The Work Force

At the age of fourteen I entered the workforce. I started mowing a few lawns for cash. I technically entered the workforce at the age of sixteen. A friend recommended me for a job at Village Inn as a busboy. I still haven't forgave him. I also worked for a lawn service for a season and a lawn mower repair shop, before finally settling into my current trade, at the age of eighteen. After a three year apprenticeship, I've tried to hone my skills to be the best I can possibly be at my occupation. I'm not really in competition with anyone per se, even though we do bid against one another for the same jobs. I try to not be judgmental, and pick apart another's work. But over the years, after working for several different floor covering stores, and currently for myself, I've noticed there are different types of tradesmen, who are considered peers, that appear to be at a different level than myself. It may be their level of ambition, skill, care, love of the trade, money, whatever the motive. I've been taught to do work for others as you would want it in your own home. So I try to do a top notch job every time, and if there is a revolutionary way I've figured to accomplish something, I make it known to the tile world. We are constantly bombarded with 'new and improved' products. Those I'm skeptical until they've been on the market for a time, to prove their worth, then I'll test them out. I usually let the more adventurous try it first. It appears to me, the ones who are first to hop on a bandwagon, are the same ones who are looking to turn a quick buck. Which brings me to my breakdown of the workforce. First, there are those who truly enjoy what they do, and go the extra mile to not only do it right, but pay attention to minute details, that, in the end, make the job brilliant. Then there's the installers who are in it solely for the money. There is money to be made in volume, so they only pursue those jobs where they can cover large areas with minimal effort and employees. All they really see is dollar signs. Third, there is the tradesman (a.k.a. the company man), who may be a good installer in his own respect, but lacks the drive to excellence. He shows up for work every day, takes a break at ten, regardless of where he's at, or how much he's accomplished, puts in his eight and punches out. He's really not moved by compliments or criticisms, only the clock. This brings us to our final observation. The person who neither cares about the trade, or his workmanship, or the company he happens to be employed at, only a paycheck. Unfortunately there happens be to more folks like that than you would care see. I personally try to establish a standard within my company, and, unknowingly have set a standard in the area. It's reassuring when architects call you to get product and procedure information to specify on their blueprints. It's also nice when the tile suppliers run into a problem, they call me to get a suggestion or solution. I'm not trying to flaunt my arrogance, rather express my appreciation for those who are concerned with doing things right, and maintaining a standard of integrity within the trade.