Move Over Bob

🕊️ In the world of construction, some people leave behind more than buildings.

We first met Paul while photographing a campaign with several years ago. He was nominated by his former apprentice, Deb, for having a positive impact on her journey to becoming a carpenter. As she shared stories with us, it didn’t take long to understand the kind of mentor he was and as this photo session captured so well, it was clear there was genuine friendship, respect, and pride.

, we’ve always believed that changing the skilled trades isn’t just about the tradeswomen breaking barriers, it’s also about the mentors who make room for them to succeed.

Paul was one of those people.

Our hearts are with Deb, Paul’s family, friends, former students, everyone and all those whose life he touched.

Rest easy, Paul. ❤️

“I met Paul on my first day of class for my carpentry apprenticeship program. He was my very first instructor there and when he found out that it was also my fiftieth birthday, he had the whole class sing Happy Birthday to me.”

“Since then, our friendship has grown and every time I see him, we laugh a lot.”

“It really was such an instant connection and mutual respect that has been invaluable to my journey as a carpenter.”

We’re here for this. And we think more young girls should follow her lead. 🙌🏽

📸 Justine - General Contractor and all around badass tradeswomen ❤️‍🔥
Spring cover shoot

“Mom, I am a rich man.”

It’s one of the most iconic quotes in pop culture, but do you know the story behind it? Also, wait… does Gen Z even know it 😂 we think they should.

Cher said it after talking about the advice her mom used to give her: Marry a rich man.

Her response became legendary.

“Mom, I am a rich man.”

Over the years, the quote has taken on a life of its own.
During Pride Month especially, it’s shared as a reminder that building a life on your own terms is something worth celebrating.

It also got us thinking…

What if everyone knew there were careers where they could earn a great living, avoid years of student debt, and build that same kind of independence before they were even in their twenties?

Tradeswomen’s paths are rarely straight. They have twists and turns, and the journey is often uphill. Whenever we ask, “What’s one piece of advice you’d give your 15-year-old self?” the answer is almost always bigger than career advice.

Rae Ripple is a metal artist and fabricator whose work challenges what many people picture when they think of the skilled trades. We met Rae through our friends at while creating our Issue 4 Fit Check feature for Move Over Bob Magazine, where we’re introducing teenage girls to real women building careers in welding, fabrication, manufacturing, construction, and other skilled trades.

Representation matters because you can’t aspire to something you’ve never seen. Sometimes all it takes is seeing a woman who’s already built the kind of life you’re dreaming about to realize there’s room for you, too.

We had to make our own version of this throwback.

Because while we love the nostalgia of flipping through a classic magazine product spread, the message we’re sending is a whole lot louder.

For a publication that’s meant to help young women see themselves in skilled trades careers, the fact that there are companies like who exclusively make clothing for women on the job is a huge green light for them.

Pursuing these careers isn’t about fitting in with the boy anymore and industries are finally creating for them.

A lot of progress has been made in women’s workwear over the last decade and we’re excited to make sure these girls know they have options!

is here for allll of it 🔥🔥🔥🔥

On this Father’s Day, we have a letter to all the men who are out there making a positive difference in people’s lives. This one’s for you Bob. We appreciate you 🧡

TO ALL THE HARDWORKING, FATHERS, HUSBANDS, UNCLES, GRANDFATHERS, MENTORS, BOSSES, TEACHERS, BUSINESS PARTNERS, UNION BROTHERS—WE SEE YOU.

Thank you for putting a hammer in our hands, for holding us to high standards, and for never treating us differently than our brothers. For bandaging our cuts and icing our bruises. For making room for our opinions on site (and only sometimes taking credit for them). For standing up for us, valuing our strengths, and talking shop like we belong, because we do.

Move Over Bob isn’t about pushing men out, it’s about making room for women to build alongside them.

We look forward to building what’s next, together.