Hello Everyone! I worked the Union job in Eau Claire for a while. I would say I’m impressed with a few things. Their devotion to safety and discipline is a high priority with these boys.
Comerodery is also a close second. There are many people, even from different trades that seem that you can connect with on a certain level. People that you tend to gravitate toward, to say hi and bullshit with. And then there are some people that consider you as an acquaintance and seem to prefer to not joke around as much, which is fine too.
The main reinforcement I got from the experience, is that my dream, where I feel most happy is with my own business.
Hey if you are the type of person that likes to punch in and punch out, well maybe this is for you. Also if you have a hard time saving and managing your money, the Union may be a perfect organization for you to join. They will set aside your pension, which you can enjoy along with your Social Security check.
But if you want to make a promise to yourself, to never work for someone else, meaning an employer, then perhaps you need to focus on your own business, this is what I choose.
I did like the air conditioned job site, this I sometimes also get on a remodel. I’m actually thinking of bringing an air conditioner to my next job, which I’ve never heard of a contractor, such as myself, doing before. But hey, I bring heaters in the winter, so why not? 🙂
One of the most kool, and then again not kool things I got to learn is that this particular Union company, Olympic, spots their fasteners by hand the first coat, then uses a mechanical nail spotter for the 2nd coat.
I think the nail spotter, just like a ten box, needs to be running right, just like any other mechanical tool, otherwise there is a lot of sanding to do.
Also they are using 120 grit sand paper for their orbital sander, which is a no no. But they seem to be getting away with it. Not my idea of how to do drywall, but we must recognize one thing.
They have a system, well actually multiple systems in place and have been around for a long, long time. Which is why they got the hospital job.
My hats off to them. Tim has been a great leader/supervisor. And I hope they have much success in their project.
What are the draw backs to working for the Union… Well for me the deal breaker was the travel. Going into the Cities in Minnesota is not my idea of a walk in the park. Having to get up at approximately 4a.m from where I live, just don’t do it for me.
Not to mention, there are many dangers, some of which you could be killed. One guy was telling us that a sprinkler pipe guy forgot to clamp the pipe and he was nearly killed as he had been working under the pipe the day before it collapsed… maybe there was 100 feet of pipe could have came down on his head.
And another incident, with the same guy said somebody put too much pressure when testing a pipe and blew the plug off the end of the pipe. Again he was working in the area the the plug hit, just the day before… could have been severely injured or killed.
So be aware of the DANGERS that come with working for the Union or any commercial job for that matter. These are only a few examples of dangers.
Others include touching something metal, such as conduit and getting electrocuted… I heard this happened to a young guy once. And I did hear on the Union job that electrical issues of the sort do exist. The hope is that it gets discovered before someone gets hurt.
Then there is discomfort… like the hard hats, the safety glasses, the workboots, working on the concrete which can take it’s toll on the body.
Riches ain’t just about money. Lemme ask you this?…
What is comfort worth to you? What is taking a break when you want to, worth to you? What is not having to work around insulation when firetaping worth to you?
Does Freedom have a price tag? If so, what’s it worth to you?
Now it is important to put food in your mouth and on the table, agreed. However once you get momentum going and you are doing things right and your market says you are priced right… you can rock it being self-employed or as a small business.
Drywall business is where you outsource the work. This can be done by going through temp service or word of mouth. Or if you are a Union Drywall Company… those leads can come to you via the Union.
What do I need to do at this point? Take care of my jobs that are booked. And get started on soffit and fascia on our residence, which is also a real estate investment deal.
I just got done spraying spray foam into holes in the exterior, where squirrels thought they had access.
Best way to do a remodel is to look over the roof and foundation, because without those, you really don’t have a house.
Cheers!
Your friend,
Kelly