A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist. Louis Nizer
After 56 years I've found a construction company that truly cares about quality. I've never felt better about my work. Unlearning bad habits was easier than I thought with the right systems in place. Had my first job with no problems start to finish. No replacement for good systems and quality work. Only took me 56 years.
It’s hard finding the drive to work for somebody who wants production and not quality. So this sounds hopeful for someone like me looking into joining the carpenters union at age 30.
The best advertising you can have for your business, especially as a contractor is word of mouth, I'm retired now at 67, my old worn out body will not let me do the things I could 20- 30 years ago, but building things that will stand the test of time is your legacy, and to stand that test you must do quality work, I still remember my Dad as a young kid telling me " Damn it if your going to do it.. do it right the first time, or don't do it at all!" Thanks Dad!
I had an employer in Hibbing, MN that taught and stressed perfection. If you missed a nail, pull it. Hank’s Woodworks taught me a lot. Always do your best.
After many years in the construction business, I've always been impressed with young help that asks questions and frustrated with those that "know everything".
Went into landscaping at 45. Worked for a company paying a bit better than minimum wage for three years. Stepped out on my own because i knew that my attention to detail was not valued in production, but with (ahem) art. High quality work is not only of much higher value, it is sought out. Within three years business became referral only.
Taking my 14 year old son out to a rental property we’re fixing up. We’re building a privacy fence all weekend. Can’t wait to instill these ideals into my son’s line of thinking. Can’t wait to spend the weekend working with him and building something great together. Thanks for all the words of encouragement EC!!
You got this! I’m 22, bought a rental property a few months ago and am super grateful to have had my dad there by my side teaching me. He’s a structural engineer by trade but fairly handy and I watched/helped him renovate his places. I used to hate how he’d drag me out to help him but I’ve developed a love for it thanks to him
I’m a 36 your old red seal carpenter in canada, I appreciate what this man says so much. We need more guys like this. I love what I do and it drives me nuts to see guys doing sub-standard work for people paying good money.
I’m in Canada too, I feel like that’s an epidemic here. Im in Ottawa and there’s just no culture of craftsmanship here. Everyone just wants their shit done cheaply and quickly and it results in some really shameful “professional” builds. Its like people here live such fast lives and are so busy that they don’t have time to appreciate craftsmanship. On the other hand my wife’s from Seattle and we lived down there for a few years and they really take pride in their work there on a level that I just hadn’t seen in Canada. We would really get to know and connect with clients, take our time to think and plan out a job, and clients appreciated us doing our job well and correctly. Quality and safety definitely took priority over speed and profits. I miss that work culture and I wish we had more of that in Canada
Hi Patrick, I'm a 28 year old in Ontario Canada looking to become a Journeyman Carpenter that can do work to the standard that this man talks about in the video. If you are in southern Ontario and have the time to take on an apprentice (or know of someone who can), please reply to this comment.
My father is just like this. At first i didnt like how he used to be such a perfectionist. Its not like his boss cared enough to pay him extra for going the extra mile. But now i find myself doing similar work to him and always taking down what does not feel right. Thanks dad!
Fantastic insight. My father has 45 years or so in trades. I really should record some of his wisdom before i can't. He told me not to work in the trades but at 38 i wish i did. I'm a handyman now and love my job for first time in my life. I can't imagine the satisfying feeling as i progress my skills and do bigger projects. God bless you brother
My dad worked on the flight line in the Air Force in the mid 1960's. He learned all about generators, and the electrical automotive trade in general, and he ran a local auto shop for about 35 years, rebuilding alternators, starters, mostly, but he could fix anything on either, rewind stators and armatures, you name it. He knew the how, and he knew the why of all the ins and outs in that field. I always regret not taking him up on his offer to teach me all that he knew, granted I did absorb some of it over the years, but not nearly as much as I should have, and it was mostly my attitude, I didn't want to be him, I wanted to be me(it's a long story that represented most of our relationship). He passed in 2017, all that knowledge I had access to is gone. I should've listened to him.
I'm a Software Engineer with a woodworking hobby, which likely led me to this video. Your insights here mirror the principles of building software and websites perfectly, including the concept of 'staging material'. After 10 years in the field, I still found valuable takeaways. Thanks for sharing!
@@bren.r This advice is basically for every human being which is great. Many problems can stem from "oh my coworker hardly does stuff, so I'm not gonna work as hard". When I decided to stop complaining so much I noticed I moved around more, got some more work done and could think & plan things better since I took control of myself, instead of lazing around, judging others, and my end result would be to reflect the way they work onto me. Glad I ain't the only one waking up to better oneself for a fulfilling lifestyle.
This is where you shine the brightest! Imparting the wisdom of your years emphasizing quality workmanship above all else! Thank you and as you know...keep up the good work!😁
I’m so so so so blessed, right out of high school. I got a job from a home builder who only has two employees including me. he is an absolute craftsman, the man is an absolute lost art of skills in his trade. I couldn’t believe either how good this man paid me compared to other companies, it was insane, when I realized how much I was making out of high school. I also realized working around job sites, how bad the quality of craftsmanship is and sloppy crazy work. Thank god for inspections.
I just got my job as an apprentice carpenter beginning next year. The essential craftsman deserves credit in this small achievement of mine. I will endeavour to do good work and create something beautiful in this world. Many good wishes for the new years and God bless
I was lucky enough to work in three different markets where I could hold foundation tolerances to 1/2"/100', rough wall framing to ultra-fine trim, and finish carpentry to, "It should look like it grew together." It was good, clean fun.
Automotive painter, attention to details is a must I always tell myself I’m as good as my last paint job. I try to incorporate the same mindset on to others.
As soon as I saw this video title, my mind immediately jumped to the work of your good friend Ken that you displayed from around his home. Truly some of the best craftsmanship on the planet
Hello Scott, greetings from Baldock England. Having spent about 54 years in construction.In June 1969, I started my carpentry apprenticeship in Mullingar Ireland with a brilliant company called John Sisk&Sons. One of my early experiences with Sisk was their ability to recognise talent in young people, investing in apprentice training, in not just carpentry but other trades. I very much share your values on all aspects of your video, myself at 70 years, I am still serving my apprenticeship. Scott, keep making these very inspirational videos. As a carpenter in the first instance, my very big interest right now is the rebuilding of Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, after that very damaging fire in 2019. I very much like the mix of modern technology applications and the artisan skills of medieval carpentry. These videos are easily found on UA-cam. Wishing you a very happy new year and best wishes for 2024 Best Regards Valentine Shanley PS, I want to remember all those brilliant trades people who took their time to impart their skills to me. Basically, they laid the foundation stone for me and a wonderful career to follow in construction, firstly carpentry, and then project management.
