Goodfellow Bros. is more than a general contractor, we are family. This week, we are honoring our Fathers in the Craft by asking their children how they were inspired by their hard-working dads in construction – and why they decided to follow in his footsteps. Thank you, dads, for all that you do! Happy Father’s Day from all of us at GBI!
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Kyle Laudermilk about his Dad, Ken Laudermilk
The earliest memory I have of my dad in construction was during his career working for a trucking company. I was able to visit his office and I got to ride in their new dump truck. I was fairly young at the time and being a little kid in a huge truck was just about the coolest thing ever!
My dad was a hard-working man. Growing up, I got to watch him as an operator, and I knew right after high school that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. He taught me a great deal through my life about how to be a good leader and showed me what it means to be a good person. I feel like I call him every day for advice or just to talk; he’s so knowledgeable. He is a great leader, a great person, and a great dad.
Doug Shepherd about his Dad, Paul Shepherd
I cannot remember a time when my dad was not working in construction. My grandfather, two uncles, and my dad have worked in the industry so it’s a big part of our family. When I was very young, I remember my dad giving me a shovel and a Tonka truck to play with. I loved digging huge holes in the back yard just for fun. Then, I would build forts around them using any scraps of wood I could find!
I remember my dad traveling a lot for work. My mother would take me to all these new places over the weekends to see him work on the construction sites. I learned so much from watching him work, and I’m still learning from him every day.
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Mike Stroud about his Dad, Mark Stroud
I am very proud to be a fourth-generation operating engineer. I grew up with most of my family in some form of construction or equipment repair, and so did my dad. My earliest memory of wanting to be out in the field with my dad was in first grade. After spending time with my Dad repairing large earthmoving equipment during summer vacation, I had a strong desire to join the work force even then! I was in awe of how amazing construction, the crews, and equipment can be. There simply was no comparison to watching mountains being moved by heavy machinery to school and homework at age seven. I just had to be a part of this industry.
Watching my dad earn respect from people on the job and in the industry, is what made me want to follow in his footsteps. Navigating through complex machine systems, harsh field environments, and solving what seems impossible was rewarding. And, his never-quit attitude always impressed me as a kid and still does today.
Kapu Eli Jr. about his Dad, Kapu Eli Sr.
My dad has worked in the construction industry since before I was born. One of my earliest memories of his construction career was when my mother would drive me out to his worksites to bring him lunch. I loved watching him operate the big machines.
I’m proud to be the third generation in my family to enter the construction workforce. I always knew that I wanted to follow in my dad’s and my grandfather’s footsteps. My dad was a great influence on my career. He taught me to always be respectful and that discipline and hard work are of great importance.
Happy Father’s Day to all our dads and Fathers in the Craft who have taught us so much!
