Pictured Above:  Nicholas “Doc” Edick sits with Marie Diane Gerace as she interviews him for an upcoming article.


In the true spirit of giving back to the industry, ISSFA Member Kerry Keyes of Wooden-It-Be-Nice in 29 Palms, California, has announced the establishment of an annual scholarship. Kerry came up with the idea of a scholarship while attending ISSFA training last November. “The generous people of ISSFA have made it possible to grow my business in a way that I would never have dreamed of on my own. The people of ISSFA have completely changed my life and the direction of my business in a very, very positive way.” The first scholarship recipient is Nicholas “Doc” Edick, a 2006 graduate of 29 Palms High School and 2nd year college student majoring in business economics. As part of the scholarship Doc was sent to ISSFA’s Total Fabrication Training Program in February where he spent four intense days combining basic hands-on fabrication training with advanced concepts, while in the company of fellow fabricator students. When asked to say one thing about Kerry, Doc stated, “He definitely cares about his employees!”  Kerry Keyes has known and mentored Doc for nine years. They met through Kerry’s children and sports, and when Doc was old enough Kerry gave him a job in cabinetry, as well as guidance and advice through another program that he developed called, Help a Good Kid Get to College.  “I plan on staying with Kerry and Wooden-It-Be-Nice for a long, long time,” Doc added. And well said. This is just one example of members helping members… and even those who are not members yet! This is at the heart of volunteerism and giving back, and what ISSFA is truly all about. Relationships such as this change individual lives, and eventually change the world by providing a reproducible pattern that can be given out again, just as it was received.