@olliefoxx7165 Thanks, Ollie, for your question. Sadly not. However, having studied many videos since the fire and in particular, carpenters using skills and methods from the Middle Ages, really got me interested. I went to Paris last August to get some idea of progress. This project is on a grand scale and very difficult to get a handle on what is going on behind the hoardings. However, these hoardings that surround the site are loaded with up to date bulletin boards, which are very impressive and informative. It would not surprise me that the final project bill will hit the one billion euro, mark As I said in my piece, there is so much information out there on the Web, especially UA-cam. Finally, it's a great testament to the French army general,(retired) who is the project director, who reports to the French president, his teams of consultants and the hundreds of artisans who work on the site and externally in various locations across France. Best Regards Valentine Shanley
@valentineshanley2959 Thank you for your post. I've heard the effort in repairing Notre Dame was significant and impressive but I haven't seen the videos myself. When I heard of the damage done to Notre Dame I was very...upset. I'm glad they are repairing it properly. Cathedrals like Notre Dame are examples of the finest craftsmanship of our ancestors. Not only are they religious symbols of faith they are testaments to the pinnacles of European craftsmanship. Only the best were allowed to work on such projects. The work is meant to last indefinitely so it must be done to the absolute highest degree possible. You have visited it yourself and seem to be satisfied its being done correct. I'll have to check out the videos detailing it. Thanks again for your time. 👍✌️
This "excellence" mindset applies directly to all industries! I sent this video to my guys(in the automotive world) who certainly need it. Thank you Essential Craftsman for passing on your wisdom! You are a gifted craftsman but an equally(and more importantly) gifted teacher. I wish there was a way to package your content and include it into school curriculums. Very inspiring!
I've never worked in construction, but I spent over 40yrs in Industrial repair. I had a man that I worked with and eventually I worked For him as he became the Plant Manager--He was crazy about good customer service--i learned from that and I look closely how i am treated by even the most mundane of service providers. Proper customer sevice and Good Quality work go hand in hand. I really do enjoy all your presentations. I hope that young folks can learn from you as I have. I hope you will continus to produce these films, Thank you----Mikey, Belfair, Wa
Hi scott. What a great job you did explaining this concept to, hopefully, the younger generation about to take up the trade crafts. I began my career as a union electrician at age 44, having lost my job as a maintenance mechanic as a result of 9/11. Being in classes with a lot of younger folks, some as young as 18, I tried to impart my sense of craftsmanship and pride in my work, to these future tradesmen. I told them don’t let anyone force to go faster than you are ready to be, but instead learn the correct way of doing everything. Speed should come as a result of repetition. I also warned them that if they didn’t get faster at tasks through repetition, the they should find something else to do, as they were not suited for this type of work. I warned them that if every day was a struggle, they would come to hate their job, regardless of wages. Many let it go in one ear and out the other, but hopefully it helped at least one of them. I had a personal instance of working on your own time to correct what I thought was my inadequacy. We were installing a new type of lighting controller no one had seen before. The foreman trusted me to figure out all the little nuances as these devices were an afterthought brought to the job by the engineer. Spent a lot of time making sure I was getting everything right in the first area we did. When the power was turned on, the lights didn’t work as planned, in fact they were doing all kinds of weird things. This happened at the end of the day. It bothered me me all evening, wondering what I could have done wrong. I got up at 2;30 am to be in work by 5, an hour earlier than usual, to try to figure what the problem was. Foreman was impressed by my effort. After all the investigation we found that a whip between lighting was installed between an emergency fixture and a regular fixture where it didn’t belong. Once this was removed, all lights worked as designed, proving out that the work I did was correct. It feels really good to be vindicated. Foreman wanted to let me leave an hour early. Said no thanks, that I was happy I figured out the problem and my experience was pay enough. Old school pride in your work as I had been shown by the people I admired.
I love these videos from you, and the older I get the more value I see in listening to "the old guy" that's been there and done that! Thank you so much, I look forward to all your videos!
I’m 26 and have started my residential remodeling company at the end of last year and my main goal is to be able to provide the best product and customer experience possible. I truly am so glad that I found this video, I needed to hear this. I just want to learn & then teach how to become a master of the craft.
Lots of great points! Especially the one about watching other people’s work. As an engineer this is very important to me. It allows me to solve problems in faster/more elegant/lighter ways.
I'm as a 34-year old am re-learning that everything you do should be well thought through to the details. And that you need to build everything mentally first. You imagine the results you look for, and then tear it away layer by layer untill you're at the start. Also; building things in miniature/mockups is often the best way forwards before you start the real stuff. Succeeding is after all crucial, otherwise it is a failure. That means doing things slow is always the safest way because it minimizes the chance for mistakes. That means you're constantly moving forwards with no steps backwards towards the finish line.
The mental strength you need to keep pursuing craftsmanship in a trades world full off others who complain, show up to work unprepared, hungover, and unwilling to put in the extra work for their own personal benefit and achievement is understated. It doesn’t take long for those around you to bring you down and to harass you for being better than you were the day before, better than they are now. They try to stop you from looking better than they ever will be. For some it’s a pivotal moment in your trades career. You can push past the ones who never went anywhere or you can become one of them. I see a lot of young men ruin who they could be because of those around them. Sometimes you have no choice but to deal with those around you. You will need to make steps in your career to surround yourself with others of the same mindset but a true test is being forced to continue your mindset around those who despise it.
Truer words were never spoken. It’s amazing how many people will try to bring you down. I went from working in a small private company where we were nonstop hustling to get everything done, we didn’t stop for breaks unless we came to a finishing point of a particular project, and I had to learn aspects of many different types of maintenance, woodworking, electrical, painting and varnishing, boat handling etc.. To a job also in the maritime sector but for government, where it seemed like my can-do attitude and eagerness to tackle any job are derided at every turn. I can’t tell you the amount of times in the first 6 months I was told to slow down, and make sure I take my full allotted breaks at the appointed times. There were a couple guys who clearly resented me and my attitude. In the absence of leadership I will always make a prioritized list of work on my own and keep busy. This drove this one guy nuts, because he would rather just sit around and get paid. He would come out and complain to me that I was going to finish all the tasks too quickly and the officers would just make more work for us to do. He would stand over me while I was scrubbing a big section of the ship and watch me work and complain about me and my gung-Ho attitude. Listening to that every day for a month of straight working and living with this guy really took the wind out of me. I did go from running my own small commercial vessel to working in the lowest position on the deck of larger government ships, and I’m feeling that the expectations of people in these bottom end positions are pretty sad. The officers seem to barely trust deckhands to do basic mechanical tasks that I have been well versed in for a long time. It’s been a good exercise in remembering to be a student and swallowing my pride as people don’t know me or what I’ve done in the past. For many simple tasks the higher ups will explain things to me like how to prep for painting as if im as green as grass, as if I’m just going to slap paint over top of rust. sometimes it takes all I’ve got not to explain my resume to them. Better to just swallow it and let your work speak for itself, it’s a long process but will create less resentment in the long run.
I had a boss tell me my work has my name on it. He then asked, what do you want people to think when they look at your work. That was literally all it took.
Had a boss tell me almost the same thing. “Be proud of your work, or nobody else will.” I learned early on that excitement is contagious. If a client is excited about a certain project, it gets me excited. I’ve found my self excited to build a certain kitchen and it made the client comfortable and eventually excited. Emotions are contagious. I tell guys that if you aren’t willing to sign your signature to the back of that cabinet, I don’t want you to build it. It becomes spiritual after you do it long enough. Hope all is well in your world.
I've been framing houses for 12 years now, and i learned quickly that you're only as good as your last job. Have pride be respectful, pay attention, and work hard. Shout out to Norm abram if we're talking quality work he is America's carpenter!
