As the Voice for the people who build, innovate, and sustain mission-critical infrastructure, Hands-On Heroes introduces the Podcast Host, Val Crafton who is The Voice of Grit — a trailblazer at the intersection of technology, trades, and transformation. With over two decades in mission-critical construction, she’s made it her purpose to amplify the people behind the progress — the builders, engineers, and innovators shaping our digital world. Val bridges the gap between boardrooms and jobsites, showing that the future of infrastructure isn’t just powered by data, it’s built by people.
Hands On Heroes with Valerie Crafton
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46 episodes
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Podcast Overview
As the Voice for the people who build, innovate, and sustain mission-critical infrastructure, Hands-On Heroes introduces the Podcast Host, Val Crafton who is The Voice of Grit — a trailblazer at the intersection of technology, trades, and transformation. With over two decades in mission-critical construction, she’s made it her purpose to amplify the people behind the progress — the builders, engineers, and innovators shaping our digital world. Val bridges the gap between boardrooms and jobsites, showing that the future of infrastructure isn’t just powered by data, it’s built by people.
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Publishing Since
5/3/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 4, 2026
The Future of Construction ~ Hands-On Heroes EP 15 LIVE at Advancing Data Center Construction Conference 2026
<p>The future of construction starts here at the advancing data center construction conference on Ep 15 of Hands-On Heroes. Learn more about Hands-On Heroes and their mission: https://handsonheroes.net/In this special multi-guest episode of Hands On Heroes, we’re live from Advancing Data Center Construction West, diving into the future of data centers, skilled trades, AI infrastructure, and the women helping lead the industry forward. From workforce challenges to the rapid growth of AI and technology, these conversations explore what it really takes to build the infrastructure powering the modern world. </p><p>Guests share their experiences in construction, leadership, and the evolving culture of the trades while discussing why diversity, innovation, and opportunity matter now more than ever. </p><p>If you’ve ever wondered how data centers are built, who’s building them, and where the future of construction is headed, this episode gives you an inside look at one of the industry’s biggest conversations.</p><p>Featured in this episode:</p><p>👤 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/preload/?_bprMode=vanilla#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Darren Fouts</a> — Smart PM Technologies</p><p>👤 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/preload/?_bprMode=vanilla#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alan Brumley</a>— Industrial Tent Systems</p><p>👤 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/preload/?_bprMode=vanilla#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Matthew Holt</a>— Founder, MJH Personnel Associates</p><p>👤 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/preload/?_bprMode=vanilla#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Causseaux</a> — Cla-Val</p><p>👤 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/preload/?_bprMode=vanilla#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jeff W Leeper</a> — President, WWPS</p><p>👤 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/preload/?_bprMode=vanilla#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gordon Baier</a> — CEO, Gigawatt Land</p><p>👤 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/preload/?_bprMode=vanilla#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Matthew Holt</a> — Director of BDHands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades. </p><p>Our mission is to break stereotypes, promote representation, and introduce kids to the powerful and creative careers that keep our world moving from electricians and heavy equipment operators to carpenters, welders, and beyond. </p><p><br>Visit https://handsonheroes.net/ to learn moreThank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!<br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
May 21, 2026
Hands-On Heroes Day in the Life Ep.2 Heavy Equipment Operator
<p>Have you ever watched a giant machine move mountains and wondered — who's behind the controls?</p><p>In Episode 2 of the Hands-On Heroes Day In The Life Series, we go inside the world of Heavy Equipment Operation — a career that literally shapes the ground beneath our feet. We get to meet a real woman working in the field as a Heavy Equipment Operator, and follow along on an adventure that is equal parts inspiring, educational, and just plain fun.</p><p>This episode has something for everyone. Little ones will be captivated by B-Boop — our adorable animated guide who breaks down exactly how heavy machines work in a way that makes even the biggest equipment feel like something a kid could dream of operating one day. And the grown-ups? You'll walk away reminded of something important too.</p><p>Because at the heart of this episode is a message that applies to all of us:</p><p>"No job is too big if you believe in yourself."</p><p>The Hands-On Heroes Day In The Life Series was created for families — to pull back the curtain on the careers that keep our world moving, and to make sure every child grows up knowing that the people who do this incredible work are heroes worth looking up to.</p><p>Clear the couch, gather the crew, and press play. This one is for the whole family.</p><p>Along the way, kids will learn about teamwork, problem-solving, STEM skills, and careers in construction through fun, hands-on experiences.Perfect for kids who love trucks, diggers, construction vehicles, engineering, and learning how things work! Learn more about Hands-On Heroes and their mission: https://handsonheroes.net/</p>
May 7, 2026
More Than a Title — Grace Vanderhei on Nuclear Energy, Authenticity, and Daring to Be Whole ~ Hands-On Heroes Ep14
<p>What does it mean to be more than what people expect you to be?</p><p>In this episode, host Valerie Crafton sits down with Grace Vanderhei — Nuclear Fuels Engineer and Clean Energy Advocate at Constellation, Miss America 2023, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and one of four women named by CNET as leading America's energy transition — for a conversation that is equal parts inspiring, grounding, and refreshingly real.</p><p>Grace's story defies easy labels.</p><p>She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison during her year as Miss America. She now works in Pressurized Water Reactor Core Design, travels the world educating people about energy, and is currently pursuing her MBA at Arizona State University — all while writing a book.</p><p>But this conversation goes far deeper than a résumé.</p><p>Valerie and Grace explore what it truly means to show up as a whole person — not just a title, not just a crown, not just a career. </p><p>They talk about how you can be deeply feminine and deeply passionate about engineering at the same time, and why the world is better when people stop choosing between who they are and what they do.</p><p>They also dig into the power of optimism — why Grace believes we shouldn't be afraid to strive for the best possible outcomes, even when that means embracing change, challenging assumptions, and imagining a future that doesn't exist yet.</p><p>And Grace shares something she hasn't talked much about publicly: the inspiration behind the book she's currently writing.</p><p>At the end of the day, Grace reminds us, we're all just people. Whole, complex, multidimensional people — and that's exactly what makes us powerful.</p><p>🎙️ Guest: Grace Vanderhei, Nuclear Fuels Engineer & Clean Energy Advocate, Constellation | Miss America 2023 | Forbes 30 Under 30</p><p>Thank you to our title sponsor MOD 42</p><p>Join the mission at: https://handsonheroes.net/</p>
46 total episodes available
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