#Duckumentary - Tina Pastoressa

What specific skills or experiences do you bring to the construction industry, and how do you see them contributing to the success of our projects?

I started in industry working on a mix of residential and commercial properties, which enabled me to become well-rounded. I was able to go from working on siding to sheetrock, from framing to trim work. Having those experiences taught me a variety of ways to install materials, which helped me transition to my work here on exterior projects.

I feel I bring an open-mindedness to the different work styles of my peers, which is an important skill to have because I can adapt easily when needed.

Can you share a bit about your background and what motivated you to pursue a career in construction?

What really pushed me into this industry was the work I did in my own home. My now father-in-law helped me with remodeling my basement. At the time, he built a soffit out of 2x4s and sheetrock to decoratively cover a pipe in the ceiling, and I was just amazed at how you could take raw material and create a nice design. It got me thinking what else could be done, and that's when I became interested in pursuing this as my career. I began taking courses at my community college and then joined the union. The rest is history.

How do you stay updated on the latest industry trends, technologies, and safety protocols to ensure your work is always of the highest quality?

l am always researching and watching videos online about other construction projects to stay up to date on what others are doing. Additionally, I am still attending classes through the union. My coworkers here at EDA are also a great source of knowledge. When I first started here, my colleagues always told me I could ask questions, and they have been great at guiding me and helping me continuously learn.

Safety is also something I don't take lightly. Every Monday morning, we have a Safety Toolbox Talk, and I find those helpful. I also keep in regular contact with EDA's safety coordinator, and I'm always proactive in giving feedback about safety equipment. I appreciate how dedicated EDA is to keeping us safe and informed on the proper protocols.

Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests? How do you balance your personal life with the demands of the construction industry?

I'm active in a variety of sports, including playing in several sand and indoor volleyball leagues and softball in the spring and summer. I think it's important to take care of your body but also to have a work-life balance to recharge, relax and spend time with family and friends. I also love playing video games as well as spending time with my two orange cats and bunny.

Can you describe a challenging project you've worked on in the past and how you overcame obstacles to ensure its successful completion?

Prior to my time at EDA, I was working on a restoration project for a house fire, and I was working with a team on installing new flooring on the first level of the house. For us to continue with the installation, we had to remove the vent, but it was still attached to the ductwork in the crawl space underneath. There was no light, and I had to enter the crawl space one way in, and crawl back out the same way since it was barely large enough for me to fit. Complicating matters was the fact that the duct had water damage from the water used to put the fire out.

Even though it was daunting, great communication with my peers while I was in the crawl space helped. They guided me through the installation and held the flashlight into the vent for me since there was not even enough room for me to bring the flashlight with me. I never doubted myself or my coworkers, and I learned how important trust and teamwork really is.

What values or principles guide your work ethic, and how do you integrate them into your professional life in the construction industry?

Part of what I believe makes me a great worker is my work ethic. I always stay busy and keep my station neat so that it is safe but also so that we can move onto the next task more efficiently.

I also heard this quote early in my career: "Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well; otherwise, it's not worth doing at all." This really resonated with me, and it is something I think about and apply to my work daily.

How do you prioritize safety on the job site, and what steps do you take to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues?

I always like to be aware of my surroundings and ensure the environment around us is safe, even if it is removing a nail on the floor or keeping the stairways clear of material and other debris that could cause tripping hazards. It doesn't only help our immediate team, but it keeps members of all the trades safe.

Are there any specific career goals or aspirations you have within the construction industry, and how do you plan on achieving them?

Given I am almost a third-year apprentice, I'm focused on absorbing as much knowledge from the projects I am working on as well as from my peers and supervisors. I feel I have a lot to still learn and grow. The job site I am on right now is the first time I joined a project from day one, so it is the first time I am seeing what goes into project start up, another growth opportunity for me.

Can you discuss a time when you had to collaborate with a diverse team on a construction project? How did you handle any differences or challenges that arose?

Since starting with EDA, I have worked with peers from a variety of backgrounds. Some have many years of experience and others are new to the industry. In any job site, having colleagues with varying levels of experience has its advantages because some of our more experienced coworkers can provide tips and tricks for dealing with various installations. On the other hand, newer employees can teach you newer methods they may have recently been taught on another site.

How do you manage stress and maintain a positive mindset in a high-pressure environment like construction?

I'm naturally easygoing so that helps. However, EDA makes it easier for us to learn positive strategies for dealing with high-pressure situations. Recently, the company started reminding us to “breathe” and have provided resources around stress management. Our supervisors have reminded us to take advantage of these resources, including taking a step back and just remembering to breathe.