George comes to us from the small town of Hoquiam, Washington – home of the infamous SMACNA Crab Feed (what happens in Hoquiam stays in Hoquiam!) At the age of 19, George felt he was in need of a change. Friends in the Sheet Metal trade convinced him to give it a try, so he moved to Kirkland, signed up, tested and began his apprenticeship. That was over 23 years ago… George loves his work because he gets to see buildings when they are just a hole in the ground and be a part of the process until it’s a complete structure. “It’s a very cool thing - building from nothing to something pretty spectacular!”

George says that he likes working at Hermanson because we provide a good work environment, care about the safety of our crews, and take care of our employees. George has met many great people at Hermanson, several of which aren’t just co-workers, but great friends. George’s favorite project so far is Discovery Hall. This beautiful academic science facility features a lot of stainless steel and all welded exposed duct. The finished product is extraordinary and is the centerpiece of the UW Bothell campus. Currently he is working in downtown Seattle on the Liberty Mutual Restack project at 1001 Fourth.

Married to the love of his life, Heidi, for 24 years, George has two wonderful daughters, Kenzie (19) and Kaylee (14). Growing up on the rugged Washington coast, it is no surprise that George’s hobbies include hunting, fishing and camping. In addition to annual Alaska fishing trips, George loves to golf and relax in Tubac, Arizona.

The advice George would offer to other Foremen, Journeymen and Apprentices is “Work hard no matter how big or small the task you are preforming. Listen, pay attention and be safe so that at the end of the day you can go home safely to your family – because family is the most important!”

We completely agree.

They say that into each life some rain must fall, and George & Heidi weathered a tremendous storm a few years ago. In 2011, Heidi was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and underwent a stem cell transplant in 2012. George is happy to report – and we are thrilled to hear – that the treatment was successful and Heidi has been in remission for the last four years and counting! Congratulations!