Eli took the job as the Director of Partnership Development because he believes contractors and unions are stronger when they work together. At SMART 33 we focus on explaining the financial benefits of partnering with SMART33 to non-union contractors. It is our job to educate decision-makers about the side of the union that the media does not portray. Eli knows that when contractors take advantage of the highly trained and experienced labor pool, made up of SMART 33 members, their business can become as successful as they desire it.

Most of Eli’s construction experience is in the residential industry. His father owns a residential roofing company and he spent many years doing that back-breaking work. Eli has also done drywall and kitchen remodeling. When Eli was 18, he joined the U.S. Army, and went to college afterwards. Prior to joining SMART 33, he spent five year working in a law firm that worked with building trades unions.

Eli, and his beautiful wife of 13 years, live in the Old West End, a historic neighborhood, of Toledo. They have two children, a 11 year old daughter and a 9 year old son. The family is heavily involved in competitive swimming. Eli’s wife coaches, both kids swim, and he  is a swim official. Eli enjoys reading, gardening, working around the house, watching the Red Sox, and playing softball.

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Shane is a third generation sheet metal worker and has been in the sheet metal industry since 1998. He joined the apprenticeship program on July 16, 1999, and graduated in 2004. His family has an extensive background in the industry; exposing him to all facets of the trade. Shane feels this gives him a unique perspective on multiple aspects of the trade. His family members have run work, been in the office, and worked every niche of the sheet metal industry. Shane says “Vermilyes have been witness to almost every great advancement in automation and new technology. I feel this gives me a deep understanding for the ever changing landscape of the construction world.”

Shane joined the Partnership Development Department in 2007. He wanted to work for SMART 33 because SMART 33 partner contractors have been supporting his family for over 60 years. He believes every contractor, large or small, can have great success with the help of SMART33. His goal is to find the next generations of great contractors to partner with—for future generations of sheet metal workers. Shane believes that together SMART 33 and its partner contractors can improve the communities within which we work.

Shane has been married for 15 years and has five children. When he is not at work, his kids keep him very busy. He coaches youth lacrosse, youth football and takes his sons to numerous wrestling tournaments throughout the year. He also enjoys reading and playing guitar.

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Steve became interested in taking an active role in SMART 33 when he first started as an apprentice in the union. The older members talked to him about giving back to the organization and making a difference in the members’ collective futures. He became determined to make a difference in SMART 33 and to set an example for the younger members. Over the period of a few years, he learned that SMART 33 must work with contractors and help them be successful and profitable, because it puts members to work. Steve says “Helping contractors is a Win-Win for everybody. In this day and age partnerships are the backbone of our industry.”

In 2005, after spending 12 years as an automotive/diesel/small engine mechanic, he became a sheet metal apprentice for SMART 33. He worked for the HE Neumann Company until 2008 when he was offered a paid internship with SMART 33. Upon the completion of his internship, he went to work for George V. Hamilton and became a shop steward as an apprentice. Also during that time, he was appointed to SMART 33’s Executive Board—the first time an apprentice had ever received such an honor. He remained in both capacities until 2012. From 2012 to present he has worked in the Partnership Development Department for SMART 33, helping contractors better serve their employees and grow their businesses.

Steve has been married to his wife, Jamie, for 15 years and they have two beautiful daughters. His outside interests are coaching softball, motorcycles and yard work. He has been a member of several civic and social organizations in his hometown, and enjoys volunteering to help others.

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