“My advice would to be never stop learning. Always ask questions and keep a clean work space.”
Name: Jessica Serna
Industry: Drywall
Company: Craft Drywall
About me:
I am one of the few woman in the drywall trade here in Central Oregon. I love learning new tricks and showing the boys I can work just as hard.
Before entering the drywall trade I would have never imagined myself doing what I do daily but I’m proud to know I’m helping build a better America. I want my children to learn that hard work and discipline are key to succeeding in any trade.
How did you get started in drywall?
An old neighbor of mine saw I was looking for work. She knew I didn’t have any drywall experience but also knew I’d work my tail off! She has been doing drywall for over 25 years now.
How long have you been in the industry?
My first day was Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14th, 2018
What’s the best part of your day?
The best part of my day is looking back on my work and seeing the magic I can create. Whether my day is small or filled to the brim… I appreciate every accomplishment.
“We are currently working on multiple low-income housing and I’m proud to know I’m helping the future!”
What do you think the industry will look like in five years? Ten years?
I can only hope the industry will only get bigger and more knowledgeable. In five years I’m sure it will be much like it is today, but in ten years I hope my children will be keeping the trades alive. Right now there is a shortage of good quality workers.
What’s the key to success in your industry?
The key to success in the drywall trade is consistency. Great time management is also key. We are the last ones to touch the walls before paint hits it and it must look perfect!
Do you have any advice for the next generation of craftsman?
My advice would to be never stop learning. Always ask questions and keep a clean work space. There are days where I feel I can only fail, but even then, I’m only building my knowledge base.
Thanks, Jessica!
Are you employed in the trades? Think you deserve some recognition? We do too. Share your story with us and we’ll share it with everyone. 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? Michele shares her thoughts on sales guys and James confides how loss drove him to find his craft. You can find them all here.
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.
Plus, for all those drywall installers out there, take a minute to learn about our Trophy Awards and it could be your chance to earn an all expense paid trip to sunny Phoenix, AZ.
3 Comments
Jessica is my daughter. No one could be more proud of her than me. Just the other day I told her I never thought she’d be doing the work that she does…and do it so darn good. She’s truly an example of a woman who has the ability to “think outside the box”…. and be very successful at it. Go get ’em Jess !!!!!!!
Hi Travis, Yes, Jessica began hanging drywall just under a year ago. Cara
Is this correct that you have only been hanging for less than a year?