Troy Richardson has an e-mail signature that reads “Proud Wake Tech Graduate, Class of 1992.”  Troy, a 48-year-old Raleigh business owner, is proud, he says, because Wake Tech gave him the tools to build his successful career. 

After high school, Troy went straight to work for a home improvement store. When he decided, a few years later, to continue his education, he turned to Wake Tech. It was, he says, an easy choice: “I was able to pay my way through college by working during the day and taking classes at night; plus, the instructors were always available for support. It was an amazing experience.” Troy completed his associate’s degree in Business Administration in just two and a half years. 

Armed with a degree, Troy got a job in the construction sales industry, worked hard, and eventually reached the management level. But after a decade of selling construction materials, Troy decided to venture out on his own. He started a successful home inspection business, and over the past 15 years, he’s inspected more than 6,000 Triangle homes. He’s also taken additional classes at Wake Tech along the way. Troy says his Wake Tech experience helped him start and build his business. “I tell people all the time,” Troy says, “my Wake Tech degree and continuing education propelled me into a prosperous career!”