Meet The Team

Founder & President

Joey aka Mullet Man

I am a full time welding instructor, part business owner, husband and father. I want to keep the welding industry growing and growing. I grew up in a small town in Wyoming where handshakes are signed contracts and actions speak louder than words. Growing up I didn’t always have the means to chase my dreams, in turn I worked harder to get there. In saying that I did have help along the way. Even the smallest gesture can make the biggest difference, but so many people this day in age do not always have the means to chase their dreams. So I created this foundation and surrounded myself by the best in the business. From welders of all walks of life and across this Great Nation. This is my way of paying back to all the help that was given to me, and to instill in anyone that you can make it in the greatest industry in the world.  

Motto; “If you’re burning, Your learning”

Executive Director & Register Agent

My name is Kayte.  I’m a mother, wife, teacher, and co-business owner. 

I’m a person that wears a ton of different hats.  I’m a stay at home mom, a learning coach for my children’s education, a PCA for my child with special needs, a wife, a business owner, a substitute bus driver, and a supporter of my husband’s dreams.  Growing up I was always taught to be kind and help others if you are able.  The Hooded Heroes Foundation is just one of my many ways of paying it forward. 

I don’t really know a lot about welding nor would I call myself a welder. But I do know and understand the basics and I can strike an arc.  I also plan on continuing to learn. We have a lot of fun as a family as Joey teaches the kids and me how to weld.

Motto: “Believe in yourself even when no one else does. If someone tells you that you can’t do it, prove them wrong.”

Vice President

Beau aka Misfit Welder

Conroe, TX

39 years old, Married to the greatest woman for 10 years. and dad to 4 crazy kids. I’ve a Structural, mig/flux, welder/fitter for the last 18 years and I finally enrolled back in school to learn tig welding. I enjoy hanging with the family. I’m in this because I believe in it, we should never stop learning or helping others learn. My motto is “goonies never say die.”

Treasurer

My name is Joey Pachak and currently reside in a small town North of Fargo ND. I have been welding for BNSF Railway since earning an Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology from Cowley College in 2005. I have worked in all 28 states BNSF operates in, all while raising 2 boys and a daughter with my wife of 21 years. I also own and operate a small welding business.

I am honored to be on the Board of The Hooded Heroes Foundation. It is a blessing to have had many people help me throughout my welding journey and I am excited to give back. I know what a hand up can do when you really need it.

Secretary

Entrepreneur/Artist/Carpenter/Welder/Fabricator

•Sioux Falls, SD•

I've been married for 21 years and a mother to 3 rad girls!!

"Be better than yesterday"

My ultimate goal is to grow my metal shop and to help as many people as possible! I aspire to show young women that they can thrive in any field even when its male dominated, nothing can stop us 🧡

My hobbies are fishing, kayaking, camping, interacting with wild animals (my friends call me Irwin 😉) and spending time with loved ones.

I design and create things from wood and metal! I also restore old wood furniture and wood flooring.

I'm hardworking, determined and driven!
Motto: "I don't want to waste my life not living..."

Board Member

My name is Sara Impaglia and I was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. I'm newly married, work as a full time welder and have 3 dogs who are our livelihood!

I work at a manufacturing facility that makes industrial laundry equipment.  I work in the dryer department and do mostly MIG and TIG work. When I'm not working, my hobbies include boating, camping, snowboarding, cooking and baking, or just relaxing with friends and family. I also really enjoy creating content for my Instagram and TikTok.

This past December I celebrated 10 years drug free. My addiction lead me to serving a 5 year prison sentence where I was first introduced to welding. Welding has played a gigantic role in my recovery and has really been the glue holding my life together these past 10 years. 

My goal is to show other addicts that recovery is possible with hard work and determination.  I also strive to be a role model for other women who may be interested in the trades!

Board Member

Jason Sasaki

I live in the beautiful Greers Ferry Lake area of Arkansas. I have been a pipe welder since 2002. After my service in the Army as a Chemical Operation Specialist I decided to learn a trade that I could use for life. I made the best decision for me and that was to become a pipe welder. For over 20 years I have had the opportunity to see the nation and build some amazing things. I love the trade and all that goes with it. I am thankful that I am an instructor at Arkansas Elite Welding Academy and have the opportunity to share knowledge and help develop skills in those wishing to learn. I live by the motto “it only takes a minute to make a moment”

Board Member

My name is Mitchell Moore.
My wife of 7 years and I and 2 kids live in Vancouver Washington.
I started with welding classes during high school and have continued that journey ever since for 10 years. My first welding job was producing $50+ million yachts then moved to building NAVY Seal aluminum boats and am now a full time production TIG welder in the medical industry. I have always been eager to learn, and help others.

I am honored to be a part of The Hooded Heroes Foundation and to be able to aid ones that are in need of a "hand up."

Board Member

My name is Ian Freeman I'm from small town Oklahoma. My wife and I are small business owners dealing mainly with farm repair and small fabrication.

At 13 years old, my grandfather, who was a pipe hand in our local refinery, started teaching me the trade. With that I've been welding for over twenty years 13 of that being in the oil and gas industry. I'm now an instructor at a technology center, a CWI and a supporter of the trades.

I was happy to join in the Hooded Heroes mission because I love this industry and want everyone to have a chance to live their dreams. Welding has opened so many doors for me and I look forward to helping it do the same for others.