“I wanted to be an electrician at 9 years old. Growing up in Everett, Mass., I was surrounded by the families of union electricians. They were like family to me, and I gained a deep understanding of the union’s role and the electrical industry through them. My uncles were in the IBEW, working as in-house electricians for Raytheon, and I saw what they did, how they wired things, and it just grabbed me. This, combined with the strong work ethic instilled in me by my father, a Teamsters sheet metal worker, drove me to become a union electrician.

My friends, who were a few years older than me, really pioneered the way. They got into vocational school, so I knew the path forward, and I knew I had to work hard. I’d been very focused on getting in the union, but while I was waiting for that membership, at 18, I took a job at a nonunion shop intending to get experience and help the process along. Unfortunately, I was put in harm’s way and had a serious workplace injury working on energized equipment.

While I recovered from my injury, I decided to leverage my childhood hobby of scuba diving and train as a certified commercial hardhat diver in Seattle. After a period of underwater construction work, I returned to my roots and applied to the IBEW. I was not accepted into the electrical program, but I was offered and accepted an apprenticeship in telecommunications. That decision launched a career path that has defined my professional life.

After graduating, I spent a decade as a skilled technician and foreman, overseeing the installation of complex telephone and data networks for major projects. I worked on the Big Dig for five years, supervising fiber-optic installation on what was considered to be the largest construction site on the planet. And when I drive through those tunnels, it’s like driving through home.

I also worked at Logan Airport for 12 years. During that time, I worked for United Airlines, and I was there at Gate C19 on 9/11. I supported UA on telecommunications work — for phones, computers, setting up phone banks — during that disaster. It was a very sad moment, but I was proud that my local and I were there, helping, no questions asked.

As my career progressed, I began teaching part-time at the JATC. At this point, I had about 10 years in the industry, and they were looking for experienced people from the field. I jumped at that opportunity, which led to a full-time instructor position, and I’ve advanced my skills through the National Training Institute’s instructor programs for more than 10 years. I didn’t seek education as a profession, but it found me, and it changed my life.

I recently celebrated 35 years in the union. Thanks to the guidance, support and leadership of the IBEW and Local 103, I have built a successful and fulfilling career. Beyond professional achievement, I found a family of brothers and sisters who have served as invaluable teachers, mentors and leaders, shaping both my work and personal life. I’ve been able to provide for my family with excellent pay and health care, and I am secure in the knowledge that a strong pension and deferred benefits will ensure that my wife and daughter are taken care of in my retirement years.

I’m so thankful to have been welcomed into this great family and want to thank everyone who has been a part of this amazing journey. God bless the IBEW and Local 103.”