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Jeremy Soroka
Roofers Local Union #37
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Many people spend their entire day confined to an 8 by 10 foot cubicle or office that may include a window (that opens if they’re lucky) or a view of an artificial plant.
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Moving around means a quick trip to the restroom or the copier.
For Jeremy Soroka, space is anything but confining and views of city skylines, trees and the smell of open air comes with the job.
That’s what it is to be a roofer and Jeremy’s been doing it for 13 years as a member of Roofers Local Union #37. Of course, the job and the environment in which he works can also be very taxing.
“I know a lot of people can’t do what I do,” he says. “But that’s one of the things I like about it—knowing that I can do what others can’t. It’s a very physical job, but if you’re good at it, you can make a very good living.”
Working on such projects as PNC Park (yes, it has roofs), USX Tower, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh/UPMC and others, Jeremy has helped remove and install a variety of roofs using a equally wide variety of materials and products, such as TPO, a white plastic material that is environmentally friendly and was recently installed on the Rivers Casino. He also installs insulation, crickets (for water diversion), flashing and other materials.
A lot of people in my profession say that the best part of my job is working outside and the worst part of my job is working outside, and they are both true,” the Franklin Park resident explains. “The weather can be an issue.”
Jeremy should know. He’s worked in both 95 degree heat and in sub zero degree temperatures, as was the case a few years ago while working on the roof at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills in Tarentum. “The work is not as seasonal as you might think,” he explains.
“I’ve worked in a foot of snow, but rain and ice cause more of a problem. You just have to learn to adapt. In the heat, you have to drink a lot of water and when it’s cold you have to dress accordingly. You work with the elements. You also become quite a weather buff.”
What advice would Jeremy give to someone wishing to become a roofer? “Become a carpenter (just kidding),” he recommends. “Go to work with a good attitude and a sense of pride, and never stop learning.
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Do those things and you will be successful.”
You will also be assured of some open space, good views and fresh air.
Jeremy Soroka inspects flashing he installed on the roof of the Gates Center for Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University.
the county to some 100 homes to evaluate and make necessary repairs.
Richard Goodman
Ironworkers Local Union #3
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Like many young men, Richard Goodman at age 26 was looking for a long-term career that would be both challenging and financially rewarding.
An outdoorsman who enjoys physical exercise and riding his Harley, Richard was looking for something that would k |
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Richard, however, was not like any young man. After all, he had only been in this country for six years, having grown up in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia), Africa, where the last thing on his mind was becoming an ironworker in Pittsburgh. But lifetime journeys often take circuitous routes as was the case for Richard Goodman.
With good oral communication skills, Richard was able to gain entry into the United States at age 20 as a Cultural Representative for Disney World, where among other duties, he conducted tours on the safari attraction at Animal Kingdom.
When not working, Richard took time to become a certified scuba instructor—an activity that would eventually lead him to Pittsburgh, but not before he would spend time in Missouri doing a variety of odds and ends including working for a silk screen printing company, far from the kind of daring career he was seeking.
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