I’ve been fortunate enough to work for myself almost my entire life, I’m 36 now. I always pushed myself to build everything as close to perfection as possible, within limits of course. I love to hear you stories and knowledge that you give out to others
You have no idea how encouraging it is seeing/hearing about you tearing out work you've done in order to redo it correctly / better. Really gives us hacks a lot of hope
Thanks Sir, I always appreciate your videos. This one in particular contains alot of very quality advise, that is practically applicable in every jobs. A great take home message for any starter..."People will give time to teach someone who is genuinely curious rather than a know-it-all".
As a finish carpenter and tile contractor I loved this video. My work being near perfect is important. Perfect doesn't exist because I'm always getting better
100% this is what keeps me going on the hard days. No better feeling than knowing that you did your best, it looks amazing, and yet you can still do it better next time. It’s almost an addiction in my mind.
I have the utmost respect for people like this gentleman. Smart and skilled. Master of his craft who honed his skills for his whole life and he remained open minded and curious.
THIS is an extremely important message. We have to plant the seeds of this message amongst everything we touch. You never know where the seed will take root and bare the fruit of tomorrow's craftsman. Such good advice.
Thank you sir for this video. I am a high school teacher that coaches high school students and we focus on life success. I will be using your video as an excellent example of this quality work mindset. This video itself is a prime example of you practicing what your preach.
Well said, It has been my pleasure to get to work for some of the best contractors and sub contractors you can imagine, and a few that I could not wait until the job was done. I worked with a framing contractor that set a hip with 4 string lines, you would never imagine that it would make that much of a difference but it really did, all of the jacks fit perfectly, they all carried the same amount of weight, nothing is forced so everything stays in place, it creates a synergy. I have gotten so many jobs just because of the way that I take care of my tools, for example, I don't let just anyone use my tools and my electrical cords are wound up always the same way. I back wind my cords so that when I go to use it, it does not get tangled up, I can plug it in, plug in the saw and walk towards the job without having to untangle it. (one of the systems you talked about) I never had to look for work, it always came to me. Even after 10 years of retirement I was still getting calls for work, I learned along time ago, "if its hard I am doing it wrong" I was doing something wrong, maybe I really didn't understand what needed to be done, or I was using the wrong materials or maybe I was just using the wrong tool. If it was hard I stopped and critique the job and try to figure how to do it better. It use to drive my wife crazy because I was always checking out the work of others, always learning and growing. If you are willing you can even learn from a 4 years old. I learned about faith that way.
Excellent video on an interesting topic! I've always approached it from a formula of finding the right balance of Quality and Speed, only never sacrifice quality. As a finishing carpenter if you can learn to do top quality work equally quick as the slash and burn types, you'll never be without work.
This advice is greater than work. It can be applied to life and it’s hard to unlearn a lot of the bad habits you’ve developed from childhood, relationships, schooling, etc. I hope every person aims to be as good of a person as they are a craftsman because it’s the same honest labor.
Great video. I started as an apprentice carpenter building custom homes, the builder was extremely picky and made us tear things out if it wasn’t quite right… I ended up quitting due to a move, and getting into a maintenance role, nobody cared about quality and it made me sick to my stomach.. so I quit and found a builder that cared, now I can actually sleep at night knowing I put my best foot forward.. cheers
I cant thank you enough for all the quality information and advise that you have given throughout the years. Every time I watch one of your videos, I literally get my notebook out and take notes, weather its how to do something or some words of wisdom that I can pass on myself, it is all great appreciated.
I have great respect for you and I value the advice you have offered in your many videos. Alongside the help you've provided with my attempts at DIY, I've found much of your wisdom equally applicable to my career in information technology, today's video being particularly relevant.
Amen Amen Amen - you just hit the nail on the head. I’ve always been a student and will remain curious until my dying day. My motto is “there are NO Experts, just those that are still learning versus those that are hard headed”.
It can be applied to any field. It's such a simple and powerful thing--that quality work begins with the mindset and the rest will follow. If there is no motivation, then anything else doesn't matter.
Such wisdom...but not easy to do...we had to tear out some finish work on our last big job...it hurt but we knew it was the right thing to do. In the end clients trust us and have been telling others how much they loved working with us. Thanks for encouraging integrity and craftsmanship!
Thank you for making this video sir. My dad was a contractor and hearing you in this video reminded me of the things he used to tell me. I did not become a builder like he was. My path led me to university and other work, but I love building things for my house and fixing things because I do them as perfectly as I can, and it is thanks to my dad that I am able to do it. God bless you for taking the time to share your insights.
Early in my career I was working with my foreman trimming out a wall with some inset paneling and wainscoting. I stepped back once completed and said "i think that is good enough"...…. he took a breath, then took out his hammer and put it through what we just done! He told me it is either exactly how we wanted it or it is done wrong. He then made me stay on my own and do it again "properly". Easy to say I have never utter those words in the 20 something years since. Set a standard of quality work you are proud of and do that every time without compromise. Great videos and lessons please do not stop making and sharing!
That was very well put… I strongly agree with everything you said. It’s often times hard to want to keep doing the highest quality work, when so many people don’t want to pay for it, but now after years of doing the best I can, watching and learning from others, I have clients willing to over a year for me to do the work, this it not ment to be a brag, but to let everyone know with hard work and the right mindset. There are people out there willing to pay for quality work
I just posted a link to your video to my LinkedIn with this intro: ” I’m now convinced that great CFOs must learn to teach and mentor. This man shows us how it’s done. I’ve watched his channel for years, this video transcends his trade, speaks to all of us.” Thank you for your inspiration and good teaching.
Truly high quality craftsmanship goes beyond knowledge, techniques and mindset, but a steady hand and sharp eye to details. An artists hands and eyes. Quality craftsmanship is a piece of art, after all.
When i was a young fella, i worked in a machine shop that had a sign over the time clock that said, if you haven't got time to do it right the first time when are you going to have time to do it over. i remember staring at that sign one day and thinking that is absolutely right.. It set my mind to try to always do the best that i can
I had to watch this twice because it rings that really hard to reach bell. Scott, thank you for always speaking truth. It must be really awesome to be related to you.
I thought I was odd for thinking with the mindset of doing quality work along with learning from everyone as well as being ver observant. A lot of person around me just want the work done. Yet I have managed to maintain a high standard and I am proud of my work. All in all my reputation precedes me when someone is looking to get the job done well and right! Thanks for these reminders.
This video is so full of truths, it made me smile. I am a man who has many many skills, but the best one I maintain is being humble. I got to this point by asking why. I have remodeled homes, built homes, and performed many of the trades from some foundation, framing, insulation, electric, plumbing, interior and exterior surface i.e. drywall and shingles, windows, and roofing. I learned these by asking and I am never too proud to respect another and learn from them as well. I also hold degrees in education and in medicine as a Physician Associate along with 24 years and 8 months in the military. What got me to where I am... asking and being willing to try other techniques. We all have value to give to others, we just need a bit more of what you said in the video. Understanding our capability and or ability to learn makes us better at doing what we do. I appreciate every bit of your video and I appreciate you for sharing this. I just subscribed and I am willing to learn more from you and your way. Still smiling as I finish writing this, thank you so much.
