Building DREAMS one nail at a time!

Sam's Vision Builders for Tomorrow
Sam's Vision Builders for Tomorrow
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    Building DREAMS one nail at a time!

    Sam's Vision: Builders for Tomorrow

    EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SKILLED TRADES

    EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SKILLED TRADESEMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SKILLED TRADESEMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SKILLED TRADES
    Learn More

    Sam's Vision: Builders for Tomorrow

    EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SKILLED TRADES

    EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SKILLED TRADESEMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SKILLED TRADESEMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SKILLED TRADES
    Learn More

    Our Mission

     Sam's Vision: Builders for Tomorrow is dedicated to honoring the memory of our beloved Samuel Ickes Jr., by inspiring and supporting today's youth as they embark on promising careers in skilled trades Our mission is to provide unwavering mentorship, essential resources, and encouragement to empower young individuals to pursue their dreams with confidence and excellence. Through personalized guidance, grants to be awarded and community partnerships, we aim to nurture a new generation of skilled and passionate builders, ensuring they have the best possible start on their journey. 

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    Laying the foundation for success

    Laying the foundation for success

    Laying the foundation for success

    Laying the foundation for success

    Laying the foundation for success

    Laying the foundation for success

    About Sam's Vision Builders for Tomorrow

    Our Vision

    Our Accomplishments

    Our Approach

    At Sam's Vision Builders for Tomorrow,  our vision is to be a guiding light for young dreamers, illuminating a path towards fulfilling and successful futures in the skilled trades.
     

    Our Approach

    Our Accomplishments

    Our Approach

    We not only address the mindset, but also the obstacles that pose a challenge to the person not fulfilling their dream.

    Our Accomplishments

    Our Accomplishments

    Our Accomplishments

    Our initiatives are in the planning phase and updates will be posted accordingly.  Our founder has a long history of community involvement and inspiring people to reach their goals. 

    Join Sam's Vision Builders for Tomorrow's Community Today

    Illustration of an idea coming to life

    About Sam's Vision Builders for Tomorrow

    Sam's Vision Builders for Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering our youth through various programs and initiatives. Our mission is to make a positive impact and create a better future for all entering a skilled trade.

    Get Involved

    There are many ways to get involved with Sam's Vision Builders for Tomorrow, from volunteering and donating to attending our events and spreading the word. Join our community today to make a difference.

    Our Programs

    🔧 Blueprints to Belongings

    Equipping the Next Generation of Builders

    This initiative raises funds to provide high school students entering a skilled trade with their very first professional tool kits. Your support helps turn classroom learning into real-world readiness by ensuring each student has the tools they need to start their career with confidence.


    🎓 Skilled Trades Achievement Grant

    Celebrating Graduation with Purpose

    This upcoming grant program will recognize and reward graduating high school seniors who are pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Award recipients will receive financial assistance to support their next steps—whether it’s trade school tuition, certifications, or work-related expenses. Campaign launch coming soon.


    💛 Fund the Foundation

    Sponsor. Support. Strengthen the Workforce.

    When you contribute as a donor or corporate sponsor, your business will be featured on our website as a proud supporter of the trades. In addition, we’ll recommend qualified program participants as potential employees—connecting you with motivated, skilled young workers ready to make an impact.

    Our Impact

    Thank you for supporting our initiatives. As we reach milestones, we will share our progress.

    Donate to Sam's Vision Builders for Tomorrow

    Your donation will help us continue our mission and support our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

    Contact Us

    Have a question or a suggestion? We're always here to help. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

    Transforming loss into a mission

    The founders story:

     "Hello everyone, thank you for taking the time to join me today. I'd like to begin by introducing myself; I am LaRae Bryant, mother to McKenzie, Gigi to my grandchildren and mother-in-law to Samuel.  I would like to share the story of a young man who touched our lives in so many ways, Samuel Ickes Jr.. He left us far too soon, but his memory continues to inspire us every day. It's with immense gratitude and a humble heart that I introduce you to the foundation we've created in his honor." 


    On July 11, 2023, Sam, McKenzie (Sam's girlfriend), and two friends took a boat out on Lake Erie for a test run. Sam was thrilled—it was his first time rebuilding a boat engine, and he couldn’t wait to see it in action. They spent a few hours enjoying themselves at Put-in-Bay before deciding to head back home.


    Around 9:30 PM, McKenzie texted me to check on the kids and said they’d be leaving soon. Then, just an hour later—at 10:30 PM—I got a call from her. She was panicked and nearly incoherent. Through her sobs, I finally understood the words I never wanted to hear: Sam had gone overboard.


    The other two passengers were holding her back, trying to stop her from jumping into the water after him. I was overwhelmed—angry, terrified, and starting to panic. But in that moment, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. I told McKenzie, “Drop to your knees, and let’s pray.”


    Emergency services had already been called and were on their way. I quickly packed up the kids and my youngest daughter and drove to the marina where the boat would return. After two long hours of waiting, I finally saw it entering the channel. As it reached the dock, I grabbed it and pulled it in, shouting, “Give me my baby!” Holding McKenzie in my arms was the most heartbreaking moment of my life—because Sam wasn’t with her.


    The search for Sam continued through endless days and sleepless nights. We clung to hope, praying he had made it to a nearby boat or island. Family, friends, law enforcement, and so many volunteers from the boating community joined us in the search.


    But on July 16, 2023, near Rattlesnake Island, our glimmer of hope was replaced with devastating reality. Sam was found. He had succumbed to the water.


    While going through Samuel’s phone after his passing, the idea for the foundation began to take shape. I had once told him, “Make sure you document everything,” referring to the importance of keeping written records in his line of work. Samuel took that to heart—but instead of writing things down, he recorded them. As I listened to those recordings, I was struck by the challenges he faced and the strength he showed. It became clear to me in that moment: no one else should ever have to navigate those struggles alone. That’s when the vision for the foundation was born—out of love, reflection, and a deep desire to turn pain into purpose.


    Samuel was ambitious, driven, and full of purpose. His love for his family fueled his determination and inspired him to dream big—his ultimate goal was to one day own his own construction company. Even as a child, his curiosity ran deep. He would take apart lawn mower engines just to understand how they worked, then carefully piece them back together. He was self-taught and attended Vangard Sentinel Career, specializing in Building Trades.  He learned everything from laying floors and building sheds to installing pools, repairing cars, fixing plumbing, pouring concrete, and setting up water softener systems. No challenge ever stopped him. If he got stuck on a project, he wouldn’t rest until he figured it out—even if the solution came to him in the middle of the night. That relentless passion for the skilled trades is what I now carry forward through the foundation, determined to empower and inspire future generations just as he inspired all of us.


    Contact Us

    Thank you for contacting us!

    Have a question or general inquiry? We're here to empower, inspire, and coach you.

    Sam's Vision Builders for Tomorrow

    support@samsvision-buildersfortomorrow.org

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