Passion, Perseverance, and a Love for Teaching.
Starting Over: From Retail to Sheet Metal
Back in high school, I spent all four years taking metal shop classes. But at that time, women didn’t typically go into the trades. I didn’t want to go to college either, so I ended up working a full-time job as a store manager at Men’s Wearhouse, where I stayed for 13 years.
In my late 20s, I went through a divorce and became a full-time single parent of two kids. I needed to start over, so I went to college part-tim, but I honestly hated it. Around that time, my younger brother, who was already a sheet metal worker, jokingly told me I should try it. I laughed it off at first, but week after week, I found myself considering it.
One day, I said, “Fine, I’ll do it, and I’ll be better at it than you!” I was joking, but not entirely. Not only did I join the trade, but I eventually became my little brother’s foreperson, which is something we still laugh about to this day.
My love for Craftmanship and Creativity
I’ve always loved fixing and building things—it’s a true passion of mine. Once I got into the trade, I realized how much I loved learning new skills year after year. I also discovered a love for teaching. For me, it’s not just about explaining how to do something; it’s about explaining why we’re doing it.
I wish I had started in the trades when I was 18. Early on, I moved into architectural sheet metal, and I absolutely fell in love with it. It combines my technical skills with my love for art, which made it the perfect fit for me.
Growing My Career and Taking on Leadership
I started my apprenticeship at General Sheet Metal, and by the time I journeyed out, I was a shop architectural panel foreperson. I spent years running equipment, fabricating architectural metal profiles, and drawing ACM panels in AutoCAD for a CNC router. I also took on maintaining and fixing the equipment needed for those jobs.
Later, at Arctic Sheet Metal, I helped set up their new shop and created an architectural division from scratch. That included everything from organizing inventory and maintenance to training and fabrication.
A Memorable Project: The Phillips 66 Hot Box
One of my most memorable projects was the Phillips 66 Hot Box. It was my first solo job from start to finish. I handled ordering materials, reading plans, and managing a team to fabricate the entire thing in the shop. It was massive, so big it took up the entire shop.
I even got to help plan how we’d break it down, transport it, and reassemble it on-site. Joining the installation team for the final steps was the perfect way to wrap it all up. That project was a turning point in my career and a huge source of pride for me.
Becoming an Educator at SMI
Today, I’m a full-time instructor at the Sheet Metal Institute, and I also teach part-time CPR courses. I love being able to share what I’ve learned over the years with others who are just starting out. Teaching gives me the chance to inspire and guide the next generation of sheet metal workers, and it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
Advice for Anyone Considering the Trades
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that it’s never too late to find your passion. I wish I had started earlier, but I’m so glad I took the leap when I did. This trade has given me a career I love and endless opportunities to grow and learn.
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
Charissa’s story proves that it’s never too late to find your passion in the trades. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking for a hands-on career with limitless opportunities, the sheet metal industry could be the perfect fit. Explore our apprenticeship program today on our website, Sheet Metal Institute.