I started as a pile butt almost when Eisenhower was president. Well, maybe not quite that long ago, but those were different times. Back then you hardly ever wore safety belts; if you asked the boss, he would look at you cross eyed. Now putting on a safety belt, harnesses, eye protection and ear plugs is automatic. My dad was a pile driver and he got killed in a barge, so safety is number one for me. I’ve got a good reputation; very few people have ever gotten hurt working for me. I have about 28 out here on this project. My goal: every one goes home the same way they came. Team work is key. You can’t build anything by yourself, and the union helps make it all work.

Another thing, we don’t yell at people. When I started, if you did something wrong they yelled at you. Now they talk to you. It works better. Yelling isn’t the answer.