Meet Our Staff
Our staff offers over 250 years of Sheet Metal experience and over 100 years of teaching experience. We come from different parts of the industry and offer a very diverse knowledge of the Industry.
Connie
Garcia - Office Manager
I was born in New London Connecticut and
moved to the west coast when I was 3 years old. I began
working for the Sheet Metal Institute in September of 1997. I
came with no prior knowledge of the Sheet Metal trade, of
Apprenticeships or how the union operated. I have
learned a great deal during my years here, and have enjoyed it
immensely. I have gained a broad knowledge and respect
for the Sheet Metal industry and the dedication of the members
to continue to master their craft! I take great pride in
playing a role in assisting with the success of our members in
achieving their goals in their careers. As the Office
Manager my duties are many. I wear many hats as they
say. I enjoy getting to interact with the variety of
people that I do in and for our Industry. From
applicants, to members, to the Bureau of Labor and Industries,
to the Employment office, to our contractors - I'm involved
with all of them at some level and enjoy working with them
all.
I married my best friend Eric in June of 2010. I have one son, Jimmy, who I cherish my relationship with. We have a family dog Otis, who we have had for over 10 years. I have a great love of football and have been a diehard Oakland Raiders fan since 1984. I really enjoy traveling and it is mine and my husband's hope to travel the globe.
Doug
Haase
- Full Time Instructor
I was born
in Fargo North Dakota. I was
raised throughout the Midwest; Minnesota, Michigan and
Wisconsin. I started my Sheet Metal Apprenticeship in
1995 and graduated in 2000. In my 15 years in Sheet
Metal my work experience has been the following, 6 months at
Helser Industries doing shop layout and fit up. The rest
of my time until June 2011 I worked for Streimer Sheet Metal Works doing
the following - 4 years as a field installer, 4 years as a CAD
Detailer, 5 years in the Fabricated Products Department as an
Estimator/Salesperson/Project Manager. I started
teaching shortly after completing my Apprenticeship in 2000.
I have taught classes in Math, Computers, Beginning and
Advanced AutoCAD, and various Detailing related classes.
Recently I have been charged with heading up our Benchmark
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Detailing program as our onsite
certified Detailing Inspector. I am currently very close
to achieving my Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
I went to college to be a teacher. I have always loved
learning and have greatly enjoyed my years being an instructor
at the Sheet Metal Institute. I became a Full time
Instructor in June 2011.
I've been married to my wife Paige for 8 years now. We have 3 children; China, Sterling and Coral. Away from work I'm an avid poker player, I enjoy scuba diving and taking trips to Nicaragua and Mexico for both Humanitarian missions and leisure.
Industry Credentials & Certifications
- Benchmark Building Information Modeling (BIM) Certified Detailing Inspector
- Benchmark Building Information Modeling (BIM) Certified Fabrication Inspector
- Benchmark Building Information Modeling (BIM) Certified Detailing Educator
- Benchmark Building Information Modeling (BIM) Certified Detailer
Kevin
Roth - Training Coordinator
I was born and raised in Portland,
Oregon. After completing my general education and graduating
from Benson Polytechnic High School in 1985, I found a passion
for working with my hands creating and building things out of
sheet metal. That fall I applied and was accepted into the
Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program and turned out as a
Building Trades Journeyman in December 1989.
My first place of employment (1985) was a stainless shop
primarily involved in the fabrication of commercial kitchens
in the Hotel and restaurant industry. My work experience there
included the fabrication, welding and finishing (polishing),
and installation of components made of mild steel, stainless
steel, aluminum, copper and brass. I found a true passion for
this kind of work as it requires a lot of skill and patience.
In 1993 I was hired by an Architectural company as a
fabricator. Involved in the design, manufacture and
installation of exterior sheet metal products which included
panel roof systems, siding, flashings, louvers etc. In a short
time I became shop foreman which led to the responsibility of
purchasing material, detailing, coordinating jobs and
estimating.
