If Republican Joe Strada wins the upcoming election in Florida’s eleventh congressional district, he might just become the wealthiest person ever to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
That’s quite a journey for someone who started out with humble beginnings, fixing equipment in a bowling alley. Despite his success, he believes his wealth and business triumph are not what define him.
Strada, who runs an HVAC, electrical, and plumbing business that employs around 4,000 people across 13 states, told Fox News Digital that while his story represents the American Dream, it’s not all about the money. He expresses a deep desire for everyone to enjoy similar opportunities.
Reflecting on his journey, he says, “I was just a kid, fixing things that broke, and now I have a business employing thousands. It’s hard work, but it’s also a blessing.” However, he emphasizes the difficulties he faced, especially with all the regulations from Washington, D.C. He believes it should be challenging to succeed, but not to the point where it feels impossible.
Strada’s mission is to advocate for the trades, which he sees as a viable path for young people, particularly in the face of rising student debt. “Many young folks aren’t even aware that trades can be a lucrative option,” he muses. He emphasizes that you can start in his company, even without any knowledge about air conditioning, and earn money from day one while receiving training that can lead to a stable career.
He’s passionate about changing perceptions around trades and is actively engaging with schools to promote these opportunities. “We need people to realize that the trades can help them live their version of the American Dream,” he asserts.
Strada faced a significant challenge as his company expanded—a shortage of workers. Unsurprisingly for a solution-oriented businessman, he took initiative and created a training program to equip new workers with needed skills. “I couldn’t just sit around waiting for someone else to solve my problems,” he reflects.
He suggests that many individuals currently on government assistance could benefit from exploring jobs in the trades too. “There are plenty of Americans eager to work; they just need the right nudge. Some might be hesitant, but it can be easy to step into a trade job and start fresh,” he comments.
In Strada’s view, success isn’t just about personal gain. He believes when you’re successful, your aim should include uplifting others. Referring to his upbringing, he recalls, “Despite the hardships, like not being able to afford chlorine for our pool, I learned the value of hard work. We had fun making do.” He aims for everyone involved—employees, customers, and the community—to benefit from his endeavors.
Interestingly, Strada views money as secondary to character. He finds his greatest motivation stemming from a personal tragedy—his son’s death in a senseless shooting in 2018, which profoundly shaped his outlook. “Every choice I make, I hope it would make my son proud,” he shares.
Looking ahead, if elected, Strada promises to advocate strongly for trade schools. “I want to push for legislation that supports trade education as much as Ivy League schools,” he declares, noting that current funding often doesn’t reflect the real-world needs.
As the election approaches, Strada will be facing off against Democrat James Pericola, and it’s clear he has some ambitious plans if he wins.
