Meet the Community

“I told myself I was going to be a carpenter or a firefighter by my 50th birthday,” said Deb Cronin. “I’m now 53 and a third-year apprentice in Carpenters Local 328 so yes, I’m a firm believer in working hard to make your dreams come true – whatever your age!”

Deb who is a mother of two, and a former beauty queen, pro-athlete, and artist was featured on this month’s front cover of High Profile magazine to mark Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week.

Deb says she loves being part of the Carpenters union and says with a smile, “I just love that people are so interested in my journey and supportive of me!” Her one regret? She wishes she had become a union carpenter when she was in her twenties or thirties.

She emphasizes her respect, admiration and appreciation for her fellow Brothers and Sisters who have helped her along the way, sharing their carpentry knowledge and skills. “I’ve learned so much, both in class and on the jobsite and I’m so grateful for that.”

“Every chance I get I talk excitedly about, and inform friends and strangers – be it my bank tellers, store cashiers, waitresses – about the skills I’ve learned through my apprenticeship, the union pride instilled in me and of course the union benefits and the great money to be made,” said Deb. “If my story or picture reaches, influences and/or lifts up someone that’s what it’s all about! And, the bottom line is don’t let gender, age, ethnicity, stereotypes, opinions deter you from doing what you want to do!”