Scott, thank you so much for sharing these nuggets… I’m learning every week, at 56, and what you’re saying resonates with me. So important for the next generation to be hearing them as well… Thank you!
For me as a landscaper I’m learning giving people free service is a great way to earn respect. And then coming back and doing touch ups for free and also just communicating as much as possible. I’m a solo operation. And like you said every customer has different wants and needs, you gotta be ready to adapt. But even more than that I need to make what I’m doing clear before had so everyone has piece of mind and a clear understanding of what they pay for. Feels a lot better than selling Solar. Feels like I’m actually helping people.
Great monologue Scott. If there is one thing I can inject to new guys, is to also not be afraid to try new ways, within reason. The internet has been a great place to learn for myself. But ‘hand knowledge’ is different than ‘book knowledge’. There are levels of comfort that come with experience. I wouldn’t tell a grunt to handle the ‘one and done’ cut, but there are things out there that can be implemented that you may not see on a current crew, that you might stumble upon here on the internet, that might be worth trying. But you have to try it. Example for me is batch cutting. I’ve been in three crews. Non of them batched cut. I now run as cut man for a crew on the rough stage. After years of watching people online and picking the process apart, I just went for it one day. The foreman was impressed. Where I could keep a good steady pace in front of the installers, I was now dropping the entire package when the guys have a 1/4 installed. Come to find out, the reason no one did it, was because. They were scared of ruining an entire package, and were afraid to try. Don’t get me wrong, I was read to swallow that pill if I screwed up a stack. But it paid off to dive in.
What a beautiful video. My family own a large scaffold company and improving our finished product has become my main goal. They watch you find things that make their labour easier and look better as it's them who will be installing these new products and ideas.
Your tips at the end are worth more their weight in gold. No one ever told me. I'm naturally curious but I also have a naturally grumpy or neutral tone. It took a long time until an observer noticed I was being curious and not combative and pointed the whole thing out to me.
This applies to everyting! Last year I made a video on a 3d printed project I did. A few people asked if I would make them one. At the time the quality just wasn't there and I couldn't bring myself to sell them. I've spent months redesigning the entire thing from scratch, with countless hours staring at the design and trying to find ways to make it better. When its done I don't expect to sell many, but I'll be proud of what I created and the quality I put into it.
Worked a lot of years for people who would say "ahh that's good enough. " ... drives me crazy. It's nice to see that there are still true craftsmen left out there that care about the end product as much as I do. Thanks for the video
Sir you are the best at what you do. From start to finish . Your such a great teacher, instructor and insper me at 60 to strive to get better. It's obvious you are fulfilling your God given purpose. Sure appreciate your videos and take something away from each one . God Bless and I am praying for a better year
As a teenager I was fortunate to work with a perfectionist doing work for the New York Historical Society, in particular President Martin Van Buren's home. I remember him to this day telling me that it's the shortcuts that will stand out and come back to haunt you. Twenty plus years later learning from a Master Plasterer whose work at West Point will stand out for centuries. I think you've nailed. I'm approaching seventy and and still enjoy the curiosity of how to do it better. Have a blessed year Scott.
From day one I've always looked up to the things you say in this video really made me think about how I work and how I'm going to approach it from now on I'm going to show this video to my sons because they are wanting to be construction workers
Amen. I remember an internal interview for a supervisory job position with the company i had been with for years as a foreman. My outlook was that we could be more profitable by developing a culture of craftmanship and taking more time in front of the job, as opposed to behind the job in the form of deficiencies. I didnt get the promotion, and i feel like they wanted a supervisor who was willing to grind up employees as necessary because there were always more grunts waiting to work. Since left and started my own company, and we produce high level quality with work-life balance. Its a joy to cash the cheques and pay the employees properly, sometimes with a bonus. You are a true professional with much wisdom to share and I'm grateful for your content. Heck, i learned how to wrap extensions cords from you last year!
I’m a young (24) drywall finisher working for a family business and finding your channel has been really eye-opening for me as someone who has dreams of working for myself one day.
36 years in High Tech (environmental simulation testing), and I was lucky to often work with people who recognized and honored quality. I treasured those managers who wanted to balance fast/good/cheap towards the 'good' side of the equation. I still teach in my profession, and teaching the 'why' is the main focus of the classes I offer. The most frustration with people were/are the ones who say "Don't tell me how it works, just tell me what buttons to push!" The ones who are curious are the ones who I know will grow in the profession.
I make it a habit to seek out different methods, no matter how good I think I am at a thing. More often than not, I find a better and/or easier way of doing things.
I feel like you are speaking my language. I feel like you are speaking to me. I feel like you are explaining how i feel and what I've learned these last few years being the young age of 27.
Thank you for some very wise words and instruction sir, words we could all grow from. I've done a fairly wide range of jobs up to the age of 48 and what you've said here rings true. Thanks
Thank you for the wise words. I believe these concepts applicable to anything in life, and that you framed it very well. I am close to becoming a medical physicist, and I hope to remember these words and take pride in my work, and I hope that others do as well. Again, thank you
A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.
Louis Nizer
Love this
St Francis of Assisi originally I believe.
❤
I'm not buying a new shirt, the essential artist
Wow thanks for regurgitating this….again
After 56 years I've found a construction company that truly cares about quality. I've never felt better about my work. Unlearning bad habits was easier than I thought with the right systems in place. Had my first job with no problems start to finish. No replacement for good systems and quality work. Only took me 56 years.
It’s hard finding the drive to work for somebody who wants production and not quality.
So this sounds hopeful for someone like me looking into joining the carpenters union at age 30.
Shout out the company name . I love hearing about quality companies
❤
Keep going
Benjamin Marcus Holmes. Highest quality builder I've ever worked for. A truly custom home on every level.
My dad has always said, "strive for perfection; settle for excellence." You two would be good friends!
Excellent saying.
My father frequintly said the same thing to me growing up. He also strongly argued that if you weren't 10 minutes early you were late.
My dad says the exact same thing!
My Dad was just impressed anything I made worked at all. He always told me I was strong as an Ox and Twice as smart.
Early is on time
On time is late and late is unacceptable
The best advertising you can have for your business, especially as a contractor is word of mouth, I'm retired now at 67, my old worn out body will not let me do the things I could 20- 30 years ago, but building things that will stand the test of time is your legacy, and to stand that test you must do quality work, I still remember my Dad as a young kid telling me " Damn it if your going to do it.. do it right the first time, or don't do it at all!" Thanks Dad!
I'm an electrician for 20 years. I have this conversation with every new apprentice.
I had an employer in Hibbing, MN that taught and stressed perfection. If you missed a nail, pull it. Hank’s Woodworks taught me a lot. Always do your best.
I love these kinds of videos. I’m 41 with my own construction company and still love sitting under the learning tree
You will die not knowing everything. It’s important to be mindful of that.
@@narlycharleythat’s the appeal of carpentry imo.
After many years in the construction business, I've always been impressed with young help that asks questions and frustrated with those that "know everything".
Went into landscaping at 45. Worked for a company paying a bit better than minimum wage for three years. Stepped out on my own because i knew that my attention to detail was not valued in production, but with (ahem) art. High quality work is not only of much higher value, it is sought out. Within three years business became referral only.
