The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe 461: Danny Combs—TACT, The Future of Workforce
Dec 2, 2025
Danny Combs, founder of TACT, shares his inspiring journey of training neurodivergent individuals for skilled trades. He discusses the critical labor shortage and how TACT offers these gifted learners meaningful employment opportunities. Danny highlights the engaging, hands-on nature of trade work, which suits neurodivergent students perfectly. With an impressive 83-84% job placement rate, TACT is transforming lives and redefining workforce potential. He also explores the need for education reform to better support neurodiversity in all learning environments.
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Trades Unlock Hidden Workforce Potential
- Danny Combs shows autistic learners excel in trades like welding, electrical, and woodworking when given real training.
- Graduates achieve an 84% sustained employment rate despite a 90% unemployment cohort average.
A Father's Drive Launched TACT
- Danny built TACT inspired by his son Dylan's diagnosis and early talents with hands-on tasks.
- He ignored skeptics and created a trade program where autistic students work with real tools and get hired.
Diet Change Had Dramatic Personal Impact
- After cutting gluten from Dylan's diet, his speech doubled within a month, surprising therapists.
- Danny used personal experimentation to find what improved his son's communication despite skepticism from doctors.
