I didn’t take a traditional path into the trades. My background was in restaurant management, and I came from a family that worked in non-union residential flooring. Becoming a union floor coverer in my 30s wasn’t part of the plan. I was seeking a more stable career, better hours, and a long-term future because I’m a parent. When I was given the chance to become a union floor coverer with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), I jumped at the opportunity.
Since then, my career has taken off. Today, I’m a journey-level floor coverer with IUPAT District Council 5, Local 1236 in Portland, Oregon. I serve on the District Council Trustee Board, and my Local’s Executive Board and was elected to be a delegate to the 2024 IUPAT General Convention. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and that it’s never too late to build something better for yourself and your family. Especially when you have the support of a strong union like mine, the IUPAT.
Finding My Way into the Union Trades
Before joining the IUPAT, I didn’t have much experience with floor covering. My family worked primarily in residential construction, and while I saw the value of working with my hands, I wasn’t sure if it was for me. That all changed when I joined the IUPAT’s apprenticeship program.
The union apprenticeship program changed my life. It introduced me to a supportive structure of my fellow workers that helped me develop my skills and grow within my trade. I completed the program in three years, and even now, I continue to take additional training courses provided by my union. It’s one of the best parts of being an IUPAT member: you never stop learning, and the union is there to support you every step of the way.
Learning by Doing
Most of what I’ve learned has come through hands-on experience. From day one, I had my union brothers and sisters mentoring me and guiding me on each project. I’ll never forget one of my earliest projects, just two weeks into my apprenticeship, working on a hospital installation. It was hard and high-pressure, but instead of being intimidated, I saw it as an opportunity to grow. That was the project that gave me the confidence I needed to keep pushing forward with my career.
Since then, I’ve worked on some incredible projects, such as the Nike headquarters, Portland International Airport, Portland Trail Blazers’ training facility, and Google offices. Each of these jobs helped me sharpen my skills, something I take great pride in.
More Than Just Work
Being part of the IUPAT has offered me more than just a steady career; it has given me purpose and an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. I’ve had the chance to mentor apprentices, speak at career fairs, and serve in leadership positions within my union. Something I never imagined when I started this journey.
Despite everything I have achieved, I’m still learning something new about my trade. I’m always looking for ways to improve and help others succeed. I try to lift others up, which is something my union values deeply. The IUPAT’s motto, One Union, One Family, One Fight, could never be truer. Our union’s strength comes from members like me, and I take that to heart.
What’s Ahead
Right now, I’m leading major projects in downtown Portland. I also plan to stay active in my union leadership. I want to continue mentoring, organizing, and doing my part to strengthen the future of this trade.
There’s still plenty I want to accomplish. Certifications to earn, projects to lead, and young workers to guide. For me, success isn’t just personal; it’s for my family and my union. I want to help strengthen our union and leave the floor covering trade better than I found it.
My Advice to Anyone Considering This Path
If you’re thinking about getting into union floor covering, the finishing trades, or entering a union apprenticeship, my message is simple: be ready to work hard, stay open to learning, and lean on the members around you. It won’t always be easy, but the opportunities are real, and the rewards are worth it.
I’m living proof that it’s never too late to start over. With our union and our members by your side, there’s no limit on how far you can go.
