01/04/2023
The better work you do, the better work you will do.
A statement I’ve made, and stand by. It could use clarification so here is a bit.
1987 found me aged 30 years, living and working as a carpenter in Washington DC, Georgetown area actually. Prior to that was a stint in the oil patch - Rocky Mountains - production well testing - rig rat - unemployed. Mahogany row kept us pawns, addicted to the pittance and broke. Easier to control that way.
I digress. That’s a story for another time. Suffice it to say, while I had made significant progress up the ladder of success, sadly - it was leaning against the wrong wall.
My heart, my talent, my gift, was building things. Working with my hands stimulated me - and I could hum a tune.
The Good Lord gives everyone talents and kinda expects them to be used. You know? — ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ — an all that stuff? I’d been hiding from my talent. Used to hard work? Yea. Had that. Something else was lacking.
It took a big leap of faith to leave everything I knew behind and travel all the way across the country into the big city and engage into a whole different career. Opportunity knocked. I answered. A year in, I received a Grand Award for craftsmanship with my initial projects and was now involved with a historic renovation contractor gutting and modernizing a classic old brownstone. 16,000 square feet - Single family residence. Yea, for rich folks. They could afford it. It challenged, not only me as a craftsman but the entire industry. That’s a good thing.
The seasonal work I did in the first year was for a landscaper, exterior woodworking. I built a Pergola on the exterior of the house that a renovation company was remodeling. The owner of that company invited me to come inside for the winter on his project - better work leads to better opportunities, better work. — Yup.
On my first day, the job Super took me up to what would be the Master Suite. - a series of rooms added to the original brownstone —
He had a problem, inherited from the recently fired framers. Walls out of plumb. Ridge off center. Room out of square.
“Since you come so highly recommended-“ he said “look it over and give your solution to this.”
He left me standing there with a set of plans, my level, my mouth hanging open, and tape measure sticking out. I might or might not have had a moment of panic.
“This” was a very complex tray ceiling with barrel dormers integrated into the angles as well as a 6 piece crown molding stack - among many other trim details. I have just one year experience under my belt. “Lord, you brought me to it! Let’s get thru it!
Those of you who are builders, or know one, will recognize the 1000 yard stare. The motionless pose. Statuesque, even.
The processing takes time.
While I didn’t have years of experience, what I did have was an ability to “see things as they are”. By the next morning, I knew exactly what the room looked like and what needed to change to make it what it had to be. It’s not possible to argue something straight if it is crooked. You can carve it straight. Carve is not a term used much in framing but that’s what was required here.
The super asked me what I needed, supplied me what I requested and left me alone - for 6 weeks. I cut out some, padded some, added some, moved some, and delivered a room they could work with. Didn’t know it at the time, but this was a critical moment. When you deliver, more is expected. That’s a good thing when more leads to better.
On this project, I became the problem solver. I didn’t need years of experience. I just needed to see what was and what should be — then connect the dots between here and there.
For the next two years I worked thru the completion of this beautiful project - call it my PHD. Received a compliment from a fellow tradesman who happened by one day as I was inlaying butterfly joints into massive timber frame exposed rafters. He looked up at me and at the work and said, “Are you doing these? You ain’t old enough to be doing work like this.“
Mr. QC. The arch king, as well as a few other less flattering monikers got added as my designations.
Then there was the time - remember it clearly - it’s what got me writing this morning - the time many months after the framing was squared away in the master wing, plaster was finished and we were applying the molding stack. Different levels in different rooms, leading to different combinations of the 6 piece crown. I was perplexed — with Ron, the super, looking on. We had to come to the conclusion that one level was wrong and it would be necessary to adjust the trim detail. Ron just kinda marveled and chuckled as he went away saying to no one in particular,
“he made a mistake. Hmm, can ya believe that. He made a mistake”
I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken. Not to be arrogant but that hadn’t happened. Humbling.
This period in my life taught me how to perfect my craft, how design works, and what rich is. I grew. The homeowners were left with something I’m sure they did not fully appreciate but that doesn’t take anything away from me. What I now had was confidence to accept any challenge that came along and the skills to follow through.
And I did do “better work”. Doors opened. Opportunities presented. Looking back I see the hand of Providence leading me forward.
Today, my official status is “retired”. Not really accurate. I’m still sharing my gifts. Not with my hands so much but with my ideas. That’s gratifying and the natural progression of who I have become.
As long as the Good Lord continues to bless me with a clear mind, I’ll accept the challenge.
Your possibilities are just as endless - if you embrace them with the talents God has given you. Learn what that special something that you possess is. Look for it. Want it. Go for it. Don’t waist your time trying to please others. Do your best at whatever your hands find to do, for yourself - as unto the Lord.
Use it or lose it.
For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
This biblical principle is found in your Bible - The Parable of the Talents. Look at the gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 25. Start at verse 14 and read for yourself. It has proven true for me.
The better work you do, the better work you will do. Simple statement that is so empowering.
It’ll work for you too. I’m sure of it.
