At Stebnitz Builders, we take pride in the continual education of our team. While our focus is providing exceptional experiences for our clients, we also recognize the importance of providing educational opportunities and the potential for personal growth to every member of the team.
One of the ways we do this is by using our master craftsmen as mentors for our younger carpenters.
Carpenters spend years honing their craft, building their knowledge and skill sets and collecting the tools necessary to perform almost any task in the field. The carpenters on our team love the opportunity to pass that legacy down to the next generation of passionate professionals.
Grant Schaefer, Lead Carpenter, showing off his uber-organized work van!
This month, we wanted to highlight the various journeys through carpentry many of our team members have taken, “tricks of the trade” they still use today and their take on the opportunities our younger carpenters have in front of them.
How did you get into construction or become interested in the field?
"My uncle was a carpenter and got me interested in the cabinet shop in his garage. I was just interested in building things."
Who had the most influence on your development?
“The first remodeling contractor I worked with put his trust in me and gave me a chance in this industry. I did a lot of learning on my own, but he nurtured me along the way.”
What’s one trick you were taught early on in your training as a carpenter you still use today?
“Patience. My dad also taught me ‘when something goes wrong, even if you're not to blame, you have to figure out how to fix it. Never just point the finger. Take responsibility.”
How did you get into construction or become interested in the field?
“I helped with repairs on barns and things around the farm. When I quit farming, I worked at the lumber yard and eventually went to work in construction for Tim O’Keefe.”
What’s one trick you were taught early on in your training as a carpenter you still use today?
“You really have to want to do this because that’s the only way you learn.”
What’s one thing the young guys have going for them in their training/ educational process, you wish you had when you were that age?
“Information is out on the internet. There is exposure to a lot more things than just on the job site. The tools are also better now, which makes the work easier and the end result better. Tools are also more accessible to the carpenters at Stebnitz Builders. They’re able to buy tools through the Carpenter Investment Account created by the company. That is a huge advantage.”
How did you get into construction or become interested in the field?
“ I was brought up old school. My family was my introduction into the field.”
How old were you when you knew you wanted to get into the industry?
“It is all I ever wanted to do. I tried other things in management but just didn’t love it.”
Who had the most influence on your development?
“I had an old lead carpenter that was hard on me and that pushed me to be better than him. I had another lead carpenter (Fritz) that made me want to be just like him. They both answered my questions and took the time to teach me.”
How did you get into construction or become interested in the field?
“I learned from my dad. It became something I really enjoyed.”
What’s one trick you were taught early on in your training as a carpenter you still use today?
“Pay attention. You can complete a task a lot better by paying attention to detail and not being in too big of a hurry.”
What’s one thing the young guys have going for them in their training/ educational process, you wish you had when you were that age?
“The mentors they have are great teachers with patience. It is important to give them support, and reassurance, and show them they belong. Mutual respect is very important.”
How did you get into construction or become interested in the field?
“I got into construction when I was 35. Before that, I was a dairy farmer. I first started building pole barns without any of my own tools.”
How old were you when you knew you wanted to get into the industry?
“I had so much fun on my first job, creating something, that I went right home and bought all the tools I thought I would need.”
Who did you learn the most from? Most influential?
I was pretty much self-taught. But there were a couple of guys early in my career that I learned from.
What’s one trick you were taught early on in your training as a carpenter you still use today?
One thing I learned early is that I can always learn new ways to make a task or project more efficient. Another thing, it is always crucial to have your level handy in the remodeling industry because we are always working with imperfect structures.
Jeff Auberger, Remodeling Consultant and Designer
How did you get into construction or become interested in the field?
“I was exposed early by my grandfather in his wood shop. Then, in my early teens, I traveled with him to job sites (he became the “punch-list” guy for a production builder). My interest grew during college and was solidified soon after by my father-in-law (a master carpenter) who taught me about structural and finish details during my first home purchase/renovation.”
What’s one trick you were taught early on in your training as a carpenter you still use today?
“Measure twice, cut once!”
Jeff “Chopper” Anderson, Remodeling Consultant
How did you get into construction or become interested in the field?
“I got into carpentry in high school to help my father and earn and few dollars. As my interest grew, along with my skills, I thought maybe there could be a career in this field for me.”
What’s one trick you were taught early on in your training as a carpenter you still use today?
“Well, many things but to cut stairs, rafters, layout and square a building. These are four very important skills in being a lead carpenter. If you master these, you got it!”
Ryan Stebnitz, Production Coordinator
What’s one trick you were taught early on in your training as a carpenter you still use today?
“Stay one step ahead of the lead. If you know they are going to be framing, have the lumber ready, the saw hooked up and ready, and plan out and to the right page.”
What’s one thing the young guys have going for them in their training/ educational process, you wish you had when you were that age?
“I think the level of technology is so much better in construction, now. Young carpenters are growing up with this technology versus having to try and learn it at an older age.”
Dan Stebnitz, Estimator and Production Advisor
How old were you when you knew you wanted to get into the industry?
“16, but I didn’t know it was my calling until I matured a bit and got married. Then I worked for Dad for a few more years until my brothers and I purchased the company from him when he was retiring."
Who did you learn the most from? Most influential?
“My dad and brothers were most influential. I learned the most from Dad but there was also a lead carpenter we hired who really knew how to use his square. It is a skill to know how to read a square and use it for building stairs, cutting rafters, and laying out floors and walls. I always said in construction you never stop learning, especially as technology advances."
How did you get into construction or become interested in the field?
“I was 18 and working at a restaurant. I knew the owners of Stebnitz Builders and one day, Dave Stebnitz asked if I’d be interested in working as a laborer. I enjoyed seeing what we built every day. I worked my way up through the company and, 25 years later, I am managing the production team and love what I do.”
Who had the most influence on your development?
“Joe Weik was an experienced lead carpenter who took the time to teach me and allow me to make mistakes and learn from them. At the time, he was roughly 45+ years older than I was, but we had a lot of fun working together.”
The Future of Carpentry at Stebnitz Builders is Bright!
We are excited to see the increased interest young people have in entering the field of carpentry and recognize the impact we have on their growth. Our experienced carpenters have a wonderful opportunity to mentor the next generation in this company and they have shown not only interest but genuine excitement in making that a reality.
Max Bochat, Carpenter, showing off his truck and the investments he's made building his collection of tools!
Our pool of young carpenters at Stebnitz Builders is in wonderful hands. Take a minute to view our portfolio and see the amazing work our team is doing to renovate so many clients’ homes to better fit their lifestyles.
Warm regards,
Chris Stebnitz