Fair-Trades Toolbox

Fair-Trades Toolbox Fair-Trades is a female owned business that brings 20 years of hands-on industry experience

Happy Friday! Meet Cali Elliot, HVAC-R Apprentice! 🔧❄️Cali graduated high school in 2021 with plans to enter the healthc...
06/20/2025

Happy Friday! Meet Cali Elliot, HVAC-R Apprentice! 🔧❄️

Cali graduated high school in 2021 with plans to enter the healthcare field, she had never used a hand tool and didn’t plan to. But just one week before her college orientation, she withdrew her offer and found herself unsure of what came next.

In January 2022, with limited course options and an HGTV show playing in the background, her mom casually asked, “Why don’t you try a trade?” Though Cali didn’t even know what HVAC stood for at the time, she decided to give it a try knowing that even if she didn’t love it, she’d walk away with a new skill.

Fast forward: Cali completed 16 months of training, earned her College Diploma, stacked extra licenses, and is now a G2 Technician and 2nd-year 313-A Refrigeration Apprentice.

We’re proud to celebrate Cali, not only for her hard work as an apprentice, but also for being a passionate advocating for the skilled trades.

Since joining Henderson Metal in May 2023, she’s been growing her skills and confidence, supported by dedicated mentors and a strong team culture. 💬 “Henderson Metal has been nothing but amazing to me. They pride themselves in their team mentality and it truly shows in the work they produce. I have grown so much in the trades and in life thanks to my amazing mentors. Thank you Henderson’s!!” Cali shares.

🎵 Fun fact: Cali’s current favorite song is “Just Like Magic” by Ariana Grande.

Here’s to Cali, for her courage, curiosity, and commitment to trying something new and thriving in it!

Thank you, Jemma Lei, for the words of encouragement! We say, just do it 🤘🏻Growth begins the moment you step outside you...
06/19/2025

Thank you, Jemma Lei, for the words of encouragement! We say, just do it 🤘🏻Growth begins the moment you step outside your comfort zone and even if the path is uncertain, every step forward brings you closer to the life you imagine.

New to power tools? Our Saw Series is just for you.Join  and Fair-Trades Toolbox for a 4-day hands-on Saw Series worksho...
06/13/2025

New to power tools? Our Saw Series is just for you.

Join and Fair-Trades Toolbox for a 4-day hands-on Saw Series workshop powered by designed for beginners and power tool enthusiasts looking to build confidence with circular saws, miter saws, jigsaws and more.

✔️ Expert instruction
✔️ Hands-on practice
✔️ Certificate of completion
✔️ Up to 40% off BOSCH tools

No experience needed. Just bring your curiosity🤘🏻

Click the link in our bio or visit: https://bit.ly/4mx5VLC to register.

We’re kicking off our very first Male Ally Monday by spotlighting someone who’s leading by example, Jeff MacIntyre!At GV...
06/09/2025

We’re kicking off our very first Male Ally Monday by spotlighting someone who’s leading by example, Jeff MacIntyre!

At GVCA, Jeff works closely with staff, members, and partners to define what ‘better' looks like for women in the skilled trades. He approaches this work with honesty and openness, recognizing both the opportunities and challenges women face in construction.

Alongside Mandy Bujold, Manager of Industry and Community Partnerships, Jeff supports efforts to build a more inclusive workforce—one where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported. While he doesn’t have the lived experience of being a woman in the trades, Jeff is a dedicated ally who’s committed to driving real, lasting change.

Future talent and workforce diversity are top priorities for Jeff. He hopes to be remembered as someone who worked smart and hard to create measurable progress. Jeff shares, "Every day, I’m fortunate to collaborate with passionate, dedicated individuals who understand the importance of creating opportunities for successful careers for everyone in this incredible industry. I’m proud to be considered an ally—and even prouder to be part of the effort to shape a more inclusive future for construction."

