At Beeler Construction, we believe that trust-based relationships and dedicated teamwork drive success. With this focus in mind, we are thrilled to periodically spotlight members of the Beeler team, recognizing that their passion and commitment reflect the values that make our company thrive.
In this inaugural Meet the Team Member blog, we celebrate recently-retired carpenter Bill Pulvermacher. Bill started in construction right out of high school, ultimately landing at Beeler Construction, where he spent most of his career. And for a time, both he and his father were both employed by Beeler! We caught up with Bill in his retirement to learn more about his journey, contributions, and passions.
Tell us a little about your background.
My first job was in the carpenter shop of an architectural precast concrete company. It was a dirty job, but I had some great teachers and learned lessons I remember even today. After work there slowed, I decided to start an apprenticeship. Throughout my career, I was very lucky to get involved in a good variety of projects, from rough to finish, and to work with some of the most skilled carpenters—really, teachers to me—whom I have ever met. I owe these men a lot!
I started out working at places different than where my father worked, just because I wanted to do my own thing, and do it myself. Eventually, we ended up at Beeler Construction together for a few years before he retired. I stayed on until I was lucky enough to retire myself, having completed 37 years in the trade.
What did you do in your roles at Beeler?
My roles at Beeler Construction were quite varied: from working in the field to shop work, nothing was off the table. Most of my time was spent “hands on,” with very little administrative or supervisory tasks. I had a good mixture of out-of-town and local projects.
Tell us about an experience that made you feel like you belonged at Beeler Construction.
The amount of trust I felt when given a task made me feel like I belonged at Beeler. I was usually left alone to get jobs done “on budget and on time,” as they say.
What is the most interesting project that you worked on during your time at Beeler?
They were all interesting in their own unique ways, from varied schedules to new materials and processes. But the most interesting projects for me involved some of the shop work.
Why did you like working at Beeler Construction?
I’d have to say it was the variety of work we were asked to do and, as a close second, the caliber of people with whom I got to work. Most of the time, we could have a good time and still get the work done. That makes it easy!
Now that you’re retired, what are your plans for your spare time?
Spare time? Huh! I plan to hunt, fish, and camp a lot more; I love the idea of little getaways for 3-4 days. I have also always wanted to build a cedar-strip canoe, so that will happen sometime when the weather is a little better for that kind of garage work. Additionally, I’m in the process of learning German as a second language, and I’d like to learn to TIG weld, and maybe learn to play the guitar a little—the list is endless!
Do you have any secret talents?
I can remember every 80s song, lyric, and artist—but I often forget where I left my keys. Priorities.
Anything else you would like to share?
Nothing other than: the bulk of my career was spent with Beeler, and I will always fondly remember my time with the company!