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TRADES & SPECIALTIES
From the Field to Leadership Preparing the Next Generation
In 1993, he transitioned from the field to Even in retirement, his mission continues.
become a Business Agent and Field Through a partnership between the
Representative. The job brought new Cleveland Building Trades and his DJ School,
challenges: resolving disputes, ensuring The Nerve DJ Institute, he’s guiding students
contracts were honored, and protecting into 22 trade apprenticeship programs once
members’ rights. It was a role that required they turn 18. His goal? To give young people,
constant problem-solving and fierce especially from underrepresented
advocacy for his union brothers and sisters. communities, the same opportunity he had at
As one of the first Black men to hold his 18: a stable, respected, and rewarding career.
position for such a long tenure, he faced
unspoken and direct challenges. His Looking Ahead
response was simple: work twice as hard, Technology is reshaping the industry, from
remain professional, and let results speak. laser-guided equipment to digital project
Respect, he learned, is built by being fair, management. But he believes the human
firm, and dedicated. element will always remain essential.
Automation can help, but skilled
Beyond the Paycheck tradespeople; men and women who
While others his age pursued college understand the work will always be in
degrees, he built a career that offered demand.
financial security, strong benefits, and,
eventually, a pension worth more than $200K His advice to the next generation is simple:
a year. No student debt. No uncertainty. Just “Don’t underestimate the trades. If you’re
a lifetime of work that allowed him to retire willing to work hard, show up, and keep
with dignity after 38 years. learning, you can build a lifelong career. The
union will train you and protect you,
For him, the most rewarding part wasn’t just something you don’t get in many industries.”
the paycheck; it was the people. The
brotherhood and sisterhood of the union, the After all, he’s living proof. From an 18-year-
gratitude of those he helped, and the old with a jackhammer to a respected leader
knowledge that he had made a tangible and mentor, his journey is a testament to
difference in thousands of lives. where hard work, opportunity, and solidarity
can take you.
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