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15 construction influencers to learn the trades

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Social media is a powerful tool for construction professionals to market their services. Construction influencers like Matt Risinger, April Wilkerson, and Aaron Witt have used social media to create large audiences by sharing their expertise and experiences. If you’re considering using social media to promote your services or just want someone to follow in the construction space, this list is a great start. 

Evan and Katelyn construction influencers

Top 15 construction influencers you should be watching

15. Kienan Koga

Follower count: 18.7K YouTube subscribers

Where to watch: YouTube

Kienan Koga, a civil engineer from Hawaii, shares practical advice for aspiring engineers and construction professionals. His YouTube channel offers tutorials on reading blueprints and navigating the early stages of an engineering career. Koga’s content is catered towards young professionals looking for practical insights. His approachable teaching style makes complex topics accessible, fostering a learning environment that encourages growth and development. 

14. Justin Bender

Follower count: 136.3K TikTok followers

Where to watch: TikTok | Instagram

Justin Bender is a remodeling contractor who shares DIY tips, remodeling tutorials, and tool reviews. His TikTok content is suited for homeowners looking to start their own home improvement projects. His videos often showcase his personality and are filled with light hearted jokes while at the same time offering practical advice. If you’re looking for honest reviews, Bender will help you make informed decisions about your remodeling project that you can trust.  

13. Lydia Crowder (Drywall Shorty)

Follower count: 1.4 M+ across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Where to watch: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok

Lydia Crowder, popularly known as Drywall Shorty, specializes in drywall installation and finishing. Her content provides tips and tricks for working with drywall, making her a go-to resource for becoming a drywall contractor. She also covers the day-to-day experiences that showcase the ups and downs of what it’s like to run a business. As a co-host with Matt Risinger on the Build Show Network, she has quickly become one of the most popular construction influencers in the space.

12: The Excellent Laborer  

Follower count: 675,000+ across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook

Where to watch: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

The Excellent Laborer delivers raw, unfiltered content straight from active jobsites, highlighting what it takes to get the work done. His videos focus on everything from concrete pours and framing to tool handling and site safety. The “Construction Chronicles” series has become a fan favorite for its honest storytelling and no-nonsense look at the ups and downs of life in the trades.  

11. Rachel Metz

Follower count: 689,000+ across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram 

Where to watch: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram

Rachel Metz is a construction influencers that shares her home renovation projects as a DIY enthusiast. Her YouTube channel is a mix of personal content and home improvement projects providing inspiration for room makeovers, patio renovations, and kitchen improvements. Metz’s style is down to earth which makes her content accessible to a wide audience. Her storytelling helps inspire viewers to tackle their own projects even if they’re complete beginners. 

10. Bryan Baeumler

Follower count: 700 K+ across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

Where to watch: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Bryan Baeumler is a renowned expert in home renovation and construction, often featured on HGTV shows. His past series “Leave It to Bryan” and “Bryan Inc.” showcase his expertise in home renovation, while his newer shows, “Island of Bryan / Renovation Island” and upcoming “Bryan’s All In” feature construction tips and tricks. Following Bryan provides a behind-the-scenes look at high-stakes renovation projects and offers valuable insights into the industry and the world of home improvement. 

9. Matt Panella

Follower count: 414,000+ across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram 

Where to watch: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram

Matt Panella, known as MattBangsWood, is a construction influencer who shares educational content aimed at helping others learn to build. His videos have been implemented in construction classrooms across the US, and his team is working on adding Spanish options to every video to make the tutorials accessible to a Spanish speaking audience. He covers topics on carpentry, roofing, and remodelling. The content is great for beginners and seasoned professionals.  

8. April Wilkerson

Follower count: 1.9 M+ across YouTube and Instagram

Where to watch: YouTube | Instagram

April Wilkerson is a self-taught woodworker and DIY enthusiast who shares her journey of building and renovating projects around her home. Wilkerson’s approachable style and willingness to tackle complex projects make her a favorite among DIYers and professionals alike. She emphasizes the importance of learning through doing, encouraging her audience to take on projects they might have thought were beyond their skill level. 

7. Aaron Witt

Follower count: 1.2 M+ across Instagram and TikTok

Where to watch: Instagram | TikTok

Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt, is dedicated to making the dirt world a better place by highlighting the people and equipment that keep infrastructure running. His content showcases massive machines at work and how they are used for mining operations and civil engineering projects. Witt’s passion for the construction industry is evident in his storytelling, bringing attention to the often-overlooked aspects of heavy civil construction.

6. Danny Wang

Follower count: 1.1M Instagram followers

Where to watch: Instagram

Danny Wang is a designer and builder who shares stunning transformations of residential spaces, blending modern aesthetics with functional design. His content often features time-lapse videos of projects, revealing the meticulous process behind each renovation. He also provides tips on design principles, material selection, and project management, making his content valuable for anyone looking to learn what it takes to design and build a home.

5. Julia Schäfer

Follower count: 1M Instagram followers

Where to watch: Instagram

Julia Schäfer is a master mason and concrete specialist who shares her expertise through engaging content. Her posts highlight the precision and skill required in masonry, often showcasing intricate brickwork and concrete finishes. Schäfer’s dedication to her craft and her ability to make technical aspects accessible have earned her a loyal audience. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of working in a traditionally male-dominated field, inspiring others to pursue careers in construction. 

4. Matt Risinger

Follower count: 1.5 M+ across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok

Where to watch: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok

Matt Risinger is a custom home builder from Austin, Texas, who focuses on high-performance construction and remodels. His content covers a variety of home building strategies from energy efficiency, material durability, and building techniques. Risinger’s “Build Show” series is a go-to resource for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills. He also has a podcast that brings in industry professionals to cover the various aspects of home building like HVAC and electrical work. 

3. Murray Kruger

Follower count: 2.9M Instagram followers

Where to watch: Instagram

Murray Kruger’s content includes tool reviews, project walkthroughs, and glimpses into the life of a construction professional. Kruger’s approachable demeanor and practical advice resonate with both seasoned contractors and those new to the field. He also emphasizes safety and efficiency, providing tips that can be applied across various trades. 

2. Evan and Katelyn

Follower count: 3.2 M+ across YouTube and Instagram

Where to watch: YouTube | Instagram

Evan and Katelyn are DIY enthusiasts who tackle a wide range of projects, from woodworking to home improvement. Their content is characterized by a blend of humor, creativity, and detailed instruction, making complex projects approachable. They often experiment with new materials and techniques, sharing their successes and failures to provide a realistic view of DIY endeavors. Perfect for viewers looking to start their own projects.

1. Mark Bowe

Follower count: 88,000+ across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X. 

Where to watch: Facebook | Instagram | Barnwood Living

Mark Bowe topped our list of construction influencers. He is a craftsman and television personality renowned for his work on the DIY Network’s “Barnwood Builders.” He and his team specialize in restoring and repurposing historic log cabins and barns, preserving the craftsmanship of America’s pioneer era. Bowe’s dedication to authenticity and quality has garnered a dedicated following among construction enthusiasts and history buffs alike. His company, Barnwood Living, reflects his commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. For those interested in traditional construction methods and historical preservation, Bowe’s work offers both inspiration and education.

Final thoughts

These 15 construction influencers offer a glimpse into the day to day experiences of what its like to work in the construction field. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, following their journeys can provide valuable insights and inspiration. 

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