Meet the families inspired to START route
The Cochran Family
The Nienhuis Family
The Nienhuis Family
Jason and Brenda Cochran have six children and have always homeschooled. They believe and have come to realize more and more as the children get older that God has given each child their own unique interests and ways of learning and, given a Christ-focused environment and an emphasis on strong character traits and work ethic, will allow each of them "success" in their own way. They are so excited to see how God can use this program to give kid's another "Route". Jason was a teacher/school administrator in the public schools for 20 years and now works in real estate for Coldwell Banker and is the Legislative Chair for the Lakeshore HBA.
The Nienhuis Family
The Nienhuis Family
The Nienhuis Family
Jeff and Jamie Nienhuis have chosen to homeschool their eight children for the last fifteen years. They strongly believe that raising their children to be confident, free-thinking warriors for the Lord best equips each of them to face the pressures of this world. The Nienhuis family is excited to see God use Route to engage and empower young people to think beyond themselves and be equipped with skills and knowledge of the trades to better face tomorrow and to do so for the glory of God.
Our Partners
Lumber and Supply Partners
Our team
Don Grill
Ernie MaKi
Ernie MaKi
Ernie MaKi
Ernie MaKi
Ernie MaKi
Pete Holz
Ernie MaKi
Carl Sietsema
Carl Sietsema
Steve Langeler
Carl Sietsema
Steve Langeler
Steve Langeler
Steve Langeler
alan spitters
Steve Langeler
Steve Langeler
andy sharp
Michael Catlin
Michael Catlin
Michael Catlin
Michael Catlin
Michael Catlin
Irwin oliver
Michael Catlin
Irwin oliver
Our PARTNERS
Don Wilkinson - Executive Director - michigan Habitat For Humanity
Don Wilkinson - Executive Director - michigan Habitat For Humanity
Don Wilkinson - Executive Director - michigan Habitat For Humanity
“I am excited about seeing young people get a feel for what working in the building trades might be like. So much emphasis is put on going to college and a lot of young people never get a feel for what a career in construction, plumbing, heating or electrical would be like. Even if they decide to attend college, this partnership will give them life skills that they will always be able to use. “
Brittany ryzenga - ceo of the lakeshore home builders association
Don Wilkinson - Executive Director - michigan Habitat For Humanity
Don Wilkinson - Executive Director - michigan Habitat For Humanity
“The Lakeshore Home Builders Association is proud to partner with Route and support its mission. By educating on the trades and opportunities available the organization proves to provide life skills, mentor, and empower the next generation. Lakeshore HBA members are excited to support Route - an organization that is filling a gap.”
what others are saying About Route
Gary Raak - Plumber for 35 Years/Inspector for 11 Years
levi painter - 6 years of experience in construction & home renovation
Dan Raak - owner - dan raak builders - 18 years in construction
"At the end of my work day, I would look at what I had accomplished and would say to myself, "Thank you Lord for letting me complete this job. It's been a good day." Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, but others strive to make it happen."
Dan Raak - owner - dan raak builders - 18 years in construction
levi painter - 6 years of experience in construction & home renovation
Dan Raak - owner - dan raak builders - 18 years in construction
"The construction trades are a great way to make friendships with customers that you will remember for a lifetime. This happens while using your knowledge and hands-on work to give them something they can use and enjoy. Most importantly, you also receive pleasure from working and completing this task all while giving God the glory for the opportunity to help someone else."
levi painter - 6 years of experience in construction & home renovation
levi painter - 6 years of experience in construction & home renovation
levi painter - 6 years of experience in construction & home renovation
"The trades are an excellent way to serve your community and earn a living right out of high school. Knowing a trade also offers you an opportunity to start your own business in a durable industry without accruing student debt. I am thrilled to see Route started in Holland to help train teens to become productive Christians who can go on to provide for their future families."
mick knoll - 20+ years of experience in property maintenance
nate vander zwaag - owner - macatawa plumbing - 30 years of experience
levi painter - 6 years of experience in construction & home renovation
"I definitely believe Route is a worthwhile concept rooted in two great reasons: honoring God in our work and helping others while we are doing it."
Ryan Spencer - owner - sharp construction - VP of the lakeshore hba
nate vander zwaag - owner - macatawa plumbing - 30 years of experience
nate vander zwaag - owner - macatawa plumbing - 30 years of experience
"Our Team at Sharp Construction is proud to endorse and support Route Christian Homeschool Skills and Trade. We believe this organization provides a solution to a long standing disconnect between the homeschool community and the trades. We are thrilled that the team at Route are providing boots on the ground solutions to the shortages w
"Our Team at Sharp Construction is proud to endorse and support Route Christian Homeschool Skills and Trade. We believe this organization provides a solution to a long standing disconnect between the homeschool community and the trades. We are thrilled that the team at Route are providing boots on the ground solutions to the shortages we have seen in the state for qualified, trained candidates for the many different opportunities in our industry. We look forward to a strong partnership and believe the Biblical principles integrated into the learning of the trades will only serve to produce high character, morally sound leaders, employers, and trade partners. We believe their efforts and the product of this education will elevate the culture, performance, and overall success of the companies they will be joining. Success is en Route!"
nate vander zwaag - owner - macatawa plumbing - 30 years of experience
nate vander zwaag - owner - macatawa plumbing - 30 years of experience
nate vander zwaag - owner - macatawa plumbing - 30 years of experience
"The employment positions available in the skilled trades have been increasingly in high demand. The employment opportunities and wages continue to increase. Route offers students exposure and an opportunity to transition from high school into the trades. It’s a great advantage for our students and a great resource for our local employers
"The employment positions available in the skilled trades have been increasingly in high demand. The employment opportunities and wages continue to increase. Route offers students exposure and an opportunity to transition from high school into the trades. It’s a great advantage for our students and a great resource for our local employers.
The Lord has blessed us in our 24 years in business. I'm thankful for the trades. Route is a great tool to help our next generation develop their God given skills ."
CARL REIDSMA - 47 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE BUILDING TRADES
CARL REIDSMA - 47 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE BUILDING TRADES
CARL REIDSMA - 47 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE BUILDING TRADES
"A school like this is needed for kids who don’t fit the college path and want to learn a trade. More importantly is training up men and women to reflect who Jesus is and learn a servants heart as they learn a trade. I am excited to see how God blesses and uses this school."