My job is challenging and rewarding. You get out of it what you put into it.
Randy Freitas
My job is challenging and rewarding. You get out of it what you put into it.
Randy Freitas
Hometown: San Ramon, California
I live with: My wife of 27 years, Renee, and my fox red Labrador Retriever, Abee. Our 22-year-old son, Marcus, is currently going to San Jose State University to become a mechanical engineer.
Education: Completed Sheet Metal Apprenticeship soon after high school.
Years in the industry: 37 years in the sheet metal industry with another three years as a welder prior to starting my apprenticeship.
My main responsibilities are: I am in charge of the sheet metal labor for the field and the shop.
# of promotions since I started: I started here as a journeyman. I became a foreman after one year and then became the superintendent 11 years later.
My job is: Challenging and rewarding. You get out of it what you put into it.
My first ever job was: As a cook for Kentucky Fried Chicken in high school.
My favorite subject in high school was: Math, but our high school offered many vocational classes that I enjoyed like woodshop, auto shop, welding, and metal shop.
To be good at my job you need to: Communicate well and have a good understanding of the company standards.
My favorite part of my job is: Working with great people as a team.
How I got my start in the industry: My second job in high school was a welder at a place that made bicycle frames. It didn’t pay much, but it was great experience. When I graduated high school, I went to Laney College to get certified in Mig and Arc welding. While there a sheet metal shop called looking for a welder. I took the job and learned about the sheet metal apprenticeship.
My advice to someone considering coming into this industry is: To contact the local union training center.
My favorite project was: Abgenix, a bio-tech company. It seemed that all of the major trades worked well together on that one. I became longtime friends with many of them who each became a superintendent at their shops soon after.
Proudest work accomplishment: Being part of the growth of a company that has a reputation for quality, and still maintains that “family” atmosphere.
