Iconic ‘Dirty Jobs’ Host to Inspire Commercial Contractors at Premier Industry Event in San Diego
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 23, 2025 / BuildOps, the all-in-one platform built for commercial contractors, today announced that Mike Rowe-Emmy Award-winning TV host, New York Times bestselling author, and CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation-will headline BuildOps Forge 2025, the company’s flagship conference for the trades. BuildOps Forge is set to take place October 13-15 in San Diego.
BuildOps Forge 2025 brings together the professionals who maintain and build America’s critical infrastructure-from HVAC and electrical contractors to plumbing and fire safety experts. Attendees will experience three days of practical education, peer-to-peer learning, and industry-shaping dialogue, now energized by one of the most recognized voices championing the trades.
“Mike Rowe has done more to dignify the trades than anyone in modern media,” said Alok Chanani, CEO of BuildOps. “He understands that building a great career doesn’t require a desk or a degree. It takes skill. It takes grit. And it takes someone to tell that story. That’s exactly why he’s joining us at Forge.”
Through his mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Rowe has awarded millions in scholarships to aspiring tradespeople and led national efforts to close the skills gap. His message-that a career in the trades can offer purpose, prosperity, and a path to ownership-continues to resonate with workers and employers alike.
“The next generation isn’t being told the full story,” Rowe said. “The trades aren’t a fallback. They’re a way forward-for families, for businesses, and for the entire country. I’m excited to join BuildOps Forge to speak directly with the builders and makers of the world-the men and women who keep our systems running, our lights on, and our economy moving. They deserve not just appreciation, but opportunity.”
From shifting regulations and surging energy demand to workforce shortages and new technology, commercial contractors are navigating an industry in flux. BuildOps Forge offers a vital platform to regroup, retool, and collectively take control of the future.
The event combines tactical training and exclusive BuildOps roadmap access with big-picture insight from industry leaders and peers. It’s a high-impact experience designed to sharpen skills, strengthen networks, and move the trades forward-together.
“There’s never been more pressure-or more possibility-in this industry,” said Steve Chew, BuildOps Co-Founder. “Forge exists to meet that moment. It’s where contractors come to level up, lead boldly, and build what’s next.”
BuildOps Forge has a history of bringing extraordinary voices to the trades, including leadership expert Jocko Willink, Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Colonel William Swenson, and boxing legend Mike Tyson. In 2025, Mike Rowe continues that legacy-spotlighting the people who keep America’s infrastructure moving and the future of skilled work alive.
For more information about BuildOps Forge 2025, including the agenda, speaker lineup, and registration details, please visit http://buildops.com/forge.
About BuildOps Forge
BuildOps Forge is the premier conference for commercial contractors. Designed for business owners, operations leaders, and field professionals, it provides expert-led training, invaluable peer insights, and an exclusive look at the future of the trades industry.
About BuildOps
BuildOps is the only all-in-one business platform built exclusively for commercial contractors. By combining project management, service, dispatching, invoicing, and AI-powered automation, BuildOps helps contractors work smarter, grow faster, and stay ahead of the competition.
To learn more about BuildOps and how we’re driving innovation in the trades, visit https://buildops.com.
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Justin Mauldin
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SOURCE: BuildOps
