Fresh out of Freedom Area High School in 1994, I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I was never a big fan of school. Tests, homework, and sitting in a classroom all day just didn’t interest me.

One day, my neighbor asked if I wanted to make some extra cash helping him build his new house. I had always enjoyed shop class, but this was different. This was hands-on, real work. Seeing a project come together and knowing I played a part in building something from the ground up was satisfying in a way nothing else had ever been. And the best part? I was getting paid to be outside, working hard, and staying active.

Still, I explored other options. I tried college and worked at a grocery store, but nothing felt right. I missed working with my hands and building something that would last. With my neighbor’s help, I landed a job with a residential carpenter. We did roofing, siding, windows, and even built a few houses. I loved the work, but it wasn’t steady. By then, I had gotten married, and I needed something more reliable.

Eventually, I found a solid job working for a good man who treated his employees well. He paid a fair wage and even provided paid vacation days, which was rare in residential carpentry. Life was good. In 2000, my wife and I welcomed our daughter. Three years later, our son was born. He had some disabilities, which made me think even harder about our future. I needed more than just a paycheck. I needed real security for my family.

That’s when I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. In 2004, I left residential carpentry behind and became a commercial union carpenter. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much this decision would change our lives.

The union gave me more than just a job. It gave me a career, good wages, health insurance, and a pension. The Pittsburgh Carpenters Training Center didn’t just teach me technical skills. It taught me how to be a leader, how to communicate, and how to take pride in my work.

For 20 years, I’ve done more than just show up to work. I’ve served as treasurer of my local, been a delegate to my labor council, and taken part in phone banks, community clean-ups, and political action efforts. I have worked as a job foreman and steward.

I believe in the union way of life because I have lived the benefits of it. That’s why I pay it forward. I’ve influenced two of my nephews to become apprentices and remind young people that unions fought for the 40-hour workweek, safe job sites, and fair wages.

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters changed my life. It gave me the ability to provide for my family, stand up for workers, and serve my community. I’ll keep paying it forward because when our union is strong, our future is even stronger.