Industry Credentials & Certifications
- Bachelors Degree in Labor Education and Labor Studies 2004
- OSHA Construction Outreach Trainer - U.S. Department of Labor
- Certified Associate Welding Inspector - American Welding Society
- First Aid & CPR Instructor - American Red Cross
John
Tillotson - Full Time Instructor
The
Missoula Trap and Skeet Club hired me as a score keeper when I
was eleven years old. It was either that, or buck hay bales.
In my five years there, I made enough money to buy my first
computer, a Commodore 64, and tens of thousands of baseball
cards. From 16 to 22, I worked at more than a dozen jobs. None
of them gave me the sense of belonging, or the feeling of
being needed that I got from being the Head Trap Kid. I called
balls and strikes, bagged groceries, baked pizzas, flipped
burgers, was a full-time student at Montana State University,
folded burritos, washed semi-trailer trucks, replaced railroad
ties, puddle-welded decking onto structural steel, wrote for
and edited the sports section of my college newspaper, spent a
summer as a shift utility at the union pulp and paper mill my
dad worked for, tended bar, operated heavy equipment, cleaned
railcars, installed underground drainage pipe…etc. I did like
some part of every job, but they were all just jobs. The
Scottish dramatist, Sir James Barrie, said, “Nothing is really
work unless you would rather be doing something else.”
Apparently, all that time, I would rather have been working in
the sheet metal trade.
I fear God, love my family and drive a Chevy. The French writer, Gustave Flaubert, said, “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.” I’m trying that.
Industry Credentials & Certifications
- Bachelors Degree in Labor Education - National Labor College
- Certified Welding Inspector - American Welding Society
- OSHA Construction Outreach Trainer - U.S. Department of Labor
- First Aid & CPR Instructor - American Red Cross
- Benchmark Building Information Modeling (BIM) Detailing Inspector
- Benchmark Building Information Modeling (BIM) Fabrication Inspector
- Certified Welder - International Training Institute
- Certified Refrigerant Technician (Universal Level) - Universal Technical Institute
- Industry Competency Exam (ICE) Certification - Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute
- HVAC Fire Life Safety Level 1 Technician - Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau
Wes Foster - Part Time Instructor
I graduated from South Salem High School
in 1967. I then entered the US Navy in December of that
year until being Honorably discharged in 1972. During my
time in the Navy I worked on Boilers, Air Conditioning Units
and with various types of refrigeration.
I've
worked in the HVAC industry for many years. My time in
the union began in 1998 when I started work for Day Heating in
Salem Oregon. I worked there until my recent retirement
at the end of 2010. While at Day I performed the duties
of a journeyman service technician. I've kept trained in
the newest technologies on new equipment as it has come out.
I've also attended schools to keep my licenses current.
I have been teaching Service classes for the Sheet Metal
Institute since 2000. I initially started by teaching
continuing education classes to journey level workers.
Then when they started a 3 year program I was tasked with
teaching the first year of the program. Today I teach the
first year students in the HVAC Technician and Service
program. Initially I did not know if I would enjoy
teaching, but after doing it for awhile I've found it to be
very fun and rewarding. I enjoy being able to pass on
the knowledge I have gained through the years to the next
generation of Service Technicians.
I have been married to the love of my life for 37 years. We have 2 kids and 3 grandkids. Away from work I enjoy being involved in Soap Box Derby racing. For the last 25 years I've been involved with the Salem Soap Box Derby. I enjoy working with the kids and teaching them lessons in sportsmanship and that winning is not everything. 15 years ago another dad and I started a new race in Salem to bring kids from all over the West Coast and other parts of the country. We call it the Best in the West Classes. For the past 14 years I've been the regional director of the All American Soap Box Derby. I'm also involved in Awanas through my church.
