The construction industry depends upon those who create the magic, taking the blank canvas to impeccable art appreciated for years into the future. And that’s exactly how the carpenters of Shannon Construction view their integral role in building for the future. “It’s an exciting career where I can express my creative and artistic side. This job is more than just swinging a hammer,” according to John Burton, 40 years in the trade. Both Roy Newcamp and Mike Cataldo (six and four years respectively in the industry) indicated similar thoughts, and both mentioned that what they do day in and day out requires an eye to detail and an eye for the art of the process. “Seeing a project go from nothing to a finished job, it’s like art.” — Roy Newcamp.
Interestingly, what these three carpenters enjoy most about their profession is precisely what the average person would not know about it. Carpenters are some of the first on a job site to begin demolition work and one of the last trades on site to finish a project. “We’re always thinking and planning outside of the typical 40 hours a week,” said Burton, who after 40 years, “still has a fire in [his] heart to keep coming out to do [his] job.” Newcamp, a newer foreman for Shannon Construction, “carpenters are always learning something new, even if it’s the smallest of things.”
Pride apparent in both their trade and their work the common theme, John, Mike, and Roy certainly agreed that taking a chance in the carpentry industry would not disappoint. Skills learned in the classroom and on the job site apply directly to everyday life. The work can prove challenging, from planning a schedule, materials, manpower to working and communicating with subs, clients, and owners. Guess what? They enjoy it.
