essex county freeholders honor karl d. hughes for promoting career options within the trades

Karl D. Hughes (center) along with his wife Pat Springsteen Hughes accepts the Board’s commendation. Joining them are (left to right) Essex County Freeholders Carlos Pomares, Robert Mercado, Rufus Johnson, Leonard Luciano and Vice President Wayne Richardson. PHOTO BY GLEN FRIESON

(Newark, NJ) – On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored Karl D. Hughes of Bloomfield, New Jersey, for his efforts in promoting alternative education and career options within the trades. Mr. Hughes is a teacher, mentor, and speaker who uses his exceptional background and knowledge in the trades to motivate others to personal, professional, and financial success.

District 5 Freeholder Carlos M. Pomares, also of Bloomfield, presented the Commendation to Hughes for his efforts in advocating the importance of trade education. In his presentation, Freeholder Pomares noted, “It is important for all of us to know that we need skilled laborers; and successful career paths do, in fact, exist for those entering the trades.” The Board sponsored the Commendation to Mr. Hughes in acclamation.

Born in Ireland, Mr. Hughes graduated with a degree in Fine Arts and Communications from Manhattan College. He is a sixth-generation carpenter and 45-year member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, Local 157, in addition to being an instructor at the New York City District Council of Carpenters Training Center.

Mr. Hughes is an author, teacher and speaker whose passion is inspiring tradesmen and women on the path to a successful life. He is the author of his recent book, “Hammering Out a Living”, which is an actionable success journal based on goal setting and written for members of the trades.

While accepting his Commendation, Mr. Hughes stated, “Good things happen when people like us get the chance to learn a trade and earn a good living with honor and dignity. And, I am glad to have been a carpenter.” Passionate about his community, Mr. Hughes has been a Boy Scout leader with Troop 22 in Bloomfield for 24-years and he is the recipient of numerous Scouting recognitions. An active resident, along with his wife Pat, they have raised their two children in the township.