I grew up around scrap yards, where the sight of massive machines quickly became part of everyday life. From an early age, I was drawn to how they worked, and even more to the skill it took to keep them running. Watching my dad repair equipment made a lasting impression and sparked my own interest in the trade. I started welding at just nine years old, taking on my first project by building a snowplow for a lawnmower, followed by custom weightlifting equipment. By the age of twelve, I was already welding on dump trucks and dumpsters, gaining real-world experience most people don’t see until much later.

As my skills developed, I expanded into working on heavy equipment, driven by a genuine fascination with large machinery and complex systems. I furthered my knowledge by attending welding classes at Albright’s, where I learned the technical principles and science behind the craft, and also studied machining basics at the career center. What drives me is simple: I enjoy the challenge of diagnosing and fixing broken equipment, keeping operations running smoothly, and delivering work that not only performs well but looks good. The combination of hands-on problem-solving and the opportunity to build a strong, reliable career is what keeps me motivated every day.