We Strive to Build a Better Community

At Build Smart, Roanoke and Southwest Virginia are not just where we are located; it is our home. Throughout the year, particularly in the spring and fall, we enjoy being out in the community, helping our neighbors and informing the community about how Build Smart can jumpstart their career.

These are just a few highlights from the past few months. Be sure to "Like" our Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all the happenings!

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Three People Working With a Drywall | Construction Management

Build Smart in the Community: Events We Were Proud to Support

Build Smart Team Community Volunteer Day

In October, the Build Smart team volunteered with The Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center to complete needed work including pressure washing, property clean up, and landscaping.

Volunteering in our community, while benefiting local non-profit organizations is an important part of our team's development and growth. We’re proud to support our community and help create better spaces for our neighbors.

Thank you, Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center, for making it possible. A video of our experience is available on our YouTube page!

G.I.R.L (Girls in Real Life) Construction Experience

The Build Smart Institute team joined industry partners for the 4th annual G.I.R.L Construction experience by BRANCH on October 11th.

The free event gave girls ages 5-18 the opportunity to learn and experience real life construction, engineering, and STEM concepts in a fun, safe, and judgement free zone.

Kids built their own flashlights while learning the basics of electricity.

See more photos from the day's events at our Facebook page.

The Virginia Builders Summit

The Virginia Builders Summit showcases Virginia’s premier residential builders, remodelers, developers, suppliers, and partners.

Select Ferrum College students enrolled in Build Smart's CORE Fundamentals of Construction program showcased their skills demonstrating for show attendees how to frame a wall, install an electrical box, and hang drywall.

These students are enrolled in Ferrum College and Build Smart Institute's construction management certificate program, earning nationally recognized credentials and college credit through the trades training program.

Roanoke Valley Chapter - National Association of Women in Construction Golf Tournament

Build Smart Institute is proud to support the National Association of Women in Construction. The Roanoke Valley Chapter held its annual golf tournament on September 26th and Instructor Curtis West joined his son and other tournament players to participate in the fun. Their team came in 2nd place! Proceeds from the tournament benefit projects and educational opportunities in the region.

NRV Home Builders' Association Workforce Panel

The Build Smart team joined the NRVHBA for a morning focused on the future of our region’s construction workforce on September 24th. The breakfast featured speaker Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Chief Deputy Commissioner of Virginia Works, the Commonwealth’s lead workforce development agency. Her insight and leadership at the state level brought an invaluable perspective on connecting talent, training, and opportunity.

The event's panel discussion was moderated by Michelle Ramaker, President of Build Smart Institute.

Skills USA Virginia State Leadership Conference (SLC)

Two people standing behind a table with the Build Smart table cloth at the Skills USA event.

We are a proud sponsor of the 2025 Skills USA Virginia State Conference, which took place in Roanoke on April 4th through 6th. Our very own Instructor Jim Wissler served as a judge for the electrical competition during the event. It was great to connect with so many talented students, future trades professionals, and the Home Builders Association of Virginia!

Career Quest Empowers Students to Explore Career Options After High School

Build Smart Instructor stands in the Build Smart booth at expo as a student hammers a nail into a board on a sawhorse.

Build Smart Institute participated in the annual Career Quest on January 28 and 29, at the Berglund Center. Students in the 10th grade from ten school divisions across the region attended the event to learn about jobs, work-based learning opportunities, and more. Build Smart was thrilled to be there to share the value of trades education with our future workforce!

Build Smart Sponsors Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Portraits

dog laying with a valentine pillow. "Valentine Pet Portraits!" Sponsored by Roanoke Valley SPCA and Build Smart Institute

We're delighted to partner with the Roanoke Valley SPCA combining our love for animals and our commitment to community collaboration! We celebrated our furry friends on February 1st in creating supportive spaces for all.

Learn more here.

Core Fundamentals in Construction Helps Santa's Winter Wonderland Come to Life

Build Smart was proud to sponsor the 2024 Blue Ridge PBS' Santa's Winter Wonderland. The unique drive through holiday experience featured structures built by Build Smart's own trainees in the CORE Fundamentals of Construction Class! This community outreach provided valuable experience for interns in the Core Fundamentals class and gave children across the Roanoke Valley a wonderful holiday experience, while benefiting Blue Ridge PBS at the same time.

Core Fundamentals in Construction Project Benefits Community Non-Profit

In November Build Smart donated two small structures built by students in the CORE Fundamentals of Construction Class to New Freedom Farm, Inc.,! The farm exists to aid veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use, traumatic brain injury, and other conditions by using the therapeutic activity of interacting with equines, farming, and peer-to-peer support. The end goal is to empower individuals and help them heal by realizing their efforts and contributions. Build Smart was honored to support New Freedom Farm, as their mission is close to our hearts and one we're thrilled to support! It also looks like the goats approve!

three people loading a small shed on a truck

Goat looking out of a red small shed with another shed in the background.

A Day of Volunteering in the Community for our Team

In early November, the Build Smart team volunteered with Renovation Alliance to complete critical repairs for a local homeowner. The real-world expertise our instructors allowed our staff to give back to our community in this meaningful way! We’re proud to support our community and help create safer homes for our neighbors. Thank you, Renovation Alliance, for making it possible. A video of our experience is available on our Facebook page!

Build Smart instructors working on a door in a home during a volunteer project.

Build Smart team standing in front of an older house.

Planting the Seed for a Career in Construction

Build Smart was proud to be a part of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Career and Tech Expo at Bedford County Schools' Susie G Gibson Science and Technology Center in October. We were able to meet amazing students in the 7th grade and introduce them to careers in construction!

Photo of the Build Smart Display at an expo in a middle school gymnasium with students in the background.