Craft Spotlight – Kirk Foreman

Kirk Foreman has been surrounded by union workers for much of his life. His brother joined the Carpenters Union at 18 and hasn’t looked back for the past 20+ years. After noticing the trajectory his brother’s life was headed, Kirk wanted in on the action too. He saw that his brother was getting ahead in life while he was remaining stagnant in his current situation. He decided to join the Laborers Union in 2019 – working on bridges for Beaty, a contractor out of central Indiana.

Kirk wanted more, however. He wanted to be able to put in the work and say he built these roadways and bridges people drive on every day. He wanted to be able to help his contractor more than he was able to at the time and contribute to any job he was on. His answer: joining the Carpenters Union in 2020.

He hasn’t looked back since. He’s involved in all processes around the jobsite, from piling to decking, and everything in between-Kirk is keeping America moving. As has been a common theme for our crafts here in the Central Midwest Carpenters, the job doesn’t come without its own set of hazards.

Piling 90-120ft and beyond is necessary for bridges. Anytime you’re that deep into the earth, there’s a possibility for anything to go wrong at any point. Additionally, there’s the risk of drivers. Unfortunately, 123 construction workers lose their lives yearly on roadway jobsites according to the NIOSH. Mitigating this risk is a huge part of why Brother Foreman is so thankful to not only his contractor for making sure safety regulations are followed, but also for the union apprenticeship for instilling the value that safety has every day on the job.

The key to staying safe and getting the job done? Foreman says it’s communication. Everyone looks out for everyone on a jobsite and tells each other what they need to succeed. Every day in bridgework is different, so each is an opportunity to learn something new and gain new skills. “We use all the tools and machinery in the world, but without effective communication, it’s worthless.”

Now, Kirk gets to pass his knowledge and skillset onto his son, who joined the union this year and works on the same jobsite as his father. “Watching him transform into the next union carpenter is so rewarding,” Foreman said about getting the opportunity to work with his son. They both get to tell their friends and family that they built these roads and bridges they drive on every single day.

When discussing everything that makes building bridges rewarding, Kirk was sure to emphasize that the brotherhood and bonds that are created on jobsites are perhaps the best part. Everyone is there to accomplish the same goal. “You’re around your coworkers more than your family in some cases. Those people become your family.” Regardless of the craft, the Central Midwest Carpenters revolves around and celebrates this idea of family and brotherhood. Creating these bonds that bind our members together – not only on jobsites – but in every facet of life.