WHAT'S NEW?
We have some exciting new updates to share with you! Ideal Institute recently received non profit status from the IRS as a 501(c)(3) and will be operating under the direction of the Board of Directors going forward to continue helping our students and communities!
Check out each board member's bio in the "About Us" tab! We are very excited to be working with amazing people who believe in what we are doing!
Company Overview
The Idea’l Trade Institute is leading the construction education industry and is the first company to offer a fully integrated ground-up system that trains students in every aspect of home construction. Idea’l has built a comprehensive curriculum that uses the construction of tiny and modular homes to build long-term memories and improve working memories, thus improving the overall quality of life for its graduating students.
As part of Idea’l’s market strategy, it started in the construction industry and will continue to grow into many industries rapidly. Construction is essential to all other industries and is an essential building block of learning; it is the foundation of Idea’l.
In January of 2022, after 16 years of assembling the management team and developing a proprietary curriculum, Idea’l began to offer students full continuity of learning construction education. Idea’l is already recognized as the leader in construction education and will continue to have exponential growth.
Our Mission
Idea’l wants to empower individuals with life skills through perceptual and active learning to bring upon the highest levels of achievement, enable them to reach and expand their potential, and prepare them to become productive, responsible, ethical members of society while changing the trade need outcome for generations to come.
● Learning is the foundation of life, and every person deserves the opportunity to become the best version of themselves through learning.
IDEA’L Institute fosters an educational program to help students realize their full potential professionally and personally.
● Education is the step to a new world of opportunity for you, your family, and your friends, and it will help you in your life and your career.
● Honesty and integrity are foundational principles that will help build the cornerstone of a healthy and peaceful life.
● Our students are our friends. We want nothing but the best for everyone we meet.
Our Principles
Board of Directors
Joe Higgins, Chair
An accomplished CEO and COO with over two decades of executive leadership experience, specializing in business startups, organizational turnarounds, and strategic growth initiatives. With a diverse background spanning education, healthcare, media, public policy, and nonprofit sectors, Joe brings a unique cross-industry perspective to the boardroom. His leadership is defined by a commitment to innovation, community impact, and sustainable growth—making them a strategic asset to any board.
Dr. Celestino Fernández, Co Chair
A distinguished Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Arizona and PIMSA Distinguished Professor at CETYS Universidad in Mexico. With over 40 years in higher education, he has held key academic leadership roles and built a global reputation as a scholar, speaker, and consultant in areas such as immigration, education, culture, and happiness. Dr. Fernández has served on numerous national and international boards, founded multiple educational institutions, and has been widely recognized for his leadership and humanitarian service. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Stanford University.
Nelson Brown, Member
Professional Administrator and Educator with 23+ years of dynamic lesson design, extensive onboarding & inservice training with a track record for budgeting expertise and office management. Recognized for highly productive management style and ability to remain focused on educational goals and objectives.
George Gillespie, Member
With over 40 years of experience in various technical and managerial roles, has worked in industries ranging from custom home construction to rotating equipment service and design. Currently the owner and president of GPG Enterprises, he provides engineering and design consulting, specializing in new product applications for SEPCO. Gillespie’s diverse background in operations, customer service, marketing, and product development positions him well to contribute valuable insights to a dynamic business like Ideal.
William Moore, Member
A seasoned attorney with over 25 years of experience, currently serving as the Managing Attorney at Southern Arizona Legal Aid in Sierra Vista, Arizona. He has a history of public service, including as Bureau Chief for Cook County’s Community Development and Planning Department and Cochise County’s first African American Judge. Moore is deeply committed to civil rights, equal justice, and advocating for the underprivileged, and has also self-published a book on these topics. He is a licensed minister and a dedicated family man.