I make UA-cam videos and every word you said applies equally to my work. Thank you for taking the time to say it.
Love your work man!
RareEarth? here? :o
Taking my 14 year old son out to a rental property we’re fixing up. We’re building a privacy fence all weekend. Can’t wait to instill these ideals into my son’s line of thinking. Can’t wait to spend the weekend working with him and building something great together. Thanks for all the words of encouragement EC!!
Legendary status. Viking beard activated.
You got this! I’m 22, bought a rental property a few months ago and am super grateful to have had my dad there by my side teaching me. He’s a structural engineer by trade but fairly handy and I watched/helped him renovate his places. I used to hate how he’d drag me out to help him but I’ve developed a love for it thanks to him
Let him choose his own dreams
@thegunsngloryshowmoving out at 18 and not being a mooch is how you end up renting for a few years. 😉
I’m a 36 your old red seal carpenter in canada, I appreciate what this man says so much. We need more guys like this. I love what I do and it drives me nuts to see guys doing sub-standard work for people paying good money.
I’m in Canada too, I feel like that’s an epidemic here. Im in Ottawa and there’s just no culture of craftsmanship here. Everyone just wants their shit done cheaply and quickly and it results in some really shameful “professional” builds. Its like people here live such fast lives and are so busy that they don’t have time to appreciate craftsmanship. On the other hand my wife’s from Seattle and we lived down there for a few years and they really take pride in their work there on a level that I just hadn’t seen in Canada. We would really get to know and connect with clients, take our time to think and plan out a job, and clients appreciated us doing our job well and correctly. Quality and safety definitely took priority over speed and profits. I miss that work culture and I wish we had more of that in Canada
Hi Patrick, I'm a 28 year old in Ontario Canada looking to become a Journeyman Carpenter that can do work to the standard that this man talks about in the video.
If you are in southern Ontario and have the time to take on an apprentice (or know of someone who can), please reply to this comment.
My father is just like this. At first i didnt like how he used to be such a perfectionist. Its not like his boss cared enough to pay him extra for going the extra mile. But now i find myself doing similar work to him and always taking down what does not feel right. Thanks dad!
Fantastic insight. My father has 45 years or so in trades. I really should record some of his wisdom before i can't. He told me not to work in the trades but at 38 i wish i did. I'm a handyman now and love my job for first time in my life. I can't imagine the satisfying feeling as i progress my skills and do bigger projects.
God bless you brother
My dad worked on the flight line in the Air Force in the mid 1960's. He learned all about generators, and the electrical automotive trade in general, and he ran a local auto shop for about 35 years, rebuilding alternators, starters, mostly, but he could fix anything on either, rewind stators and armatures, you name it. He knew the how, and he knew the why of all the ins and outs in that field. I always regret not taking him up on his offer to teach me all that he knew, granted I did absorb some of it over the years, but not nearly as much as I should have, and it was mostly my attitude, I didn't want to be him, I wanted to be me(it's a long story that represented most of our relationship). He passed in 2017, all that knowledge I had access to is gone. I should've listened to him.
As a farther with a 20 year old son my big regret in life is not having my son alongside me so I could pass on what I know.
Pretty much the same position. My dad is a skilled builder and told me to get a regular job. I always wish I had followed his lead
I wonder why your fathers didn’t want you in the trades?
Electrical Apprentice here. This is my first video of the new year. Thanks for this.
St. Joseph, the Worker, pray for us.
These types of videos are your forte. Thank you for mentoring us.
I'm a Software Engineer with a woodworking hobby, which likely led me to this video. Your insights here mirror the principles of building software and websites perfectly, including the concept of 'staging material'. After 10 years in the field, I still found valuable takeaways. Thanks for sharing!
Also a software engineer. Wish more people took pride in their work - everything is so buggy and half-baked nowadays.
@@bren.r This advice is basically for every human being which is great. Many problems can stem from "oh my coworker hardly does stuff, so I'm not gonna work as hard". When I decided to stop complaining so much I noticed I moved around more, got some more work done and could think & plan things better since I took control of myself, instead of lazing around, judging others, and my end result would be to reflect the way they work onto me.
Glad I ain't the only one waking up to better oneself for a fulfilling lifestyle.
You have hit the nail on the head! Stay curious! I don't comment often but you have produced a lot of great content. Thank you!
“It’s always the things we want that drive the things we do”
Powerful, powerful wisdom just in the first two minutes! Thank you for this video 🕊️➕❤️
This is where you shine the brightest! Imparting the wisdom of your years emphasizing quality workmanship above all else!
Thank you and as you know...keep up the good work!😁
I’m so so so so blessed, right out of high school. I got a job from a home builder who only has two employees including me. he is an absolute craftsman, the man is an absolute lost art of skills in his trade. I couldn’t believe either how good this man paid me compared to other companies, it was insane, when I realized how much I was making out of high school. I also realized working around job sites, how bad the quality of craftsmanship is and sloppy crazy work. Thank god for inspections.
I just got my job as an apprentice carpenter beginning next year. The essential craftsman deserves credit in this small achievement of mine. I will endeavour to do good work and create something beautiful in this world. Many good wishes for the new years and God bless
Godspeed young man. Be proud of the calluses blisters and rough hands you're about to EARN. ITS a wonderful life. Truly.
Smart smart move
Good luck with your new position. Do your best. Try to learn every day.
I was lucky enough to work in three different markets where I could hold foundation tolerances to 1/2"/100', rough wall framing to ultra-fine trim, and finish carpentry to, "It should look like it grew together." It was good, clean fun.
Automotive painter, attention to details is a must I always tell myself I’m as good as my last paint job. I try to incorporate the same mindset on to others.
As soon as I saw this video title, my mind immediately jumped to the work of your good friend Ken that you displayed from around his home. Truly some of the best craftsmanship on the planet
Hello Scott, greetings from Baldock England. Having spent about 54 years in construction.In June 1969, I started my carpentry apprenticeship in Mullingar Ireland with a brilliant company called John Sisk&Sons. One of my early experiences with Sisk was their ability to recognise talent in young people, investing in apprentice training, in not just carpentry but other trades.
I very much share your values on all aspects of your video, myself at 70 years, I am still serving my apprenticeship.
Scott, keep making these very inspirational videos.
As a carpenter in the first instance, my very big interest right now is the rebuilding of Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, after that very damaging fire in 2019.
I very much like the mix of modern technology applications and the artisan skills of medieval carpentry. These videos are easily found on UA-cam.
Wishing you a very happy new year and best wishes for 2024
Best Regards
Valentine Shanley
PS, I want to remember all those brilliant trades people who took their time to impart their skills to me. Basically, they laid the foundation stone for me and a wonderful career to follow in construction, firstly carpentry, and then project management.
Are you doing work on Notre Dame?
@olliefoxx7165 Thanks, Ollie, for your question. Sadly not.
However, having studied many videos since the fire and in particular, carpenters using skills and methods from the Middle Ages, really got me interested.
I went to Paris last August to get some idea of progress.
This project is on a grand scale and very difficult to get a handle on what is going on behind the hoardings.
