Page 47 - The Digital Carpenter, Vol. 1 Issue 2

CLOCKING OUT
ADVICE FROM RECENTLY RETIRED CARPENTERS
KURT ROTAN – LOCAL 252 | WILLIAM CASSIDY – LOCAL 164
Kurt Rotan and William Cassidy know a thing or two about what it takes to have a successful career as a Union Carpenter.
Rotan, a Local 252 Council Representative and 34-year member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA), began his career in carpentry in his early 20s after attending college for architecture.
Throughout his career, Rotan said that he believes the key to his success was staying involved in his Union and his community as often as he could.
“I’ve been a Council Delegate since 1995,” said Rotan. “Staying involved in your Local is essential to your career, as it helps to keep you informed about what’s going on in your Union and the ways that we are helping to secure good paying wages and bene ts for our members. Staying involved also helps our members to nd out what’s happening on their job sites, on other area job sites and events that are occurring in their community.”
William Cassidy, Local 164 President and Council Representative, is a 36-year member of the UBCJA and agrees with Rotan about getting involved in your Local and community.
Cassidy, who started his career in carpentry in the 1980s on a number of home building projects in Chester County, said that listening to older carpenters on the job site can help to set up younger carpenters starting their career.
“I’ve always been a carpenter,” said Cassidy. “From the time that I was in high school, I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Once I started a job in the Union, I listened to older carpenters on the site and learned how to do my job. I started at the young age of 18, so there was plenty to learn.”
During his years in the Carpenters Union, Cassidy said that being a part of the Brotherhood taught him a number of life skills, including teamwork, how to work hard and how to raise a family.
“I’d tell young people just starting out in the trade to always be ready and get there early every day,” said Cassidy. “It’s important to have a positive attitude, work as hard as you can and at the end of the day you’ll be able to make a lasting income and bene ts that will provide for you and your family for years to come.”
WILLIAM CASSIDY CELEBRATES A FULFILLING CAREER
KURT ROTAN SPEAKS ABOUT RETIREMENT
THE DIGITAL CARPENTER | 47