2024 Indiana Kentucky Graduate Speaker – Kyle Harvey

Kyle Harvey comes from a long line of tradesmen. His grandfather was part of the steelworkers’ union, and his father is a union operating engineer. Kyle’s affinity for hands-on work took root long before high school.

He joined the military after high school, which instilled values of hard work, determination, and grit into his everyday life, all while satisfying his desire for hands-on, meaningful work. However, once he left the military, he found himself at a crossroads. He had a wife, a daughter, and another child on the way. He needed to do something to support them and provide the life they deserved. Though he was out of the military, the desire to serve remained deep within him. Harvey sought something hands-on, beneficial to others, and stable enough to support his growing family.

The solution to his dilemma? He went through Helmets to Hardhats to join the Central Midwest Carpenters. “It is, by far, the best decision I’ve ever made,” Brother Harvey said about his transition into carpentry. The pay, benefits, and work our members perform is exactly what Kyle was looking for in his career. The same values he learned in the military are applied daily on the jobsite. Hard work, punctuality, and a willingness to learn are crucial for success in this industry, according to Kyle.

The work isn’t easy, however, as Brother Harvey describes, “It’s hot, it’s sweaty, it’s physically demanding, mentally taxing […] and I absolutely love the opportunity to be out in the elements, doing dangerous work. It’s awesome.” Despite the job’s demands, for individuals like Kyle, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

Everything that people use daily must be built and maintained, from hospitals and schools to bridges and roads – Carpenters are at the forefront of constructing the infrastructure of our communities, and a sense of pride and belonging accompany that realization. Being able to drive through a community and point out places you’ve built is something very few people experience – union carpenters like Brother Harvey are paving the way for future generations.

 

Congratulations to Brother Harvey for being the CMRCC’s 2024 Indiana/Kentucky Graduation Spotlight. Watch his full video below!