Meet Our Founders

At the heart of Northwest Training Institute (NWTI) is a team of purpose-driven professionals and entrepreneurs, guided by faith and dedicated to empowering others. With decades of experience across the trades, business leadership, and community mentorship, our team brings compassion, skill, and a commitment to excellence into every training opportunity.

Meet the visionaries behind NWTI.

Nicholas B. Getzinger Jr.

Founder | Visionary Leader | Master Tradesman, Author, Educator and Entrepreneur.

Nick Getzinger is a multi-disciplinary professional with a rare blend of experience across the trades, public safety, military service, and business leadership. As the founder of Northwest Training Institute (NWTI), Nick brings over 42 years of hands-on expertise in the HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, hydronics, Home Inspection, Forensic Mechanical Investigation, septic, sewer, and well systems industries. He holds multiple state-level licenses across several mechanical and environmental trades, making him a highly respected authority in the field.

Nick’s background extends beyond the trades. He has served as a firefighter, deputy sheriff, and police detective, with specialized experience in forensic investigation and criminal justice. A proud veteran of both Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom, Nick served nearly 15 years in the U.S. Army, including contributions to elite training programs such as the U.S. Army Sniper School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

He is also a published author and industry blogger, frequently writing on technical trades, business development, and vocational mentorship. Throughout his career, Nick and his wife Tracy have launched and operated over a dozen successful companies, mentoring other aspiring entrepreneurs along the way. Their shared commitment to philanthropy, education, and empowering others continues to fuel the mission of NWTI.

Nick’s leadership style is marked by grit, faith, and service. He is deeply committed to training the next generation of professionals and equipping individuals with the tools and mindset to build lasting careers.

Kirk Ross, Esq.

Legal Counsel | Educator & Advocate for Faithful Leadership

Kirk Ross is a highly accomplished attorney, educator, and Christian leader with over two decades of legal experience and a strong commitment to mentorship, integrity, and lifelong learning. Licensed to practice law in both Ohio and Florida, Kirk has spent more than 20 years helping individuals, families, and businesses develop, protect, and grow their legacies. His legal practice spans a broad range of services including business planning, estate protection, and strategic legal guidance, with a focus on building strong foundations for long-term success.

Kirk earned two bachelor’s degrees from Berry College in 1997, followed by two master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University in 2001. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago in 2004, one of the nation’s most prestigious legal institutions. His academic excellence and practical insights have allowed him to serve clients across a diverse range of sectors, combining legal precision with compassionate counsel.

In addition to his legal practice, Kirk has been a dedicated educator since 2006, teaching Political Science, German, and History at multiple colleges and universities. For the past several years, he has served as a respected lecturer at the University of Toledo College of Law, where he continues to inspire the next generation of legal professionals through his dynamic teaching style and principled approach to the law.

Tracy Getzinger

Co-Founder | Managing CEO | Strategic Leader & Business Operations Expert

Tracy Getzinger is a seasoned executive, business strategist, and co-founder of Northwest Training Institute (NWTI), with over two decades of experience in high-level operations and organizational leadership. As the Managing CEO of GHC LLC, she has worked alongside her husband, Nick, for more than 20 years—serving as a trusted partner, managing director, and COO across several of their jointly owned businesses.

Tracy’s career began with an impressive tenure in the legal world, where she successfully managed multiple law partners at one of Ohio’s premier law firms, gaining invaluable experience in operations, compliance, and executive-level coordination. She has since applied those skills to the business world, overseeing internal systems, staffing, client relations, and financial operations for a diverse portfolio of companies.

She currently serves as a Board Member for NWOCO, Northwest Training Institute, and the MasterCraft Network, where she plays a key role in shaping policy, strategic direction, and day-to-day functionality across the entire business ecosystem.

Tracy has been a primary force behind the growth, organization, and stability of nearly all of Nick’s ventures. Her quiet leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to mission-driven success have been instrumental in guiding their companies through seasons of growth, challenge, and transformation. She brings a calm, competent, and compassionate presence to every endeavor—making her not just a partner in business, but a cornerstone of the Getzinger legacy.

Our Location

Visit us at Northwest Training Institute for hands-on education and skilled trades training in a supportive environment.

Address

St. Joseph Conference & Training Center 253 S. East St. McClure, Ohio 43534 Across from the American Legion

Hours

Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm

Contact Northwest Training Institute

Reach out to us for inquiries about our skilled trades training and career development programs. We're here to assist you on your journey.

Connect

1-419-575-2693

Support

info@nwtinstitute.com