Skilled trades like roofing, welding, and mechanics are the backbone of communities, providing necessary services that keep the world running. Yet, these industries face a growing challenge: fewer young people are entering the trades, leaving a critical shortage of workers. 

Steve Stacy, owner of Steve Stacy Roofing in Blue Ridge, GA, saw this gap and took action. By dedicating his time, resources, and passion to the Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes, which benefits the Future of Our Trades Scholarship, he's helping to inspire and equip the next generation of skilled workers.

Who Is Steve Stacy and Steve Stacy Roofing?

Steve's journey began in 2001. While working for a builder, he traveled to help his uncle with a roofing project in Blue Ridge. He quickly noticed a major gap in the market: a lack of reliable roofing companies. Driven to fill this need, Steve launched Steve Stacy Roofing, serving communities from Ball Ground to Hiawassee, GA, Tennessee, and even parts of North Carolina.

A Commitment to the Future of Skilled Trades

The skilled trades industry faces multiple challenges: an aging workforce, misconceptions about trade careers, and dwindling interest among young people. Rather than accept this as the status quo, Steve Stacy took action.

In 2019, he started participating in the Future of Our Trades Scholarship program, which is integral to the Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes. These scholarships help students pursue meaningful careers in trades like roofing, mechanics, electrical work, welding, and even architecture. 

In its first year, the program awarded a single $10,000 scholarship. The next year, that number rose to five. By the third year, 13 scholarships were awarded. Each year since, the program has continued to grow based on the number of qualified applicants and community involvement.

How the Parade of Homes Supports Skilled Trades

Each year, the Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes is made possible by a dedicated group of eight builders who serve on the event's committee. These builders showcase homes across Fannin and Gilmer counties in Georgia. Over the years, the value of these homes has grown significantly, with most now priced above $1 million. 

Alongside these builders, many of the same realtors, teachers, and community members return each year. Together, they help promote skilled trades and raise funds for scholarships. 

In 2023, the Parade introduced the Scholarship House initiative, where all eight builders collaborated to construct a single home, with all proceeds from its sale going toward trade scholarships and a long-term endowment. The second Scholarship House has just been completed and listed for sale. Steve Stacy Roofing has donated all the roofing labor and materials for both homes.

According to the Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes, the program has awarded an incredible $850,000 in scholarships over the last six years. The 2025 event was a massive success, generating enough funds to award 22 scholarships of $10,000 each, a total of $220,000. 

With a third house underway, continued support from subcontractors and vendors makes these efforts possible. Their generosity directly enables students to pursue fulfilling careers in the trades.

Inspiring the Next Generation

A career in skilled trades offers more than just a paycheck; it provides independence, confidence, and the chance to make a tangible difference. Programs like the Future of Our Trades Scholarship highlight how rewarding a hands-on career can be. Students learn valuable skills, gain financial stability, and experience the pride of contributing to their communities.

Whether it's architecture, roofing, mechanics, or welding, these careers represent the backbone of our communities, and Steve Stacy Roofing is committed to ensuring their legacy continues.