Family encouragement preps UPF pipefitter for his future
For Landon R., following the right example led to finding his future. A graduate of Wartburg Central High School, Landon took welding classes as part of his high school curriculum and found that he really enjoyed it. Landon’s grandfather was a welder and inspector at Y-12, and he exemplified the kind of life hard work could produce. “My goal was to make him proud, so when he suggested that I should be a pipefitter, I knew that it was the right choice — it would set me up to be happy and not in a constant life struggle,” he said.
He joined the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 102 as soon as he turned 18 and came to the UPF Project in December. The people he works with are his favorite part of the job. Admitting that he is still green, Landon said, “This is my first construction job, and so far, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Since my first day here, the crew is teaching me everything they can, and I’m learning everything I can because I am working for my future.”
A sense of community and belonging are really important to him, who grew up with his grandfather and older sister as role models. “My sister is the true model of love. She was tough, but she’s the one who has been there for me, and I know she is proud. My papaw is proud too, and he is the example I’ve followed to get here.”
Landon said that he hopes to be the future of his Local 102 and to carry on the union’s standard of excellence. “If you want it, you really have to go after it, and you’ve got to put in the work. My goal is to live long and prosper, and the only way to do that is to live and work safely. I am here for one reason, my future.”
Landon’s coming-of-age story coincides with the propulsion of UPF’s growth and mission. When asked about the pride he takes in his work, he said, “I am helping build America. With the work I’ve done, I take pride in being able to say, ‘Hey, I built that.’”