SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The San Francisco Heavy Equipment & Trucking Academy (SF HEAT) officially launched on July 14th, 2026, with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of its new training facility in District 10.
Founded by Tana Harris, president of Harris Hoisting, and Michael Gregory, co-founder of HVYW8 Trucking Inc., SF HEAT is a workforce development and training program introducing San Francisco residents to careers in commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and logistics through hands-on learning and real-world industry exposure. The academy’s 10-week workforce training program includes CDL test preparation, heavy equipment exposure, career coaching, workforce development, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders and employers.
Located at the former Potrero Power Station, SF HEAT focuses on supporting communities that have historically been excluded from workforce opportunities within the trucking and construction industries. The academy prioritizes residents of San Francisco’s Mission District (District 9), Bayview Hunters Point (District 10), and Oceanview, Merced Heights, Ingleside, and Lakeview (District 11), as well as formerly incarcerated and justice-involved individuals, unemployed and underemployed residents, women entering the trades, and others seeking new career opportunities.
The ceremony included remarks from District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton; former District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safai; Danilo Quintanilla, president of the San Francisco Deputy Sheriff’s Association; Nigel Staples, chief estimator at Pacific States; Meg-Anne Pryor, apprenticeship coordinator for Operating Engineers Local 3; Dr. Saidah Leatutufu-Burch, founder of SLB Strategies; and SF HEAT Co-Founders Tana Harris and Michael Gregory. Speakers addressed the importance of expanding workforce opportunities and creating stronger pathways into the trucking and construction industries — for community, by community.
The event also brought together industry partners and supporters, including Enrique Landa, managing partner at Fifth Space. The program concluded with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the new training facility.
“SF HEAT was created because we know talent already exists in our communities, but what’s often missing is access,” remarked Tana Harris, Co-Founder of SF HEAT. “We wanted to build a place where San Franciscans can gain the skills, confidence, and industry connections they need to pursue meaningful careers in the trades.”
Adding his remarks, Michael Gregory, Co-Founder of SF HEAT, said, “As someone who built a career in this industry, I’ve seen firsthand how the trades can change the trajectory of a person’s life. SF HEAT is about opening those same doors for others, especially here in Bayview Hunters Point and throughout San Francisco. We’re not just training workers; we’re investing in people, families, and the future of our city.”
SF HEAT’s inaugural training cohort began this week. The academy is also accepting applications for its Fall 2026 cohort, continuing its mission to connect more San Francisco residents with careers in commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, logistics, and the skilled trades.
About San Francisco Heavy Equipment & Trucking Academy (SF HEAT)
The San Francisco Heavy Equipment & Trucking Academy (SF HEAT) is a workforce development and training program introducing San Francisco residents to careers in commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and logistics through hands-on learning and real-world industry exposure. Founded by Tana Harris and Michael Gregory, SF HEAT is committed to expanding workforce access and career opportunities within the trucking and construction industries. For more information, visit sfheatacademy.com.
