Building From the Ground Up: My 22-Year Journey in Residential Construction
When people ask how I ended up in the construction world, the truth is—I never really “ended up” here. I grew up here. Construction has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Before I ever carried a license, before I ran my own jobs, before I knew what a career would look like, I was already on job sites, learning the trades the same way generations before me did: by showing up, putting in the work, and paying attention.
Today, after 22 years in residential construction, I’m a licensed contractor with hands-on experience across the entire spectrum of the building process. But my story isn’t about titles—it’s about the work that shaped me.
A Life Built on the Trades
My background isn’t limited to one specialty. Over the years, I’ve done a little bit of everything—and a whole lot of the essentials that keep homes standing strong and systems running safely.
I’ve worked in:
Electrical
Running wire, setting panels, troubleshooting live issues, and learning the importance of precision and safety in every connection.Plumbing
Installing supply lines, repairing drains, setting fixtures, and discovering that water has a funny way of teaching you patience.Framing & Carpentry
Building the bones of the house—where millimeters matter and structure is everything.Drywall & Finishes
The stage where craftsmanship makes the difference between “good” and “professional.”Exterior work
Roofing, siding, decks—learning how houses survive the elements and how small details affect long-term durability.
I spent years working beside pros in every trade, picking up real-world knowledge you can’t learn from a classroom or a manual. Every job, every project, every mistake, and every success added another layer to the skill set I have today.
From Tradesman to Licensed Contractor
After two decades in the field, becoming a licensed contractor wasn’t just a career move—it was a natural next step. With experience in nearly every phase of residential construction, I understand not only how individual trades work but how they fit together to create a safe, functional, long-lasting home.
That perspective is what drives everything I do now. Whether I’m managing a project, guiding clients, or giving advice to someone just starting out, I rely on the same lessons I’ve been learning for more than 22 years:
Do it right the first time.
Respect the trades—even the ones you don’t specialize in.
Never stop learning, because building codes and best practices are always evolving.
Quality matters. Always.
Why I Started The Contractors Closet
With all those years on job sites, one thing became clear: contractors and tradespeople depend on gear they can trust. Clothing, workwear, boots, tools, accessories—everything gets put to the test in real-world conditions.
I’ve worn just about every type of work gear out there. Some holds up. Some doesn’t. Some makes your day easier. Some makes it harder.
The Contractors Closet was created to share real insight from someone who has lived this life. My goal is simple:
To help hardworking people find the best clothing and accessories built for the trades—tested, proven, and worth the money.
This isn’t a blog written from behind a desk. It’s written with 22 years of sawdust, mud, broken tools, early mornings, and late nights behind it.
A Foundation Built on Experience
I’m proud of the work I’ve done—and even more proud of what’s ahead. Whether you’ve been in the trades for decades or you’re just now stepping onto your first job site, my goal is to share the knowledge I’ve earned the hard way and point you toward the gear that truly works.
Thanks for being here, and welcome to The Contractors Closet.