Intensive English Comp I (110)

Buckley

Joseph Buckley

English 101

Mr. Buckley

03/8/2019

Bob The Builder

Bob is a normal guy. He works construction and likes to think big. People around town call him “Bob The Builder,” because he enjoys building more than any other activity. Almost every day of his life Bob is building something. He had a unique path to get to where he is today in the construction field. With the help of a mentor, endless hours of work, and a strong work ethic Bob is now poised to achieve his goal of running his own team. I met Bob at a bar while he was sipping a Crown Royal, and he proceeded to tell me about where he got his start. “I came from the bottom and worked my own way up. I just want to make stuff and live my best life,” said Bob that night. He spoke with a determination and sincerity that is rare with people these days. I knew from that moment that Bob was a special individual who would make a strong impact on whoever he crossed paths with.

Bob is a southern man. Bob grew up in Laplace, a small suburb West of New Orleans. He went to school at St Charles Catholic High School where he met his mentor Tony. Tony used to work as a handyman around the school campus, and Bob was always interested in the projects he had going. “When I saw Tony building a float for the Krewe of Bacchus, by himself, in the school’s extra parking lot, I was so fascinated,” Bob said in a revery of nostalgia. After school, Bob helped Tony craft a gigantic Dragon float for the Krewe of Bacchus: a super-krewe that holds its own parade during Mardi Gras. This is how he learned how to use basic construction tools like saws, hammers, power drills, and nail guns.

If Bob wanted to pursue construction work full time, he knew he had to move to the city for more opportunity. Once there, he began by working on floats for smaller Krewes like Thoth and Orpheus. Since this work could be done at night, Bob joined a local construction company. He worked for Guidry Custom Homes, framing houses and buildings during the day. At this point in his life Bob built day and night, always curious and eager to learn more about the trade. Bob spoke about his focus on working with his hands, “I didn’t have much of a social life, and didn’t like to party. I just enjoyed the act of putting something together.” He worked smaller scale jobs like these for years, until he finally got the call to move up into the largest project he would create.

Awaiting his moment, focused on his daily tasks Bob got a call. The foreman for Blount International contacted Bob, as he was putting together what he called a “crack team” to build what would be one of New Orlean’s most important structures to date: the Louisiana Superdome. Bob was thrilled to be a part of the team. When Bob told me about the call his voice got loud and he started moving his hands wildly, “I couldn’t believe it. This man Randall had apparently spoken with my supervisor at Guidry because he was in need of some all-around skilled laborers. I said yes before he even finished his offer.” The smile across Bob’s face was unbelievable as I watched him recall the proudest moment of his life. Shortly after joining the team Bob moved up the ranks, and eventually became a crane operator. The project took about four years, and those were the best of Bob’s life. “I call those years of my life the golden age.” Once the project was completed Bob was a well trained and in demand crane operator. He went on to work on other major building projects in the Central Business District of New Orleans.

Bob had a long journey with his construction trade to get to where he is today. With a mentor like Tony, Bob was able to kick off his career and begin his ascension to crane operator. His work on Mardi Gras floats and building houses taught him the discipline he would need to achieve his future dreams. “One day I hope to own my own construction company, and maybe be a mentor for another young buck,” said Bob when I asked him where does he see himself in the next few years. As I watched Bob finish his Crown Royal while we sat by the river in Audubon park, I saw a twinkle in his eye, and I knew his dreams would come true. Bob the builder, as everyone knows him, will go on to change someone’s life.

Works Cited

Builder, Bob. Personal Interview. 8 March 2019.