TOOLMAN TIMES
Bendix Academy’s
Quarterly Newsletter
Vol. 1, No. 3 – Summer 2025
Preview full-length articles from the Third Issue of Toolman Times below! You’ll read about Why Mentors Matter, including the stories of Jude Louria and Roger Ashley, both great toolmen who demonstrate the value of restoring mechanical self-reliance. You’ll see behind-the-scenes snapshots of our recent Open House, and learn of the tremendous generosity from the folks of HockeyNight to Bendix Academy. Don’t forget Toolman Tip on how to fix that frustrating cabinet door hinge alignment. We at Bendix Academy thank everyone who contributed to the events of this spring and to our third issue of Toolman Times!
Click the images below to read Toolman Times page by page, or scroll down to click full-length articles with bonus videos and photos. You can also download a printable pdf here!
Prefer print? Sign up here to receive an emailed copy!
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For in-depth content in this issue’s articles:
FRONT PAGE – Why Mentors Matter: Meet the Makers of Mechanical Self-Reliance
Building Confidence, Craftsmanship, and the Future At Bendix Academy, we believe that toolmanship is more than turning wrenches—it’s a mindset, a method, and a mission. It's how we teach confidence, build character, and pass along the practical skills that shape lives. And at the center of it all...
COMMUNITY CONNECTION – Roger’s lifelong use of toolmanship skills
Roger’s Journey: A Life in Toolmanship and Mentorship Frances Ashley and his son Roger in front of their Farmall tractor - 1940s At Bendix Academy, we know that toolmanship is more than turning wrenches—it’s a way of thinking, solving problems, and building a life with your own two hands. Few...
MENTORS’ MEASURE – Jude Louria’s Journey through Tools, Teaching, and Takeoff
As one of Bendix Academy's most recent mentors, Jude Louria already embodies what Bendix Academy is all about: curiosity, craftsmanship, and the drive to build and understand how things work—from puzzle tables to airplanes. Jude's journey from flashlight-holding kid to flight instructor and...
EVENTS – Power Play of Generosity – Thank You, Hockey Night!
A Huge Thank You to The Well Church, Hockey Night, and Scott DesAutel!Todd Trainor, Bendix Academy Founder, accepts $8000 check and Bendix Academy Hockey Night trophy shirt!We are deeply grateful to The Well Church and event organizer Scott DesAutel for selecting Bendix Academy as a beneficiary...
FOUNDER’S FORUM – Restoring Mechanical Self-Reliance
By Todd Trainor, Founder and Program Director of Bendix Academy There was a time—not long ago—when mechanical self-reliance was a defining trait of the American household. Whether it was patching a roof, fixing a bicycle, or diagnosing a broken engine, people once carried a quiet confidence in...
EVENTS – Bendix Academy Spring 2025 Open House a Big Success!
Thank you to all who attended🔧 Spring 2025 OPEN HOUSE! 🔧Your presence helped make those two days truly meaningful! Whether you came to learn about our mission, reconnect with mentors and friends, or simply explore the Bendix workshop, we’re so glad you were part of it. We welcomed a dynamic mix of...
Toolmen Times Columns
Click on the categories below to catch up on current and previous Bendis Academy Toolmen Times Quarterly Newsletter columns - Best way to stay tuned up!
Vol. 1, No. 2 – Winter 2025
Second issue, hot off the press! Download full issue or read full-length articles below about the benefits of Learning Mechanical Self-Reliance, how this is A Skill for Life, a Parent’s Perspective, and Reviving Toolmanship, for anyone who remembers shop class.
NEW this issue: Toolman Tips, a column with tips and hints about DIY projects possible with basic toolmanship skills! This issue provides steps for reversing and appliance door.
Spring is in the air, so SAVE THESE DATES for two upcoming events, Hockey Night on April 5, tickets here, and Bendix Academy OPEN HOUSE on May 2-3, free event but registration required here.
Click the images below to read Toolman Times page by page, or scroll down to click full-length articles with bonus videos and photos!
