Some of life's most important lessons can't be learned in a classroom or from a manual. They are passed down one conversation, one example, and one day on the job at a time. That's how I learned to be an ironworker—working side by side with my dad.
Recently, I lost my father, and like many people who have lost someone they looked up to, I've found myself reflecting on the lessons he left behind. While he taught me how to read drawings, handle steel, and respect the work, the most valuable things he passed on had nothing to do with tools. He taught me that your word matters, that hard work earns respect, and that everyone on a crew succeeds when they look out for one another.
The more I reflect, the more I realize that family and our trade have a great deal in common. Both are built on trust. Both require commitment, patience, and resilience. Neither is about one person alone—they're about supporting each other through challenges and celebrating successes together. Strong families and strong crews are built the same way: one relationship at a time.
Our industry has always been one where knowledge is shared from one generation to the next. Experienced ironworkers take pride in teaching apprentices, not just how to do the job safely and efficiently, but how to carry themselves with professionalism and integrity. That tradition is one of the things that makes our trade special. We don't just build buildings—we build people.
I believe the Alberta Metal Building Association reflects those same values. We are more than a group of companies working in the same industry. We are a community that shares knowledge, supports one another, and works together to strengthen the metal building industry across Alberta. The relationships we build through this association are every bit as important as the projects we complete.
As Chair, I am proud to be part of an organization that believes in collaboration over competition and in investing in the next generation. Whether we're mentoring young people entering the trade, sharing best practices, or working together to advance our industry, we're continuing a tradition that has always been at the heart of ironworking.
My dad may no longer be beside me on the jobsite, but his lessons are. They show up every time I make a decision, every time I work with a team, and every time I have the opportunity to help someone new to the trade. For that, I will always be grateful.
I hope each of us takes a moment to appreciate the people who helped shape our careers—whether they were family members, mentors, coworkers, or friends. Their influence lives on through the work we do and the example we set for those who follow us.
Thank you for being part of the Alberta Metal Building Association. Together, we're building more than structures—we're building a community and a legacy that will continue for generations.
