Red Wing honours trade workers’ inspiring stories with new short film

Launching for Mother’s Day, the first film in the series tells the story of Shelly Abbott - a third generation foundation driller and the first woman in her family to work in the trades. The film, shot in Hemet (CA), traces the hardships Shelly has endured being a minority in her industry and her unwavering commitment to her career and family. That same drive propelled her to support her son and, using her craft, she built a skatepark in their yard with the aim of teaching him to ‘never accept limitations placed on him’.

Arvidson comments: “I was so inspired by the way Red Wing chooses to uplift and honor the stories of tradespeople as a brand. Shelly is pure heart and resilient — both in her professional life and as a mother. And making sure we authentically showed that through an emotional lens was the guiding light of this film for me.

Sometimes the most important thing I do as a director is create the right environment where people feel comfortable sharing their stories. It’s being a vehicle for them to be themselves. The end result is a film that allows Shelly’s soul to shine through every word, every frame, and every moment so we truly honor the incredible strength of tradespeople and mothers.”