Industry Credentials & Certifications
- Bachelors Degree in Labor Education and Labor Studies 2006
- Low Voltage Electrical License
- CFC Universal Certification
Dan Carroll - Part Time Instructor
I grew up in Orinda California, second
oldest of 5 siblings (3 brothers and 1 sister) and graduated
from Miramonte High School (Moraga, Orinda, CA) in 1976 after
being accepted to UC Berkeley. I quickly discovered that I
really didn’t want to do the work involved and after
determining that I was going to fail all my classes that first
quarter, I promptly joined the US Navy. I went to boot camp in
January of 1977, Machinists Mate Class “A” school in March of
1977 at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois. From
there I went to the Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando,
Florida from September of 1977 until March of 1978. As this
was just the classroom phase of Nuke School, I went on to
Idaho Falls Idaho to train for another 6 months on the A1W
prototype plant out in the middle of the Snake River Plateau
in Easter Idaho. Alas, I did not finish this phase of the
training and was sent to the fleet. I ended up spending the
next 4+ years as a crew member of the USS Niagara Falls
(AFS-3) out of Alameda, CA where I made three Western Pacific
deployments. I worked in the Auxiliaries Division onboard the
ship, and this is where I learned refrigeration. I also spent
time in the engine room running the mechanical side of the
steam plant. After receiving my Honorable Discharge in March
of 1983, I spent a couple of years working in a wine shop,
among other things. In March of 1985, I ended up in
Portland Oregon where I signed up for SMWIA Local 16’s
apprenticeship. I was dispatched to Superior Air Handling in
November of 1985 to the BPA building along I-84. From there I
went to Streimer Sheet Metal Works from December 1987 until
spring of 1991. I was dispatched to Arctic Sheet Metal in 1991
where I spent the next two years going from ASM to SSMW. In
1994 I became Shop Foreman on ASM’s swing shift. In 1996, I
went back to the day shift and also started teaching night
apprentice classes at the Sheet Metal Institute. When the
Sheet Metal Institute decided to go to day time training in
1998, I applied for one of the three full time positions and
was hired. I worked for the Sheet Metal Institute until May
2011. As an instructor I have attended many train the trainer classes that are put on
by the International Training Institute(iTi) for the Sheet
Metal Industry.
I
have been a Trustee of the local, as well as a Labor Trustee
on the Pension Trust since 2003. I have also been a member of
the Work Recovery Program Committee since 2000.
I have one son,
born in 1986. I play guitar, work in my yard, and fool around
with analogue recording equipment. My two remaining life goals
are to do something so cool they name a unit of measure or an
element after me, and second, simultaneously attending my 100th
high school reunion and the Tri-Centennial 4th of
July Celebration in 2076.
Pe4ace, Love, and Sheet Metal,
Daniel T. Carroll
Industry Credentials & Certifications
- Bachelors Degree in Labor Education and Labor Studies 2002
- Certified Test, Adjusting & Balancing Technician - Testing, Adjusting & Balancing Bureau
- Certified HVAC Master Mechanic - International Training Institute
- OSHA Construction Outreach Trainer - U.S. Department of Labor
- Certified Welding Inspector - American Welding Society
- First Aid & CPR Instructor - American Red Cross
- Several NATE Certifications
Amelia Kelsay - Part Time Instructor
I was born and raised in Portland,
Oregon. After graduating from High School I went on to attend
College at Pacific University in Forest Grove, where I earned
my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Before starting
my Sheet Metal Apprenticeship I went through and graduated from
the Oregon Tradeswomen Pre-Apprenticeship program in 2004.
I am still actively involved in the Oregon Tradeswomen as a
volunteer at the annual trades fair and I have been invited
back on numerous occasions to speak to future tradeswomen
about the opportunities for them in the construction trades.
I began my Sheet Metal Apprenticeship in 2005 and Graduated in
2009. My work experiences thus far in my career have
mainly been working on larger commercial projects and High
tech projects in the HVAC segment of the industry. I started
teaching in 2010 and have found it challenging and enjoyable
at the same time. I enjoy teaching because you get to be
part of the ah-ha moment when a student understands the
material you are presenting. It is so exciting for them
and so rewarding for the teacher.
