Craftsmanship, Connection and Opportunity: A Hands-On Experience with Gary Striegler

Some of the most meaningful learning experiences do not start in a classroom. They start with a conversation.

A few years ago, during a Sashco Trade Teacher Appreciation Event at the International Builders’ Show, an Iowa Lakes Construction Technology instructor found himself seated next to Gary Striegler. What began as a casual conversation quickly turned into something more. Gary asked thoughtful questions about the program, the students, and the type of work they were doing. By the end of the evening, he shared that he would love to come to campus and work directly with students.

It was an idea that could have easily stayed just that. Instead, Gary followed through.

Not long after, he reached out and made the trip. That first visit turned into a lasting connection, and today, it has become an experience students look forward to each year.

Gary brings with him a level of expertise that few students have the opportunity to experience firsthand. Known for his work in custom, high-end woodworking and his features in publications such as Fine Homebuilding Magazine and This Old House, he creates an environment where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to take their skills further.

This year’s visit continued that tradition.

The first day focused on Iowa Lakes students, who spent their time building two custom fireplace mantles. It was a chance to apply what they have learned while also being pushed to think differently about detail, precision, and craftsmanship.

On the second day, the experience expanded.

Students from Iowa Lakes and North Iowa Area Community College came together to work side by side, building five detailed newel posts. The collaboration created a different kind of learning environment. Students were not only learning from Gary, but also from each other, sharing ideas, approaches, and perspectives as they worked toward a common goal.

That partnership is built on more than convenience. It reflects a long-standing relationship between instructors who share a passion for their programs and their students. Over the years, that connection has led to the exchange of ideas, conversations about best practices, and opportunities that extend beyond a single campus.

Bringing students together in this way creates something meaningful. It reinforces the idea that learning is not limited to one space, and that when programs work together, it opens the door to more opportunities for everyone involved.

Experiences like this are also made possible through strong industry support. A number of sponsors contribute tools, materials, and resources that allow students to work with the same equipment they will encounter in their careers. That level of support helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce, giving students a more complete understanding of what lies ahead.

At its core, this experience is about more than the projects being built.

It is about giving students the opportunity to learn from someone at the top of their craft. It is about building confidence through hands-on work. It is about creating connections that extend beyond the classroom.

And most importantly, it is about preparing students for what comes next.

At Iowa Lakes, those are the moments that matter most.