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The Tennessee Building Education Foundation (TBEF) is dedicated to strengthening the construction workforce through industry-aligned education, training, and career pathways. By connecting individuals to meaningful careers and supporting the needs of employers, TBEF plays a critical role in the long-term vitality of the residential construction industry and the communities it serves.
Founded in 2019, the Tennessee Building Education Foundation is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit created with the participation and support of stakeholders from the West Tennessee Home Builders Association (HBA) and community leaders across Shelby County.
TBEF was formed in response to a growing and urgent challenge: The severe shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry. As experienced tradespeople approach retirement and fewer individuals enter the trades, the need for a formal, industry-aligned training pipeline has become increasingly critical. From the beginning, TBEF was designed to meet that need through structured education and direct connections to employment.
In partnership with the Home Builders Institute (HBI), TBEF delivers the HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum. This nationally recognized program provides foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in building construction trades, preparing participants for entry-level employment in the industry.
The HBI-PACT curriculum is:
With approval, coursework may also be applied toward college credit through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), giving participants multiple pathways for continued education and advancement.

Brad Gentry serves as President of the Tennessee Builders Education Foundation, where he leads the organization’s strategic vision, daily operations, and workforce development initiatives.
With a Master of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi and more than 20 years of experience spanning education administration, finance, workforce development, and operations, Brad brings a results-driven approach to strengthening the construction talent pipeline. At TBEF, he oversees personnel, finances, grant procurement and management, strategic partnerships, educational programming, and overall organizational operations.
Prior to joining TBEF, Brad served as Vice President of Workforce Development and Operations at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Memphis, where he managed institutional budgeting, capital planning, accreditation, campus operations, and industry training partnerships. He successfully oversaw multiple multimillion-dollar capital projects and led federally funded workforce initiatives that trained hundreds of individuals for employment and advancement.
His leadership role at TBEF reflects a deep commitment to aligning education with industry needs and expanding career opportunities that strengthen both the workforce and the communities it serves.

Tracy Barrett serves as Director of Educational Services at the Tennessee Builders Education Foundation (TBEF), where he leads the coordination and implementation of industry-aligned training programs that prepare students and adult learners for careers in the skilled trades.
Tracy brings years of hands-on experience within the construction and home improvement industries, along with a strong background in team leadership, training, and customer engagement. His career has given him a practical understanding of jobsite expectations, product knowledge, building standards, and the day-to-day realities of working in the trades. He has supervised teams, supported workforce training initiatives, and worked closely with contractors, builders, and customers to deliver quality results.
Known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and ability to connect with diverse audiences, Tracy plays a key role in ensuring TBEF participants develop both technical competencies and essential workplace skills. His leadership supports a training environment that emphasizes accountability, professionalism, and pride in workmanship.
At TBEF, Tracy is committed to helping individuals build confidence, gain industry-recognized credentials, and step into meaningful careers that strengthen both their futures and the construction workforce.