#Duckumentary - Lamont Vernon

Specializing in machine operation for a variety of different materials, Lamont operates the fabrication and manufacturing of metal panels for our field crews.

In response to learning that only 5.7% of African Americans are represented in the construction manufacturing, metal panel fabrication industry, Lamont was astonished, “Wow… that’s crazy”.

How long have you worked in construction? How/where did you get your start?
I’ve been with EDA for about 5 ½ years now, joining as a shop machine operator. I started my career in construction programming and operating machine in the stone industry, so I was doing a lot of marble and granite. I already had familiarity with running machines there, so now [working at EDA], it’s just a different material and type of machine but the same principles.

As a member of the 5.7% of Black or African-Americans who work within the primary metals and fabricated metal products manufacturing, how do you think we can work to increase representation?
The program that Kodi Nixon started with Reboot Construction is doing good work to open the doors for more people. And you know, there are not a lot of African Americans in construction manufacturing so giving them the opportunity to learn about the panel fabrication and manufacturing process while they are in their pre-apprenticeship will definitely help spread the word about opportunities available to us.

How does EDA stand out among the other companies you’ve been with?
The whole culture is different. Once I really started working here, it become more apparent that they really value you for your skillset and everyone was personable and made you feel at home as soon as you started.

What advice would you give to other Black/African American tradesmen and women who want to pursue careers in construction, like shop fabrication?
I would say go to a tech school, get an apprenticeship, learn CAD drawings, study 3D models, and just keep on learning, learn as much as you can about all different trades.