VRG Custom Carpentry

Throwback thursday, 54 custom window seats in a single building.

I love what I do. I started my own business after over 25 years of doing projects for a small percentage of the value I added.

If you're looking at these pictures and you wonder how much effort it took, I was on site for over 2 months working in four different units, installed a spiral staircase, helped build a really cool entryway and created 54 custom window seats plus miles of other trim.

Looking for more projects as I expand my business.

Sometimes what's outside your house is more important than the interior. This client was in fear of stepping through their porch for good reason.

It's little jobs like this that are emotionally rewarding because you know you're creating something that is safe again.

Looking back at all the things that got me here. We have gone from hand banging nails to, everything is cordless in my lifetime.

This was just one of many windows I took care of on a Saturday a couple years ago. But it was a tricky one because of the center mulling strip. With knowledge and experience it becomes a thing of beauty that the client will be happy with for a lifetime to come.

One of the reasons I went out on my own in the first place, that sense of accomplishment and permanence

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Labor Day. I'm trying to pick up a few extra projects for the winter and spring of next year. As I'm expanding my business and growing as a contractor.

I've been physically working in the field for well over 30 years. On all types of jobs but going out on my own was the most rewarding experience.

There is nothing like figuring out a price, setting it at a level where you can remain profitable and open. Living up to your obligations and seeing projects through to the end.

To the young guys out there who've been doing carpentry for at least 3 years. The sooner you file the proper paperwork and get your CSL and start your own company the better off you'll be. Working as an employee is rewarding but if you're asking yourself the question, am I paying for the experience then it's time to at least make sure you're doing side work, legitimately and at an appropriate price to justify it.

With the Advent of AI it has become infinitely easier to find the paperwork understand what's required of you and comply with the laws of your state.

I know a few people follow my company only because of the comments I've made that have led them down that path over the last 6 years. I appreciate all the support likes comments I've received. Sorry I had to turn off reviews I was getting weird people from across the country leaving an awful review even though I had never met or worked for them.

Anyways since no one ever reads the bottom of these anyways I'll be posting the advertisement that I used AI to convert into an image that gives it more of a art color pencil drawing then the original images that I had created the ad with.

I appreciate everyone. Good luck out there

Took a long weekend, but stayed close to home. If you've never been to a local Castle you should definitely take the tour. Hammond Castle is awesome.

offering free training for people who want to enter the trades, I however do not believe they should require a high school diploma.

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Thinking of a career change? Here's your opportunity:

The Salem Career Technical Initiative, the adult education and workforce development arm of Salem Public Schools, is offering 12 weeks of carpentry coursework FREE to the first 24 students who register.

The course runs Monday-Thursday for 12 weeks -- beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Dec. 17 -- at Salem High School and is open to recent graduates, unemployed/under-employed, and those seeking a career change.

Register Now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVU0axXbKXWWI2UbrZJGAAu2uKi1Aqm5Vh_cbLOFO1yc2HeQ/viewform

Salem’s Carpentry track will provide training and entry level certification to the first 24 students who register. STI Carpentry students will learn from local companies such as C. LeBlanc Contracting, Inc., Groom Construction Co., Inc., and A&J General Contractor Inc. Students receive certification in OSHA standards, First Aid/CPR and AED; Hotworks and other industry-related certifications.

Additionally, students receive career development guidance including instruction with resumes, cover letters and interview preparation. Upon completion of the coursework, students are eligible to receive job placement opportunities through Salem CTI’s partnership with the MassHire North Shore Career Center.

A small graduation ceremonial dinner will be held shortly after coursework is complete.

To register:

Complete the registration form, or
Contact Sheila Davila, STI Director of Workforce Development: 978-745-9300 ext. 65405 | [email protected], or
Visit: https://sites.google.com/salemk12.org/salemtech/home

Salem High School | New Liberty Innovation School of Salem | Collins Middle School | Sarah Parker Remond School | Bates Elementary Beacons | Bentley Academy Innovation School | Horace Mann Laboratory School | Witchcraft Heights Elementary School | Salem Early Childhood Center | Salem, Massachusetts - City Government | Groom Construction

Was installing PVC on concrete and my plug cutter was being a pain. Decided to use this rain day to go to Uncle John's shop and drill out a bunch of plugs with his drill press. I really wish I had needed to do something like that before he passed away, it would have been fun to do it with him instead