Joshua (Josh) Pratchard is Vice President of Operations at East Bay Glass in Oakland, California. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and journeyman glazier, he has worked in the glass and construction trades since 1995, advancing from union apprentice to foreman, project manager, nonprofit founder, and construction executive.
Leadership at East Bay Glass
Since joining East Bay Glass in 2022, Josh has led projects from start to finish. He oversees estimating and bidding for all major commercial projects, directs company operations, and manages the company’s finances. Leading a team of project managers and field leaders, he has helped grow annual project volume from roughly $1.5 million to more than $10 million.
His clients include Pixar Animation Studios, Oakland International Airport, the Port of Oakland, North Italia in Walnut Creek, and The Cheesecake Factory in Daly City. On every project, he coordinates owners, general contractors, designers, and inspectors to keep the work on schedule and in compliance with brand, code, and inspection requirements.
U.S. Marine Corps
Josh enlisted in the Marine Corps directly out of high school in 1999 and served as aircrew at MCAS Miramar. He was meritoriously promoted and graduated first in his class at the Corporals leadership course. He served on active duty through 2003 and completed his service in the Marine Corps Reserve in 2007.
Career in the Trades
Following his military service, Josh entered the glazier apprenticeship with Glaziers Local 169 (District Council 16). He installed storefront and building-envelope systems on commercial projects throughout the Bay Area with Guaranteed Glass, Architectural Glass & Aluminum, and Walters & Wolf, and completed his journeyman apprenticeship ahead of schedule. He later served as a foreman at Valiant Glass, leading field crews.
Project Management
As a project manager at Bigge Crane & Rigging, Josh directed work on several of the Bay Area’s most complex projects, including the Transbay Terminal, the Oakland Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate/Presidio. He managed crews of up to 30 while meeting owner, general contractor, and inspection requirements.
Founder of Second Chance Fields
In 2013, Josh founded Second Chance Fields, a San Diego nonprofit that repaired and resurfaced athletic fields at public high schools in underserved communities, where poor field conditions were contributing to student injuries. Its partners included Hawthorne Cat, the San Diego Foundation, the San Diego Padres’ field operations leadership, and Marines from MAG-11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. San Diego City Councilmember Lorie Zapf recognized Josh for his service to the community.
Education and Credentials
- Bachelor of Science in Business, Indiana University
- Associate degrees, San Diego Mesa College and Diablo Valley College
- Journeyman Glazier, Glaziers Local 169 / DC 16
- California C-27 contractor’s license
- OSHA 10 and OSHA 30
Outside of Work
Josh lives in the East Bay. He is a man of faith and a family man, and he enjoys golf, the outdoors, and travel. He writes about these interests at joshpratchard.com.
Connect with Josh on LinkedIn.