However, these hoardings that surround the site are loaded with up to date bulletin boards, which are very impressive and informative.
It would not surprise me that the final project bill will hit the one billion euro, mark
As I said in my piece, there is so much information out there on the Web, especially UA-cam.
Finally, it's a great testament to the French army general,(retired) who is the project director, who reports to the French president, his teams of consultants and the hundreds of artisans who work on the site and externally in various locations across France.
Best Regards
Valentine Shanley
@valentineshanley2959 Thank you for your post. I've heard the effort in repairing Notre Dame was significant and impressive but I haven't seen the videos myself. When I heard of the damage done to Notre Dame I was very...upset. I'm glad they are repairing it properly. Cathedrals like Notre Dame are examples of the finest craftsmanship of our ancestors. Not only are they religious symbols of faith they are testaments to the pinnacles of European craftsmanship. Only the best were allowed to work on such projects. The work is meant to last indefinitely so it must be done to the absolute highest degree possible. You have visited it yourself and seem to be satisfied its being done correct. I'll have to check out the videos detailing it. Thanks again for your time. 👍✌️
I cannot praise this channel enough! ... ..
So many gems of wisdom to unpack here.
I love watching old movies and looking at the houses, furniture, clothes with hats and shoes that are amazing! Today it's all about the caulking!
This "excellence" mindset applies directly to all industries! I sent this video to my guys(in the automotive world) who certainly need it. Thank you Essential Craftsman for passing on your wisdom! You are a gifted craftsman but an equally(and more importantly) gifted teacher. I wish there was a way to package your content and include it into school curriculums. Very inspiring!
I 100% present agree with you. I was thinking of forwarding this to my team as well.
Among other things about your videos, i derive so much emotional satisfaction from your sharing. Thank you sir
I've never worked in construction, but I spent over 40yrs in Industrial repair. I had a man that I worked with and eventually I worked For him as he became the Plant Manager--He was crazy about good customer service--i learned from that and I look closely how i am treated by even the most mundane of service providers. Proper customer sevice and Good Quality work go hand in hand. I really do enjoy all your presentations. I hope that young folks can learn from you as I have. I hope you will continus to produce these films, Thank you----Mikey, Belfair, Wa
There are other EC videos I have archived for use in my church youth group.
Thanks for another great lesson.
Hi scott. What a great job you did explaining this concept to, hopefully, the younger generation about to take up the trade crafts. I began my career as a union electrician at age 44, having lost my job as a maintenance mechanic as a result of 9/11. Being in classes with a lot of younger folks, some as young as 18, I tried to impart my sense of craftsmanship and pride in my work, to these future tradesmen. I told them don’t let anyone force to go faster than you are ready to be, but instead learn the correct way of doing everything. Speed should come as a result of repetition. I also warned them that if they didn’t get faster at tasks through repetition, the they should find something else to do, as they were not suited for this type of work. I warned them that if every day was a struggle, they would come to hate their job, regardless of wages. Many let it go in one ear and out the other, but hopefully it helped at least one of them. I had a personal instance of working on your own time to correct what I thought was my inadequacy. We were installing a new type of lighting controller no one had seen before. The foreman trusted me to figure out all the little nuances as these devices were an afterthought brought to the job by the engineer. Spent a lot of time making sure I was getting everything right in the first area we did. When the power was turned on, the lights didn’t work as planned, in fact they were doing all kinds of weird things. This happened at the end of the day. It bothered me me all evening, wondering what I could have done wrong. I got up at 2;30 am to be in work by 5, an hour earlier than usual, to try to figure what the problem was. Foreman was impressed by my effort. After all the investigation we found that a whip between lighting was installed between an emergency fixture and a regular fixture where it didn’t belong. Once this was removed, all lights worked as designed, proving out that the work I did was correct. It feels really good to be vindicated. Foreman wanted to let me leave an hour early. Said no thanks, that I was happy I figured out the problem and my experience was pay enough. Old school pride in your work as I had been shown by the people I admired.
I love these videos from you, and the older I get the more value I see in listening to "the old guy" that's been there and done that! Thank you so much, I look forward to all your videos!
I’m 26 and have started my residential remodeling company at the end of last year and my main goal is to be able to provide the best product and customer experience possible. I truly am so glad that I found this video, I needed to hear this. I just want to learn & then teach how to become a master of the craft.
Believe it or not this is perfect advice for my line of work as a software engineer. Great stuff
I'm in software and most of your lessons still apply, thanks for sharing your experience.
Lots of great points! Especially the one about watching other people’s work. As an engineer this is very important to me. It allows me to solve problems in faster/more elegant/lighter ways.
It’s not just applicable in construction. That wonderful advice could cover many professions or workplaces
I'm as a 34-year old am re-learning that everything you do should be well thought through to the details. And that you need to build everything mentally first. You imagine the results you look for, and then tear it away layer by layer untill you're at the start. Also; building things in miniature/mockups is often the best way forwards before you start the real stuff. Succeeding is after all crucial, otherwise it is a failure. That means doing things slow is always the safest way because it minimizes the chance for mistakes. That means you're constantly moving forwards with no steps backwards towards the finish line.
The mental strength you need to keep pursuing craftsmanship in a trades world full off others who complain, show up to work unprepared, hungover, and unwilling to put in the extra work for their own personal benefit and achievement is understated. It doesn’t take long for those around you to bring you down and to harass you for being better than you were the day before, better than they are now. They try to stop you from looking better than they ever will be. For some it’s a pivotal moment in your trades career. You can push past the ones who never went anywhere or you can become one of them. I see a lot of young men ruin who they could be because of those around them. Sometimes you have no choice but to deal with those around you. You will need to make steps in your career to surround yourself with others of the same mindset but a true test is being forced to continue your mindset around those who despise it.
Truer words were never spoken. It’s amazing how many people will try to bring you down.
I went from working in a small private company where we were nonstop hustling to get everything done, we didn’t stop for breaks unless we came to a finishing point of a particular project, and I had to learn aspects of many different types of maintenance, woodworking, electrical, painting and varnishing, boat handling etc..
To a job also in the maritime sector but for government, where it seemed like my can-do attitude and eagerness to tackle any job are derided at every turn. I can’t tell you the amount of times in the first 6 months I was told to slow down, and make sure I take my full allotted breaks at the appointed times. There were a couple guys who clearly resented me and my attitude.
In the absence of leadership I will always make a prioritized list of work on my own and keep busy. This drove this one guy nuts, because he would rather just sit around and get paid. He would come out and complain to me that I was going to finish all the tasks too quickly and the officers would just make more work for us to do. He would stand over me while I was scrubbing a big section of the ship and watch me work and complain about me and my gung-Ho attitude. Listening to that every day for a month of straight working and living with this guy really took the wind out of me.
I did go from running my own small commercial vessel to working in the lowest position on the deck of larger government ships, and I’m feeling that the expectations of people in these bottom end positions are pretty sad. The officers seem to barely trust deckhands to do basic mechanical tasks that I have been well versed in for a long time. It’s been a good exercise in remembering to be a student and swallowing my pride as people don’t know me or what I’ve done in the past. For many simple tasks the higher ups will explain things to me like how to prep for painting as if im as green as grass, as if I’m just going to slap paint over top of rust. sometimes it takes all I’ve got not to explain my resume to them. Better to just swallow it and let your work speak for itself, it’s a long process but will create less resentment in the long run.
