“My dad is from a family of 12 in Matamoros, Mexico. There were six women and six men. But my grandpa would always bring my father to go cut grass, track cows, trench out ditches — anything that had to do with the ranch. Sun … Continue readingSon proud of family work ethic
She came to my attention on Instagram. I followed a link to her GoFundMe page, where she was seeking short-term financial help. The first line stood out: “I was laid off when I filed a sexual harassment claim.” Her story is long and complicated. Too … Continue readingSexual harassment claim leads to layoff
Music was always welcome in the Rodriguez home. Jesus Rodriguez Sr. made sure of it. Guitars, trumpets and other instruments were lying around. And if Jesus wasn’t playing, his children would see what sounds they could coax from them. … Continue readingYoung mariachi performer is living his dream
“It was a Friday evening, less than 30 minutes before quitting time on a project at this plastics chemical plant between Bishop and Kingsville, Texas. When I went to check on things, I found four insulators working in the pipe rack 75 feet up, and … Continue readingHe helped save lives, whether on or off the job
“I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and came here a long time ago. I worked construction for many years. All of my life, I worked. I would get up, go to work, come back to my house, to my wife, watch TV and that’s it. … Continue readingConstruction work to retirement — he enjoys life
“I want to be recognized around the world for building homes that are stable against major hurricanes and tornadoes. Living in this area, we see our share of storms. People pay a lot of money for their houses, and some of them can get destroyed … Continue readingBudding architect wants to design mom’s dream home
“The toughest part about construction is that you’re working yourself out of a job all the time. You’re always going to a project to finish that project. You know you’re going to lose your job eventually. You know you’re going to get laid off someday … Continue readingConstruction buddies ‘your biggest asset’
“My biggest challenge? That’s kind of a difficult question, man. Right now, I guess it would be keeping my place to stay.” What obstacles do you face? “My background. My decision making as a young kid until the man I am today. Gang-banging, felonies, stuff … Continue readingConstruction worker seeks ‘peaceful, humble life’
“Before I left Chicago, I was a union carpenter. It slowed down a lot because of the Freddie Mac/Fannie May deal. There were no houses getting built because of all the bad loans. I was laid off for 2½ years and got by doing side … Continue readingBusboy, pizza jobs as youth paying off now
“I play on the Golf Channel Amateur Tour and have taken my share of first places. But my job is very demanding, last year especially, so I kind of got a little rusty. “I’m a construction project manager, and I’ve worked all over the United … Continue readingHe tries to balance job, family and golf career