Project Manager
Former JumpStart apprentice Drew Cheezum inspired his son to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in construction. They both now work for Ariosa & Company.
Why and
how did you get into the construction trades?
I was looking for a job and was working with a temp agency and they called for
a laborer and I happened to be there. I had a few warehouse jobs where I gave
it my all and no one paid attention. When I went to work for a mechanical
contractor they saw how hard and tirelessly I worked and a couple of the guys
asked if I was interested in going to school and then I applied for ABC and got
in.
What do
you like the most about your work?
I like how challenging it is and how everyday there is something new to learn
or get to do. Before I was a project manager, I also liked working with my
hands or just the physicality of the jobs. I am a pipe fitter welder by trade
and just loved going into a mechanical room and putting the 6”-8”and 10” and
12” pipe in the air and at the end of the job turn around and look at it and
say, “I did that”. Or get the jobs where you had to take a wall out and
breakdown a chiller to get it into the building and at the end of the job
everyone ask, “How did you get that in there?”
What is
it like working with your son?
I
am in the office now and he is in the field, so we don’t work together too much.
Just knowing what a future he has ahead of him and the sky is the limit for him
is such a comforting feeling.
How
long have you been with Ariosa?
Since the first year they went into business 11 years ago. I have known the
vice president and the senior project manager of Ariosa for 21 years now. They
were some of the first guys I worked for and one of the main reasons I stuck
with the trade.