Thomas Candee

I grew up the son of a craftsman. I often reminisce of the times I, as a child, would wander into my fathers workshop to watch him work on his latest project. The sounds of saws buzzing and the smell of freshly cut wood would be fresh in the air. I was always curious as to what it was that he was doing. It’s perhaps this curiosity that evolved into my love of the trade. My father was a general contractor by day and a woodworker on his free time. It was from him that I learned the trade, and albeit at a very young age. Growing up this way I was constantly learning. I was an apprentice, and my mentor was always close by. It was these experiences that imparted me with an intense focus and attention to detail. It has also allowed me to independently explore the trade and develop my own problem solving processes and individuality. Not to mention, it was my father that taught me that something could always be done better or be improved upon. This ideology has given me an intense passion to explore the world of energy efficient housing. By way of hard work and determination I seek to create a reality where the average residential buildings far exceed their current performance in terms of energy efficiency and energy independence.

I've made it my professional focus to do my part in helping to achieve a much more sustainable future for the construction industry. Whether I work for another company or own my own business I make it my goal to bring my knowledge and skills together in order to create a sustainable future that meets the needs and demands for generations to come.

I'm currently a student at the University of Massachusetts College of Natural Sciences earning a degree in Building and Construction Technology. My education has allowed me the wonderful opportunity of making my dream a reality and doing it within the beautiful lush landscape of western MA. With my degree I plan on either finding a job in construction management or integrating my newly aquired knowledge into my own contracting company. I haven't exactly decided my plan yet but I'm taking it day by day and hopefully I'll make the right decision! In the mean time I'll enjoy my stay at the University and continue doing what I do best, learning and adapting and striving to live life to the fullest.