I had a boss tell me my work has my name on it. He then asked, what do you want people to think when they look at your work. That was literally all it took.
Had a boss tell me almost the same thing.
“Be proud of your work, or nobody else will.” I learned early on that excitement is contagious. If a client is excited about a certain project, it gets me excited. I’ve found my self excited to build a certain kitchen and it made the client comfortable and eventually excited. Emotions are contagious. I tell guys that if you aren’t willing to sign your signature to the back of that cabinet, I don’t want you to build it. It becomes spiritual after you do it long enough.
Hope all is well in your world.
I've been framing houses for 12 years now, and i learned quickly that you're only as good as your last job. Have pride be respectful, pay attention, and work hard. Shout out to Norm abram if we're talking quality work he is America's carpenter!
I’ve been fortunate enough to work for myself almost my entire life, I’m 36 now. I always pushed myself to build everything as close to perfection as possible, within limits of course. I love to hear you stories and knowledge that you give out to others
You have no idea how encouraging it is seeing/hearing about you tearing out work you've done in order to redo it correctly / better. Really gives us hacks a lot of hope
These principles are true in so many areas of life, not just construction. Thanks for another great, insightful video.
Thanks Sir, I always appreciate your videos. This one in particular contains alot of very quality advise, that is practically applicable in every jobs. A great take home message for any starter..."People will give time to teach someone who is genuinely curious rather than a know-it-all".
As a finish carpenter and tile contractor I loved this video. My work being near perfect is important. Perfect doesn't exist because I'm always getting better
100% this is what keeps me going on the hard days. No better feeling than knowing that you did your best, it looks amazing, and yet you can still do it better next time. It’s almost an addiction in my mind.
I have the utmost respect for people like this gentleman. Smart and skilled. Master of his craft who honed his skills for his whole life and he remained open minded and curious.
This needs to go viral. This is incredibly explained, and it shows true wisdom.
THIS is an extremely important message. We have to plant the seeds of this message amongst everything we touch. You never know where the seed will take root and bare the fruit of tomorrow's craftsman. Such good advice.
Thank you sir for this video. I am a high school teacher that coaches high school students and we focus on life success. I will be using your video as an excellent example of this quality work mindset. This video itself is a prime example of you practicing what your preach.
Well said, It has been my pleasure to get to work for some of the best contractors and sub contractors you can imagine, and a few that I could not wait until the job was done. I worked with a framing contractor that set a hip with 4 string lines, you would never imagine that it would make that much of a difference but it really did, all of the jacks fit perfectly, they all carried the same amount of weight, nothing is forced so everything stays in place, it creates a synergy. I have gotten so many jobs just because of the way that I take care of my tools, for example, I don't let just anyone use my tools and my electrical cords are wound up always the same way. I back wind my cords so that when I go to use it, it does not get tangled up, I can plug it in, plug in the saw and walk towards the job without having to untangle it. (one of the systems you talked about) I never had to look for work, it always came to me. Even after 10 years of retirement I was still getting calls for work, I learned along time ago, "if its hard I am doing it wrong" I was doing something wrong, maybe I really didn't understand what needed to be done, or I was using the wrong materials or maybe I was just using the wrong tool. If it was hard I stopped and critique the job and try to figure how to do it better. It use to drive my wife crazy because I was always checking out the work of others, always learning and growing. If you are willing you can even learn from a 4 years old. I learned about faith that way.
Well said, enjoy the ride of learning, it is not always just the destination that matters.
Wise words applicable to anyone in any industry that values craft. Brilliant.
Excellent video on an interesting topic! I've always approached it from a formula of finding the right balance of Quality and Speed, only never sacrifice quality. As a finishing carpenter if you can learn to do top quality work equally quick as the slash and burn types, you'll never be without work.
This advice is greater than work. It can be applied to life and it’s hard to unlearn a lot of the bad habits you’ve developed from childhood, relationships, schooling, etc. I hope every person aims to be as good of a person as they are a craftsman because it’s the same honest labor.
Never truer words were spoken. This is exactly my path by my own experience. I never had anyone teach me this, I just learned it along the way.
Great video. I started as an apprentice carpenter building custom homes, the builder was extremely picky and made us tear things out if it wasn’t quite right… I ended up quitting due to a move, and getting into a maintenance role, nobody cared about quality and it made me sick to my stomach.. so I quit and found a builder that cared, now I can actually sleep at night knowing I put my best foot forward.. cheers
I cant thank you enough for all the quality information and advise that you have given throughout the years. Every time I watch one of your videos, I literally get my notebook out and take notes, weather its how to do something or some words of wisdom that I can pass on myself, it is all great appreciated.
I have great respect for you and I value the advice you have offered in your many videos.
Alongside the help you've provided with my attempts at DIY, I've found much of your wisdom equally applicable to my career in information technology, today's video being particularly relevant.
Amen Amen Amen - you just hit the nail on the head. I’ve always been a student and will remain curious until my dying day. My motto is “there are NO Experts, just those that are still learning versus those that are hard headed”.
Every time I watch your videos, I take away something to think about. Thank you.
It can be applied to any field. It's such a simple and powerful thing--that quality work begins with the mindset and the rest will follow. If there is no motivation, then anything else doesn't matter.
Truer words were never spoken. Sage advice to those willing to listen.
this channel has made me a better craftsman, a better boss, a more engaged teacher and student. Your work here ripples out ser.
Such wisdom...but not easy to do...we had to tear out some finish work on our last big job...it hurt but we knew it was the right thing to do. In the end clients trust us and have been telling others how much they loved working with us.
Thanks for encouraging integrity and craftsmanship!
This should be a subject in high school. Always enjoy your enthusiasm and wisdom sir. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for making this video sir. My dad was a contractor and hearing you in this video reminded me of the things he used to tell me. I did not become a builder like he was. My path led me to university and other work, but I love building things for my house and fixing things because I do them as perfectly as I can, and it is thanks to my dad that I am able to do it. God bless you for taking the time to share your insights.
Early in my career I was working with my foreman trimming out a wall with some inset paneling and wainscoting. I stepped back once completed and said "i think that is good enough"...…. he took a breath, then took out his hammer and put it through what we just done! He told me it is either exactly how we wanted it or it is done wrong. He then made me stay on my own and do it again "properly". Easy to say I have never utter those words in the 20 something years since. Set a standard of quality work you are proud of and do that every time without compromise.
Great videos and lessons please do not stop making and sharing!
That was very well put… I strongly agree with everything you said. It’s often times hard to want to keep doing the highest quality work, when so many people don’t want to pay for it, but now after years of doing the best I can, watching and learning from others, I have clients willing to over a year for me to do the work, this it not ment to be a brag, but to let everyone know with hard work and the right mindset. There are people out there willing to pay for quality work
I just posted a link to your video to my LinkedIn with this intro: ” I’m now convinced that great CFOs must learn to teach and mentor. This man shows us how it’s done. I’ve watched his channel for years, this video transcends his trade, speaks to all of us.” Thank you for your inspiration and good teaching.
