Additionally, I broke my hand when I worked at Mainstream in the field. Even though it wasn’t a fun experience, it allowed me to work closely with one of my first apprentices. I also was part of a growth-minded residential service company (Mainstream Electric), who joined Nexstar early in my tenure with them. Additionally, my roles as a dispatcher and electrical inspector guided me towards where I am now.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you as a workforce development coach?
A: Ha! There’s no such thing as a typical day. Some of the things I do on a day-to-day basis include providing support to members who are navigating NexTech’s Learning Management System (LMS), and introducing people both inside and outside of Nexstar to the work we do. I work with leadership teams to assess the readiness of those who haven’t yet launched a workforce development program; to launch those programs once they are ready; and to help them address and solve gaps in their currently running programs. I offer coaching support to managers and training leaders to help them improve their workforce. I have lots of conversations every day with members, based off of Nexstar’s best practices. (Flywheel conversations, 10-Laws conversations, Four Pillar conversations, etc.).
Finally, I’m also always creating content, whether it’s for training events, coaching resources, or for NexTech.
Q: What is the best part of your job, and why?
A: I’m reminded every day how amazing this industry is, and how amazing the people who are in it are! I learn so much from those I coach; I’m honored to work with them. I love that I get to share my passion with others. Joining in the celebration of NexTech Academy graduates is the highlight of my day and fills me with pride as I see the great work our members are doing to take the development of their workforce into their own hands.
Other than that, I am very grateful for the amazing team I work on, and for the rest of Nexstar. Nexstar is truly a special place.
Q: How do you empower your members and their employees/students?
A: I lead them to their own solutions, challenge their ways of thinking, and encourage action. I preach accountability through personal responsibility – I walk members through training best practices, problem-solving, and I follow up after each conversation. I really strive to live business excellence the way that I teach business excellence, which is one of Nexstar’s six guiding principles!
Q: What’s your greatest superpower? Tell us a little about it!
A: I think passion is my superpower. I care… a lot. So much that it often brings me to tears. My passion keeps me focused, keeps me present, and you’ll see it show up anytime I facilitate a training or have a conversation with a member or colleague. You can’t fake passion!
Q: What do you do to relax when you’re not at work?
A: I love, love, love to spend time with Martin and our kids. I love listening to my kids talk about their day and what they’re grateful for. I also love working on our property together – we have chickens that are so fascinating to watch! I enjoy sitting on the deck, playing board games, cribbage, enjoying family dinners, starting the day off with a cup of coffee, or watching the sunset.
Additionally, as a family we play volleyball and enjoy mountain lake hikes.
Martin and I enjoy working out together and make a point to participate in family game nights at The Blue Shell (a game bar my sister and brother-in-law own.)
One of my favorite ways to unwind is playing Empires and Puzzles– a fun game you can download on your phone. I play this with my family, and we’re each “commanders” of our own armies and spend time building up our bases and completing different quests and challenges.
We all come together in one alliance and strategize to win battles against “Titans” and other players. The battles are where the puzzle component comes into play, as you match “shields” to attack your enemies. I grew up playing games like Zelda, Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, and others.
Outside of Empires and Puzzles, I also enjoy putting together puzzles, reading and watching movies.
Action movies are where it’s at – if it’s an action movie that’s funny, that’s even better!
