I was looking at getting into construction. A friend knew someone in sheet metal. Nineteen years later, I’m still happy I chose it.
Jeff Rydquist
I was looking at getting into construction. A friend knew someone in sheet metal. Nineteen years later, I’m still happy I chose it.
Jeff Rydquist
Hometown: Estacada, Oregon
I Live with: My girlfriend Liz and my two kids.
Education: Five year apprenticeship Journeyman certificate, Associates Sheet Metal Technology
Years in the industry: Nineteen, all at the same company! I started working here at age 22 as a pre-apprentice and shortly after started into the apprenticeship and continued from there.
My main responsibilities are: To quote work for the mechanical fabrication shop and ensure it is operating efficiently.
# of promotions since I started: Four: Apprentice, Journeyman, Foreman, Shop Manager
My job is: Very rewarding!
My first ever job was: Mowing lawns and yard work.
My favorite subject in high school was: Geology.
To be good at my job you need to: Be disciplined, organized, honest, personally accountable.
My favorite part of my job is: Helping employees grow and succeed in the company
My least favorite part is: Meetings.
How I got my start in the industry: I was looking at getting into one of the construction trades. A friend knew someone in the sheet metal trade so I checked into it.
My advice to someone considering coming into this industry is: It is a great career with many opportunities, don’t pass it up!
My favorite project was: The first project I started on here for a local high tech company fabricating plenums.
Proudest work accomplishment: Providing the best sheet metal fabrication around!