Away from work I enjoy playing golf, coaching basketball and working on my fixer upper house.
Industry Credentials & Certifications
- Benchmark Building Information Modeling (BIM) Certified Detailer
Lori Kajkowski - Part Time Instructor
A native to Nevada, I attended the
University of Nevada in Reno where I earned
a Bachelor's Degree with emphasis
in Fine Art, Biochemistry, and American History. In
particular, studying sculpture in college allowed me to learn
a bit about welding and metal work. This experience had
a great impact on me. I moved to the Portland area in
1997, but it wasn’t until 2002 that I discovered the sheet
metal trade and began my apprenticeship with Streimer Sheet
Metal. While an
apprentice, I was lucky to work on both HVAC and architectural
projects as well as in the shop.
I went on to win the
local competition specializing in architectural sheet metal
and advanced to the regional competition.
In 2007, I attained journeyman status.
Although I enjoyed working in the architectural field,
I had the opportunity to explore new challenges as an HVAC
estimator at General Sheet Metal later that same year. I
enjoy learning more about our trade from within the office as
well as furthering my applied knowledge through continuing
education. I have
completed the testing and balancing sequence through our
training center and anticipate gaining my certification as a
TAB technician in 2011.
I
am interested in green building methods and actively seek out
opportunities to learn more.
I earned my LEED AP credential in 2009 and the BD+C
(Building Design + Construction) specialty at the end of 2010.
I believe education is the key to success in life.
The exchange of knowledge is crucial to progress and
development as an individual and for our industry as a whole.
I have really enjoyed all of the classes that I have taken at
our training center, and I look forward to giving back to our
sheet metal community as an instructor!
Outside of work and school, I enjoy brewing beer, exploring wilderness areas, and traveling.
Industry Credentials & Certifications
- LEED AP Building Design + Construction
I was born in Park Rapids, MN. We moved
to Portland when I was 10 years old. I started my Sheet
Metal Apprenticeship in 2000 and completed it in August of
2005. During my time as a Sheet Metal Worker I have
worked as a shop fabricator, as an installer, and as a
Detailer on projects ranging from Large Commercial, High Tech,
Hospitals, Architectural, Industrial and Residential. I
have been involved in Building Information Modeling (BIM)/
Integrated Project Delivery. I've been involved with our
Safety Committee. I've been exposed to and worked within
LEAN construction and collaborative project design. I've
been a Part Time Instructor at the Sheet Metal Institute since
2007, teaching classes in AutoCAD.
Industry Credentials & Certifications
- CAD-Duct Certification
I was born and raised in Portland,
Oregon. I graduated from Benson High school and later
recieved a degree in Technical Illustration from PCC as well
as a degree in Sheet Metal. I spent 31 months in the
Army which included 21 months in Vietnam in the Engineers.
Before entering my Apprenticeship I worked at several jobs in
the metal fabrication industry that included; leaf spring
fabricator, Carman for the Union Pacific railroad, fabricator
for several non-union shops, welder for American Sheet Metal
in local 544 (now the production side of local 16). I
started my Apprenticeship in 1974 at R & J Metal Fabricators
and stayed there for over 30 years. At R & J I worked in
the shop and field the first 20 years before becoming the shop
foreman and eventually moving into the office as an estimator.
Most of the work we did was in the Heavy Industrial segment of
the Industry. I completed my Sheet Metal Apprenticeship
in 1978. I started teaching for the Sheet Metal
Institute in 1992 before we had our own training center.
Classes were held at various locations; including Benson High
School and several PCC campuses. Teaching is a very
rewarding job that I have enjoyed for many years now.
Industry Credentials & Certifications
- Certified Welding Inspector - American Welding Society
- OSHA Construction Outreach Trainer - U.S. Department of Labor
- First Aid & CPR Instructor - American Red Cross
- Approved Rigging Instructor - The Crosby Group
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