Rick has been in the sheet metal trade for 26 years, joining the Local Union 16 apprenticeship program in August 1994. Rick started in the trade because he wasn’t sure if he wanted to spend the time and money necessary to attend college. Family friends, who owned a union sheet metal shop, introduced him to the career possibilities in sheet metal. The company was willing to train him as an apprentice.

Throughout his career, Rick has worked for several Local 16 shops including Empire Sheet Metal, General Sheet Metal, Vancouver Roofing and Sheet Metal, McKinstry and Artic Sheet. Over the years, Rick dreamed of teaching at the Sheet Metal Institute. In December of 2019, his dream came true.

Outside of work, Rick likes to fish, hunt and travel with his wife.