As part of our efforts to help Keep Craft Alive, we are talking to skilled-workers across the U.S. and Canada about how they got started in the field.
Jerry Strickland, President Jeffco Inc
Keep Craft Alive Profile: Jerry Strickland
Name: Jerry Strickland, President Jeffco Inc.
Industry: Gutters/Siding
How You Got Started:
My father was in the industry, and I worked summers on siding, guttering, and roofing crews from the age of 14. After getting a college degree, I decided I didn’t want to be behind a desk and I joined my father at Jeffco. I’ve been there full-time for thirty years.
Favorite Part of the Job:
I really enjoy meeting clients and transforming their homes.
Advice to Those Entering the Field:
Focus on customer service, and always be honest. The key to success is quality workmanship by our employees. I also believe that customization and organization are important and, as always, follow through with quality customer service.
What the Future Holds:
The wide range of materials in roofing, siding, and windows have opened up so many options and it is easier to truly customize a home. We need to get more young people to become the craftsmen we need, or we may not be able to grow as much as we would like.
Favorite Projects:
We work so much on residential homes and I love that but sometimes a commercial job comes along with some new design elements or new materials to work with and that is always fun to explore. I think I really like projects where I may be doing something new or working with a new product.
Thanks, Jerry!
Are you employed in the trades? Help us combat the image problem and share your story. We know there are a lot of talented people in the trades and we think it’s about time everyone else did too.
Want to read more profiles? Here you go.
For more information on how we support those in the trades and what you can do to help, check out our Keep Craft Alive initiatives.
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