member spotlight - chris hall
Chris Hall - NAWIC South Sound Chapter
How and when did you begin your career in the construction industry?
I was a labor foreman at a landfill when I decided to get back to my roots in the mechanic field. I was a diesel mechanic in the Army, and that experience qualified me to join the Operating Engineers apprenticeship program in 2001. After working in a couple of shops, I was dispatched to be the mechanic/oiler on an asphalt plant. Although it was a different type of wrenching, I began to really enjoy working on the plants. I worked for Lakeside Industries for 15 years and worked my way up to plant foreman.
What is your current position?
I am currently the dispatcher, treasurer, and a business agent for the Operating Engineers Local 612.
What outside activities do you enjoy in your free time?
I enjoy camping and being out in the boat, crabbing and shrimping.
What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young woman about to enter the field of construction?
Never give up. There will always be obstacles in life, but if you have a purpose, a plan, and passion; you can persevere. There are resources and people available to help along the way, but you must also advocate for yourself. You won’t always find someone willing to teach you. Always be observant and seek out as much information as you can. We should never stop learning and growing to become a better version of ourselves tomorrow.
I was a labor foreman at a landfill when I decided to get back to my roots in the mechanic field. I was a diesel mechanic in the Army, and that experience qualified me to join the Operating Engineers apprenticeship program in 2001. After working in a couple of shops, I was dispatched to be the mechanic/oiler on an asphalt plant. Although it was a different type of wrenching, I began to really enjoy working on the plants. I worked for Lakeside Industries for 15 years and worked my way up to plant foreman.
What is your current position?
I am currently the dispatcher, treasurer, and a business agent for the Operating Engineers Local 612.
What outside activities do you enjoy in your free time?
I enjoy camping and being out in the boat, crabbing and shrimping.
What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young woman about to enter the field of construction?
Never give up. There will always be obstacles in life, but if you have a purpose, a plan, and passion; you can persevere. There are resources and people available to help along the way, but you must also advocate for yourself. You won’t always find someone willing to teach you. Always be observant and seek out as much information as you can. We should never stop learning and growing to become a better version of ourselves tomorrow.