(Also, fun fact: Jeff might just be the least picky eater on the planet. Pineapple on pizza? He’s all in.)

Thank you, Jeff, for your commitment to creating a stronger, more welcoming industry and for showing what real leadership looks like!

Happy Friday! 🤘🏻Meet Mary Jo, Journeyperson Welder, Certified Welding Inspector, and Professor of Welding!Mary Jo fell i...
06/06/2025

Happy Friday! 🤘🏻Meet Mary Jo, Journeyperson Welder, Certified Welding Inspector, and Professor of Welding!

Mary Jo fell in love with metal after taking an art metal class at the University of Houston. She started in structural steel in 1976 as a helper and worked her way up. After two years, she began TIG welding alloys and worked in several shops across Houston. She specialized in exotic metals but would return to stick welding pipe when the pay was better. In 1982, Mary Jo moved to Austin, and in 1984, she landed a job at the University of Texas in Applied Research, known as the Navy Lab. There, she welded aluminum, stainless, and titanium for prototype sonar systems for the Navy.

In 2010, Mary Jo earned her Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and Certified Welding Educator (CWE) credentials. That same year, she began teaching part-time at Austin Community College. She retired from the University of Texas in 2015 but continued teaching. Mary Jo also runs her own company, MJE HOTMETAL, where she provides inspections and training. In 2023, she became involved in the American Welding Society Central Texas Section, though she’s been an AWS member for many years. She holds an associate degree in Art Metal and Blacksmithing from Austin Community College and is currently working on her art degree.

At nearly 70, Mary Jo still loves metal and being active in the field.

Today, we’re celebrating Mary Jo for showing that age is just a number when it comes to passion. Thank you for sharing your journey, your love for metal, and your dedication to the craft!

Fun fact: Mary Jo’s current favorite song is Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin 🎶

We’re excited to share this upcoming event from the WinC (Women in Construction) Committee at  ! Join us at deConstructe...
06/04/2025

We’re excited to share this upcoming event from the WinC (Women in Construction) Committee at !

Join us at deConstructed for an opportunity to hear real stories, have honest conversations, and connect with others in the construction and skilled trades community.

📅 Thursday, June 5, 2025
📍 Hampton Inn & Suites – 55 Benjamin Road, Waterloo
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
💲 $30 (includes a light lunch)
🎟 Free tickets available! Email [email protected] to request yours today!

This event features two inspiring speakers:
🚛 Amy Kavanagh-Newsom – Trucker with Lafarge Canada, bringing firsthand insight into life on the road and on the job.

🛠 Brandi Ferenc – Red Seal Refrigeration Mechanic, skilled trades advocate, and owner of Fair Trades Toolbox.

If you’re in or around the trades, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Bring a friend and join us🤘🏻

Happy Tuesday! We want to give a big thank you to Rachel for sharing this incredible piece of advice. Her words are a re...
06/03/2025

Happy Tuesday! We want to give a big thank you to Rachel for sharing this incredible piece of advice. Her words are a reminder to trust in ourselves, stay consistent, and never stop learning🤘🏻

Happy Friday! 🤘🏻Meet Jemma, a Heavy Diesel Mechanics Apprentice with a passion for big machines and an even bigger deter...
05/30/2025

Happy Friday! 🤘🏻Meet Jemma, a Heavy Diesel Mechanics Apprentice with a passion for big machines and an even bigger determination to break into the trade.

Jemma’s journey into mechanics wasn’t easy. Growing up in a travel destination town where most career paths led to hospitality or teaching, finding a local apprenticeship was tough. Few workshops were hiring, and even fewer were open to taking on a female apprentice. So, Jemma took a bold step and she started applying interstate. After countless applications, she finally landed an apprenticeship in Melbourne.

Jemma’s love for trucks runs deep as she grew up around them. With a family full of truck drivers, she was always curious about how these powerful machines worked. She wanted to do more than just watch them on the road, she wanted to build them, fix them, and improve them.