Prefer print? Sign up here to receive an emailed copy, or download the PDF version.
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For in-depth content on this issue’s articles:
FRONT PAGE – Learning Mechanical Self Reliance at Bendix Academy
Mechanical Self-Reliance is a core tenet at Bendix Academy. The ability to understand and repair mechanical systems is increasingly rare in an era where technology has made life more convenient than ever. At Bendix Academy, we believe that Mechanical Self-Reliance is a fundamental skill—one that...
FOUNDER’S FORUM – Mechanical Self-Reliance: A Skill for Life
By Todd Trainor, Founder and Program Director of Bendix Academy In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, mechanical self-reliance is a skill that is becoming increasingly rare, yet it remains as valuable as ever. At Bendix Academy, we believe that the ability to understand, maintain, and...
EVENTS – Ready for spring fun? SAVE THESE DATES!
Is your snowblower ready for sun? Or, more to the point, are YOU ready to put away your snowboots and enjoy some fun spring events? If so, mark your calendars to be sure to not miss these two great events arriving with the warmer weather, sooner than you think!HOCKEY NIGHT 2025 April 5, 2025Each...
COMMUNITY CONNECTION – Remember shop class?
Bendix Academy reviving toolmanship Bendix shop and workbench Do you remember shop class? The Fox Run Men’s Club sure did when Todd Trainor, Founder and Program Director, and Wendy Zielen visited them in November. Todd and Wendy shared the story of how Bendix Academy is bringing back practical...
TOOLMAN TIPS – Appliance Door Reversal
Tight fit? What to do if the door of your appliance is on the wrong sideIt can happen to anyone... You're happy to get that new appliance, and then once it's placed in it's space, you notice just one little problem. The door opens the wrong way! What to do now? Many household appliances are...
FAMILY FOCUS – A parent’s perspective
Grateful for the positive influence Written by Christine, parent of a Bendix Student I'm Christine, parent of a student at Bendix Academy. I would like to share a little of how I feel about our experience with Bendix Academy and what it continues to do for me and my son. This exceptional Tooling...
Vol. 1, No. 1 – Fall 2024
Our inaugural issue! Download full issue or read full-length articles below about Bendix Academy’s successful pilot, planned expansion, new board chair, a mentor’s mission, and the experience of Bendix Academy from a student’s perspective.
In our area? Contact us to arrange a visit, we’d love to show you what’s new at Bendix Academy!
Click the images below to read Toolman Times page by page, or scroll down to click full-length articles with bonus videos and photos!
Prefer print? Sign up here to receive an emailed copy, or download the PDF version.
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For in-depth content on this issue’s articles:
FRONT PAGE – Bendix Academy Pilot Program Ready to Expand in 2025
Bendix Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing students with essential...
FOUNDER’S FORUM – Todd Trainor’s Vision for Bendix Academy’s Future
Todd Trainor, the passionate founder of Bendix Academy, has recently taken on a new role as the...
BOARDROOM BRIEF – Welcoming Ray Krom as Bendix Academy’s New Board Chair
Bendix Academy is excited to announce that Ray Krom will assume the role of Board Chair starting...
MENTORS’ MEASURE – Rodney Beckwith III Building Confidence and Skills for the Future
At Bendix Academy, mentors are more than teachers—they’re the foundation of our mission to shape...
TOOLMEN in TRAINING – Christopher’s own words
The Importance of Toolmanship Written by Christopher, Bendix Academy Student My name is...
Where’s Evan in the workshop?
Bendix Academy - Inspiring Tomorrow's Toolmen Today!We love visitors of all ages, especially...
Join us in shaping Tomorrow's Toolmen Today!
See Bendix Academy in Action
A picture speaks a thousand words, but a visit is priceless. Bendix Academy invites everyone with interest to email toolmen@bendixacademy.org or call us at 810-599-4035 to schedule a tour (no walk-ins please) and see why we're growing.
You'll experience the impact firsthand!
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