Updated: Feb 25
Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,
Well, I never thought I would try to run 100 miles at once.....
And I am thrilled to share with you a challenge I’ve set for myself: On April 13th, I will be participating in the Rim Runner Trail Race in Sewanee, TN, marking my first endeavor into the world of 100-mile races. 100 miles in one go, and it is for a special reason... Suicide Prevention in Construction.
This journey is not just a physical test but a personal one. Over 3 years ago, I found myself at a crossroads, grappling with depression and uncertainty about my future. It was during this period that my sister Nancy (pictured with me above) introduced me to trail running. This simple activity helped me regain my physical health, leading me to explore techniques like meditation, which have been instrumental in managing my mental health.
Working in construction, I’ve become aware of the mental health challenges we face. With a suicide rate 3.5 times the national average, the urgency cannot be overstated. Having been close to the edge myself, I feel a strong personal commitment to make a difference in the lives of those in the industry.
To this end, I’ve joined forces with my friend, Dr. Vince Hafeli, President of Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, to embark on a mission to raise $40,000 for suicide prevention in construction. A week after the 100-miler, the 2024 Construction Hike for Hope that Vince founded will take place in Florida. To kickstart the campaign, I am pledging to personally match the first $20,000 in donations.
We need your support to reach our goal. To contribute, please follow the link below, click ‘donate’. Your support means more than you can imagine – together, we can bring about real change.
Thank you for your generosity, encouragement, and belief in this cause.
Warmly,
Tristan
About the Author
Tristan Wilson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Edgevanta. We make software that helps contractors win more work at the right price. He is a 4th Generation Contractor, construction enthusiast, bidding nerd, ultramarathoner, and paving nut. He worked his way up the ladder at Allan Myers in the Mid-Atlantic and his family’s former business Barriere Construction before starting Edgevanta with his Co-Founder Matt in Nashville, where the company is based. Reach out to him at tristan@edgevanta.io
