Common Ground, manufacturing and skilled trades

About Common Ground

Built in industry.Proven in motorsports.

Connecting motorsports with careers and training.

Why we built it

The jobs are real.
The connection is weak.

Too many people never see the path.

Manufacturing and skilled-trades companies need people. Students, families and working adults need clearer ways to discover those careers, understand the training and take the next step.

Common Ground uses the attention of professional motorsports to create a clear next step. Fans can try a skill, discover careers, explore training and choose whether to connect with employers, educators and trade schools.

Attention gets people in. A connected pathway helps them move forward.

01, AttentionMotorsports draws people in
02, DiscoveryHands-on experiences reveal careers
03, ActionA clear next step creates connection

What Common Ground brings together

One platform.
Shared purpose.

Common Ground is designed to strengthen the full workforce pathway, from first exposure to training, employment and long-term industry participation.

01

Industry + Employers

Manufacturers and skilled-trades companies gain a national platform to tell their story, attract talent and build meaningful relationships.

02

Education + Training

Schools, educators, apprenticeships and training programs gain a stronger bridge to students, families and employers.

03

People + Opportunity

Fans, students and working adults can discover careers, explore pathways and choose whether to connect with participating organizations.

The people behind Common Ground

Built from
real experience.

Common Ground combines decades of manufacturing, business development and professional motorsports experience with a shared commitment to opening doors for the next generation.

Garin Buckles, founder of Common Ground01 / 02

Founder

Garin Buckles

Founder / CEO, Champion Tool StorageFounder, Champion Marketing GroupFounder, Common Ground

LinkedIn
I believe in the trades because they gave me my start on the shop floor. I’ve seen what people can accomplish when they are given a real opportunity to learn, work hard and prove themselves. Common Ground brings individuals and companies together to create those opportunities, strengthen our industries and build something better together.

Garin Buckles

Matt Smith, Director of Partnerships for Common Ground02 / 02

Partnerships

Matt Smith

Director of PartnershipsMachining + Manufacturing

LinkedIn
A summer job in a machine shop opened the door to a 30-year manufacturing career, helping make everything from hose fittings to satellites. Common Ground exists to open that door for others by connecting people with manufacturing and manufacturers with people.

Matt Smith