Now, Jemma’s in a hands-on role that fuels her passion. She loves ending the day knowing she's helped build something that will power massive vehicles across the country. That sense of purpose keeps her going, and we couldn’t be prouder to share her story.

Let’s celebrate Jemma for taking the leap, pushing through obstacles, and finding her path in a trade she’s always admired. We’re cheering you on as you continue your apprenticeship, Jemma. Keep smashing it! 💪🏻

Fun fact: 🎶 Her favourite song is Paradise by the Dashboard Light by Meat Loaf�🔧 Favourite tool brand: Genius�🍕 Pineapple on pizza? Absolutely yes!

New to power tools? We’ve got you. Join A Women’s Work and Fair-Trades Toolbox for a 4-day hands-on workshop powered by ...
05/26/2025

New to power tools? We’ve got you. Join A Women’s Work and Fair-Trades Toolbox for a 4-day hands-on workshop powered by BOSCH Tools Canada, created for beginners and DIY enthusiasts who want to learn how to safely and confidently use saws like circular, miter, and jigsaws.

You’ll get expert guidance, practical skills, and insider tips plus a certificate and up to 40% off BOSCH Tools after you complete the course!

No experience needed, just bring your curiosity!

Happy Friday! Meet Rachel, Welder/Fitter!Rachel’s journey into the skilled trades was fast-paced, and adjusting to the w...
05/23/2025

Happy Friday! Meet Rachel, Welder/Fitter!

Rachel’s journey into the skilled trades was fast-paced, and adjusting to the work environment took some time once she found employment. She began her welding program in September 2023, and by March 2024, she was already landing interviews. By June, Rachel had secured her first welding job — an exciting but overwhelming milestone. After all, there’s only so much you can learn in an 8-month college program.

During her six-month employment term, Rachel picked up a wide range of welding and fitting techniques and is incredibly grateful for the people who supported her along the way. She now works at a CWB-certified shop close to home, where she’s discovered a love for fitting equal to her passion for welding. She’s also been trained to operate a forklift — something she had always wanted to try!

Join us in celebrating Rachel for stepping out of her comfort zone, pushing her limits, and continuing to grow in her skilled trades journey.

Fun fact: Rachel’s current favorite songs are all from the album Yourself or Someone Like You by Matchbox Twenty. She’s also team pineapple on pizza!🍍

“It all started with an old fridge.”Brandi Ferenc, founder of Fair Trades Toolbox, shares her unconventional journey int...
05/20/2025

“It all started with an old fridge.”

Brandi Ferenc, founder of Fair Trades Toolbox, shares her unconventional journey into the skilled trades with HVAC Know It All, from bartending to becoming a trailblazer in HVAC.

With over two decades in the field, Brandi speaks to the power of hands-on experience, the evolution of industry technology, and the untapped potential of women in the trades.

She’s been “the first” and “only” in many shops and now she’s helping employers evolve their workforce with practical strategies that support inclusive hiring, mentorship, and meaningful onboarding.

Read the full feature (click link in our bio) to see how one spark lit a career and a movement.

Huge thanks to for sharing Brandi’s story and shining a light on women in the trades.

Let’s start this Friday morning off strong! 💪🏻 Thank you,  for the motivation and encouragement. Not letting the hard da...
05/02/2025

Let’s start this Friday morning off strong! 💪🏻 Thank you, for the motivation and encouragement. Not letting the hard days win means holding onto your purpose even when it’s difficult because your courage to keep going creates space for others to follow and thrive 💚

Here’s to showing up, standing strong, and making space for those who come next.

Address

1111 Davis Drive , Unit 23, Suite 238
Newmarket, ON
L3Y9E5

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 8pm
Tuesday 10am - 8pm
Wednesday 10am - 8pm
Thursday 10am - 8pm
Friday 10am - 8pm

Telephone

+19058686902

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