We had an opportunity to sit down with carpenter Dave Souza and ask him about his life as a carpenter. Dave was TradeSource’s August 2018 employee of the month and has been working with us for almost 20 years on various construction jobs.
1) How did you get into construction?
I originally went to school to be a welder but in the 1980’s on a hot summer day, in the house we were living in, the landlord was having vinyl siding put onto the house. Every day when I walked by the construction workers, they would ask me if I wanted to help them and have a job. I said no for the first few days as I was going to school for something different, then I started to grow more interested in the opportunity. Even though I did not know much about the construction industry at first, the guys told me to have an open mind and so I did. I started banging nails in 1984 and the rest is history. That was the beginning of my construction career.
2) What is an important aspect to know about construction?
Important aspects to know about construction include knowing the basics and getting a solid foundation in the construction industry. This really means the simple things such as learning and using the tape measure, using different tools, and really understanding the different parts of what you’re building. You can’t just walk onto a construction job and think you already have all the answers – it’s a process. Keeping an open mind and understanding this is extremely important. You must crawl to be able to walk. Knowing that you can gain valuable knowledge from other workers on the construction site is crucial in the success and growth of your career.
Another important aspect is to always have ambition. Sometimes, you will work long days on a construction job and you need a strong work ethic to do so. But, with this ambition comes great success and reward. Construction jobs is a great career to get into.
3) Any projects in the past that have really stood out?
This is a tough question to answer, because I have been on so many great construction job-sites. Right now, I am framing a medical building and it’s been great. That is what is so great about temp services because I am able to work on so many different types of construction jobs and it is always something different.
From car museums to hospitals to mansions in Newport, RI. TradeSource has provided opportunities for me that I truly am grateful for. Before TradeSource, I actually worked as a side walling boss for ten years. I came to TradeSource for a difference and that is what I’ve found. After I worked on the multimillion dollar car museum – he owned a beautiful mansion that he wanted us to work on as well. Although this was a short term 3-month project – it was one of the most beautiful projects I have ever worked on.
4) What drew you to TradeSource? What do you like about TradeSource?
What drew me to TradeSource was my wife. She heard a radio commercial on TradeSource and told me about the company as soon as she heard it. I had been looking for something different and I found it at TradeSource. When it comes to what I like about TradeSource, it is that they have been awesome to say the least. They make you feel as though you are truly wanted and cared for. It is more than them just finding construction jobs for me – it is about making a great life for me and my family.
5) What do you think about the recruiting team at TradeSource?
TradeSource is like a big brother to me. From making me feel extremely welcomed to personalizing the job finding experience – they have made it very clear that my career was important to them. They have always wanted the best for me and have always found construction jobs whenever I needed them. They are always a phone call away for any of my needs. For example, if one particular job was not working out, they would do everything in their power to help me get to another jobsite. Nothing in life is perfect – but TradeSource sure is close.
6) Advice for millennials who want to go into construction?
Although there is a lack of talent when it comes to the younger generation in this field, there is a great need for that talent. For millennials who want to get into construction, it is important to remember what I said earlier – having ambition gets you places. You must be willing to do the work to reap the benefits. A career in construction is great because there is a massive amount of overtime and you can make a lot of money in this field – but in order to do so, you must be willing to get out there, learn from more experienced workers, and understand the basic principles of construction.
About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com
