It’s been a blessing to be in the trade. I have been doing very well not only for myself but for my fiancé and two kids. Becoming an insulator was one of my best decisions I’ve ever made, I make good money have good benefits and great brothers and sisters in the trade, I’m proud the be called an insulator and an instructor.
Brandon Shammo, Local 45 Toledo – Journeyman & Instructor

With being in the fortunate position of an Instructor for the Heat and Frost Insulators in Ontario Canada, I have the opportunity to see the benefits of this trade on a daily basis. I get to witness through each apprentice that comes into the program a difference we are making as a skilled trade to do so much towards the fight on climate change and greenhouse emissions. Every section of insulation that we properly install immediately starts to pay for itself as soon as the system is turned on, and that is a business plan I feel is easy to stand behind. The Insulation trade has helped me provide for my family with fair pay for honest work. It provides steady employment with all the benefits; I also have the ease of mind for my future in knowing that I am contributing to a pension plan that will help me transition to that next phase of my life. I commend anyone who is just starting, finishing their apprenticeship, or a veteran Journeyperson with years in the trade; as you are the ones changing the future for the better for the following generation.
Brent Hashimoto, Local 95 Ontario Canada – Journeyman & Instructor

Organized labor was the beginning of the middle class. It gave many that were willing to work and learn a skill a chance to work their way out of poverty to achieve the “Great American Dream” of home ownership, giving their children a better life than they had and an education.
Gavin Daily, Local 45 - Retired

There are three things I thank God for. First family, for the fact that I was can live in the USA, and able to join the union. Organize labor lets us the workers negotiate wages, benefits, hours, and working conditions.
Gustavo Rodriguez, Local 23 Kansas City - Journeyman & Instructor

Over the years of working for local 45, l learned about commitment and appreciation to our local. Raising the bar, teaching proper work habits has resulted in 45 being the best local around. Nothing is more satisfying when you’re working out of town to hear," Ask the Toledo guy how he would do it". That’s things you remember.
Larry Heggie, Local 45 Toledo - Retired

When I first joined the trade, I considered the union for its stability. Over the last four years I've learned that it means so much more. My family has grown across all over north America, with each member being part of a brotherhood who is willing to fight for the individual. What was at first stability in a career has grown to an overwhelming feeling of pride. I'm proud to be part of the skilled trades and I'm proud to fight for the rights of all my brothers and sisters. We are professionals on a unified front for workers’ rights and it's an honor to be part of that.
Martin Allen, Local 25 Detroit - Journeyman & Instructor

For the past 18 years or so, I’ve belonged to the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. I was very fortunate to have been introduced to and to have the opportunity to be a member of Organized Labor. This Labor organization has enabled me to develop successfully not only within the walls of my Local union but within the walls of society. It has provided me with a steady income to help provide for myself and those of importance that I surround myself with. It provides me with a roof over my head, food to eat, with trustworthy means of transportation and ultimately a safe place to lay my head at night. Away from home it provides me with medical care, retirement benefits, a steady paycheck and a safe work environment. As a member of organized labor, I believe in Collective Bargaining and the right to organize. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
Samuel Tafolla, Local 7 Seattle – Journeyman & Instructor

Everything I’ve ever had or hope to yet have is because of our trade. I traveled extensively for about the last 13 years of my career working primarily Nuclear plant outages. I met many, many wonderful individuals in my time traveling. Spent a lot of time in Local 45’s territory working with some of not only the best mechanics in the trade but truly wonderful people that I consider friends to this day. I was treated like one of their own. I retired in 2009 with a great pension and even greater memories spanning my 31 years. I served my local in several different capacities, serving terms on the executive board, trustee, apprentice instructor and a term as President. There isn’t a day goes by that I don’t say a silent thanks for my union and all the blessings it afforded me.
Tom Casto, Local 50 Columbus/Dayton - Retired

I’m fortunate to have joined a local trade union. A four-year college would have educated me for a career, but the cost wasn’t reasonable enough. Vocational apprenticeship gave me a fair salary career without the suffocating burden of debt. Unions are the greatest tool in the battle against greed and employment ransom. My union became the family I never knew I needed, brothers, sisters, mentors helping me succeed and inspiring me to be the best person I can be. It’s not monetary but I owe a lot to the unions everywhere for all they offer to us. The worker builds this nation, but someone must build up the worker. Our greatest successes are not of the individual but rather that which allows everyone to be a success, we are united.
Travis Lopez, Local 5 Los Angeles - Journeyman & Instructor