One of the best videos you have ever done. Thank you. You are such an inspiration
Truly high quality craftsmanship goes beyond knowledge, techniques and mindset, but a steady hand and sharp eye to details.
An artists hands and eyes. Quality craftsmanship is a piece of art, after all.
When i was a young fella, i worked in a machine shop that had a sign over the time clock that said, if you haven't got time to do it right the first time when are you going to have time to do it over. i remember staring at that sign one day and thinking that is absolutely right.. It set my mind to try to always do the best that i can
I had to watch this twice because it rings that really hard to reach bell. Scott, thank you for always speaking truth. It must be really awesome to be related to you.
I thought I was odd for thinking with the mindset of doing quality work along with learning from everyone as well as being ver observant. A lot of person around me just want the work done. Yet I have managed to maintain a high standard and I am proud of my work. All in all my reputation precedes me when someone is looking to get the job done well and right!
Thanks for these reminders.
This video is so full of truths, it made me smile. I am a man who has many many skills, but the best one I maintain is being humble. I got to this point by asking why. I have remodeled homes, built homes, and performed many of the trades from some foundation, framing, insulation, electric, plumbing, interior and exterior surface i.e. drywall and shingles, windows, and roofing. I learned these by asking and I am never too proud to respect another and learn from them as well. I also hold degrees in education and in medicine as a Physician Associate along with 24 years and 8 months in the military. What got me to where I am... asking and being willing to try other techniques. We all have value to give to others, we just need a bit more of what you said in the video. Understanding our capability and or ability to learn makes us better at doing what we do. I appreciate every bit of your video and I appreciate you for sharing this. I just subscribed and I am willing to learn more from you and your way. Still smiling as I finish writing this, thank you so much.
The mindset you take to the job every day is the base of quality work. Well said!
Scott, thank you so much for sharing these nuggets… I’m learning every week, at 56, and what you’re saying resonates with me. So important for the next generation to be hearing them as well… Thank you!
I’ve been watching your channel since I’ve begun. That was in 2019. Thank you.
For me as a landscaper I’m learning giving people free service is a great way to earn respect.
And then coming back and doing touch ups for free and also just communicating as much as possible.
I’m a solo operation. And like you said every customer has different wants and needs, you gotta be ready to adapt.
But even more than that I need to make what I’m doing clear before had so everyone has piece of mind and a clear understanding of what they pay for.
Feels a lot better than selling Solar. Feels like I’m actually helping people.
Great monologue Scott. If there is one thing I can inject to new guys, is to also not be afraid to try new ways, within reason.
The internet has been a great place to learn for myself. But ‘hand knowledge’ is different than ‘book knowledge’.
There are levels of comfort that come with experience. I wouldn’t tell a grunt to handle the ‘one and done’ cut, but there are things out there that can be implemented that you may not see on a current crew, that you might stumble upon here on the internet, that might be worth trying. But you have to try it.
Example for me is batch cutting. I’ve been in three crews. Non of them batched cut. I now run as cut man for a crew on the rough stage. After years of watching people online and picking the process apart, I just went for it one day. The foreman was impressed. Where I could keep a good steady pace in front of the installers, I was now dropping the entire package when the guys have a 1/4 installed.
Come to find out, the reason no one did it, was because. They were scared of ruining an entire package, and were afraid to try.
Don’t get me wrong, I was read to swallow that pill if I screwed up a stack. But it paid off to dive in.
What a beautiful video. My family own a large scaffold company and improving our finished product has become my main goal. They watch you find things that make their labour easier and look better as it's them who will be installing these new products and ideas.
Your tips at the end are worth more their weight in gold. No one ever told me. I'm naturally curious but I also have a naturally grumpy or neutral tone. It took a long time until an observer noticed I was being curious and not combative and pointed the whole thing out to me.
This applies to everyting!
Last year I made a video on a 3d printed project I did. A few people asked if I would make them one. At the time the quality just wasn't there and I couldn't bring myself to sell them. I've spent months redesigning the entire thing from scratch, with countless hours staring at the design and trying to find ways to make it better. When its done I don't expect to sell many, but I'll be proud of what I created and the quality I put into it.
Worked a lot of years for people who would say "ahh that's good enough. " ... drives me crazy. It's nice to see that there are still true craftsmen left out there that care about the end product as much as I do. Thanks for the video
This applies to my job as well. I’ve been improving my mindset greatly these months. I’ve been producing better quality work in less time.
Sir you are the best at what you do.
From start to finish . Your such a great teacher, instructor and insper me at 60 to strive to get better. It's obvious you are fulfilling your God given purpose. Sure appreciate your videos and take something away from each one .
God Bless and I am praying for a better year
As a teenager I was fortunate to work with a perfectionist doing work for the New York Historical Society, in particular President Martin Van Buren's home. I remember him to this day telling me that it's the shortcuts that will stand out and come back to haunt you. Twenty plus years later learning from a Master Plasterer whose work at West Point will stand out for centuries. I think you've nailed. I'm approaching seventy and and still enjoy the curiosity of how to do it better. Have a blessed year Scott.
From day one I've always looked up to the things you say in this video really made me think about how I work and how I'm going to approach it from now on I'm going to show this video to my sons because they are wanting to be construction workers
Amen. I remember an internal interview for a supervisory job position with the company i had been with for years as a foreman. My outlook was that we could be more profitable by developing a culture of craftmanship and taking more time in front of the job, as opposed to behind the job in the form of deficiencies. I didnt get the promotion, and i feel like they wanted a supervisor who was willing to grind up employees as necessary because there were always more grunts waiting to work. Since left and started my own company, and we produce high level quality with work-life balance. Its a joy to cash the cheques and pay the employees properly, sometimes with a bonus. You are a true professional with much wisdom to share and I'm grateful for your content. Heck, i learned how to wrap extensions cords from you last year!
This is wisdom for every area of life. Thanks. Truly appreciate it.
Thank you!
I love leaving quality work behind
I’m a young (24) drywall finisher working for a family business and finding your channel has been really eye-opening for me as someone who has dreams of working for myself one day.
Great video. After 35 years in the construction industry, I hope a lot of young people see this video and take it to heart. Thanks.
36 years in High Tech (environmental simulation testing), and I was lucky to often work with people who recognized and honored quality. I treasured those managers who wanted to balance fast/good/cheap towards the 'good' side of the equation. I still teach in my profession, and teaching the 'why' is the main focus of the classes I offer. The most frustration with people were/are the ones who say "Don't tell me how it works, just tell me what buttons to push!" The ones who are curious are the ones who I know will grow in the profession.
I make it a habit to seek out different methods, no matter how good I think I am at a thing. More often than not, I find a better and/or easier way of doing things.
I feel like you are speaking my language. I feel like you are speaking to me. I feel like you are explaining how i feel and what I've learned these last few years being the young age of 27.
Thank you for some very wise words and instruction sir, words we could all grow from. I've done a fairly wide range of jobs up to the age of 48 and what you've said here rings true. Thanks
Thank you for the wise words. I believe these concepts applicable to anything in life, and that you framed it very well. I am close to becoming a medical physicist, and I hope to remember these words and take pride in my work, and I hope that others do as well. Again, thank you