The Hands That Built America — book cover by Richard E. Mortensen
Coming Soon

Coming This September — Available on Amazon

The Hands That Built America

by Richard E. Mortensen

How Everyday Men and Women Turn Knowledge, Skill, and Character into a Stronger Nation — and How We Prepare the Next Generation.

Available on Amazon this September

Kindle · Softcover · Hardcover

Notify Me When Available →

A Tribute to the People Who Built This Nation

They are the electricians, the framers, the welders, the plumbers, and the mechanics. They are the men and women who show up before sunrise and leave after dark — not because someone is watching, but because the work demands it and they are the kind of people who answer that call.

In The Hands That Built America, Richard E. Mortensen celebrates the everyday heroes of the skilled trades — the workers whose knowledge, character, and craftsmanship have quietly held this country together for generations. This is their story, told with the respect and clarity it deserves.

Drawing on more than five decades of experience in construction, business leadership, and mentoring the next generation of workers, Richard writes about what it truly means to build something that lasts — not just in concrete and steel, but in the lives of the people who do the work.

Who This Book Is For

Tradespeople proud of the work they do every day

Parents and educators preparing the next generation for real careers

Business owners and leaders who depend on skilled workers

Anyone who believes America's strength is built by its people

Richard E. Mortensen, author

About the Author

Richard E. Mortensen

Richard E. Mortensen has spent more than five decades in construction operations management, business leadership, and organizational development. He has mentored hundreds of workers and leaders, and he writes with the clarity and conviction of someone who has lived every word on the page.

Read Richard's full story →

Be the First to Know When It's Live

The Hands That Built America is coming this September. Sign up and you'll be the first to know the moment it goes live on Amazon — and Richard will send you a personal note when it does.

No spam — just a notification when the book goes live.

Also from TransitionsPress Books

While you wait — read Anne's story

Thank You For Letting Me Live — book cover

A Memoir of Adoption, Sacrifice & Reunion

Thank You For Letting Me Live

by Anne E. Mortensen

She gave up her baby because she wanted him to have a life she could not yet provide. Thirty-three years later, his first words to her changed everything.

Real People. Real Skills. A Brighter America.

The Hands That Built America is a celebration of the workers, the trades, and the character that keeps this nation strong. Coming to Amazon this September.

Notify Me When Available →

Kindle · Softcover · Hardcover — coming this September