heavily involved in the organization, now as a class facilitator. He strives to inspire others to transform their lives as he did by taking responsibility for their past and making positive choices that drive their own future success. For Fagan, the decision to pursue a career in construction was a game changer that has provided both financial security and personal fulfillment. “I’m living proof that it’s an oppor-


tunity that can happen for anyone, no matter what walk of life you come from, what your background or home environ- ment was,” he said. “I love the fact that no matter where I go, the set of skills that I’ve acquired mean I will always be able to provide for my family.” His career has enabled him to break what Fagan de- scribes as a “generational curse” of being born into poverty and debt, or negative equity, when it comes to his own sons. Moving from skilled tradesman into


the project management ranks a few years ago brought new opportunities that he welcomes. “Every day in construction pos- es a new challenge, a new opportunity for growth,” he said. “As the projects become more complex and the value amount of the projects increase, I continue to grow inside that system as well.” Fagan is quick to express his gratitude for the opportunities he has been given including working for a company that is


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invested in its employees’ success and provides a mentoring environment. “I don’t have an environment where I am scared to ask for help. Individuals in my personal and professional circles have given me the opportunity to be part of the decision-making process, and have given me responsibility and held me accountable for my actions. Tat is what has made me successful.”


Advocating for the Underserved In addition to working hard to advance his own career goals, Fagan is a strong advocate for underserved individuals in his community, particularly the youth. About three ago he created the nonprofit, “Fagan’s House,” with the assistance of leaders from 2nd Call. Te nonprofit pro- vides mentorship and guidance to young men and women in the local community who may not have a positive adult role model in their lives. “I knew I wanted to reach the kids in this community,” he said. “While I am grateful for the path I took because it serves as the foundation of why I am so successful now and why I keep moving forward, if somebody had gotten to me as a kid and helped spark my brain in a more positive way, my path might have been a little different.” In his work at Fagan House, he spends


time most Saturdays with local young men “just having conversations, teaching them how to shake hands, how to look someone in the eye, the importance of being on time, how to change a tire.” He also shares information about getting into a trade, whether construction or auto mechanics. “We want them to always be able to


fish, versus people just giving them a fish,” he said. The organization holds yearly softball and basketball games, sponsors a toy giveaway at the holidays and a summer camp for kids at a local park, among other charitable activities. Fagan said that while he “never set out to be a role model,” he embraces and “is amazed by” the impact he re- alizes he has had on countless people in his community through his YouTube videos and online presence, by visiting local high schools to speak to kids, and through his advocacy work at 2nd Call, Fagan’s House, the Carpenters Union, and other forums.


“I am busy, but never too busy to re- turn a phone call or get out to a school and talk to the kids,” he added. “I know that when I was in their same shoes growing up, I didn’t have anybody to come to for help. So I really want to give them hope and let them know that there is a bigger world out there besides what they know and see day to day.”


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