Colorado-based Jarod Coffman is a born problem-solver. He is also clear-sighted, communicative, and passionate about framing. The 22-year-old YouTuber, Instagram influencer, and lead carpenter at Coffman Construction—his dad’s business—has been framing houses since he was 14 years old, when he was “doing steel-stud framing and running a screw gun.”

Now he is running crews and teaching high schoolers.

When Jarod reflects on his short time in the industry, he is quick to name Larry Haun as a prime inspiration. Larry was a pioneer in carpentry education who shared his professional knowledge through videos of homes he built on behalf of Habitat for Humanity.

“I started right around the time builders started posting information and videos online, which sparked my interest,” Jarod recalls. “It was exciting to see cool people doing cool stuff.”

Jarod’s ambition is to follow in Larry’s footsteps—and he is well on his way. After hearing Jarod on the Bred to Build podcast, Cherry Creek Innovation Campus—a local trade school serving 10th through 12th graders—invited him to help teach construction skills to its students.

“None of the instructors had worked in the construction industry,” Jarod explains. “They were doing their best to teach it, but they realized there is a deficit in the education. I think the school likes having me because I am younger and more relatable for students.” Jarod also judges the yearly Skills USA competition and helps students prepare for it.

Though he works for his father’s company, Jarod makes it clear that nepotism is not the basis of his success. He has put time into learning his craft, and he has a mission.

“I don’t think there is anything that carries the same weight to a modern standard as Larry Haun’s videos do. There’s nothing that hits home as much—but they are 15 years old. I want to bridge that gap. I want to teach people how to frame because there is less emphasis on it than there used to be, and it is the foundation of a good building.”

— Kiley Jacques; senior editor, Green Building Advisor

From Fine Homebuilding 328

Keep Craft Alive is our campaign celebrating those who have chosen to passionately pursue a career in design, building, and remodeling. Find out more and show your support by visiting KeepCraftAlive.org, and use #KeepCraftAlive to share your passion for the cause.

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