You might consider this next story a folk tale of the building trades. There is a version of this story that is true and it has been told over and over again. Everyone from Meiner Electric has heard a version of this story. There is no lesson to this tale, no moral, only pure entertainment.

In the early 1960’s, Meiner Electric was awarded the electrical package for the College-Conservatory of Music, in Cincinnati. Jon Meiner was a sharp businessman that had no time for nonsense. Jon broke into the union 12 years ago and the first few years were lean ones. After year 7, Meiner Electric was finally becoming a well-trusted, small, family shop. By year 10, Jon had return clients that kept his men steadily employed, which gave him confidence to bid larger jobs in the city.

Jon was very proud of how far he had come and rightly so, He didn’t have any connections in Cincinnati. Jon got in the union with grit and determination. Jon was so proud that when he did walk-throughs of the job, he brought his twelve-year-old son along. Jon would introduce his son David, to all of his workers. Jon told his son, “David, these men that have been with me since the beginning, I consider them family. When you are old enough, you will work alongside with them and learn the trade before coming into the shop. I want you to know the business inside and out, learn the trade, learn the contract and learn how to bid work.” Of course, David hung onto every word his father said.

As the College-Conservatory of Music picked up, Jon realized he needed more journeyman, so he called the hiring hall. Jon put a call in for five more journeymen and they were to report to the jobsite first thing Monday morning. Jon liked to meet the guys before they went to job but they were falling behind. Jon trusted his instincts and decided he would pull the men aside next time he made it to UC.

A few weeks went by and Jon got word from his foreman Jack, that the new guys were working out really well. Jack suggested that now they were caught up, it would be a good time for Jon to stop by and see the progress. Jon agreed and told Jack that he would stop by Wednesday, which was payday. Jon was going over some paperwork at the shop, and he thought to himself it might be best if let a couple of the new guys go. Construction work is a tricky business. There was future work that Jon bid on, but Meiner Electric hadn’t been awarded it yet. Jon was very torn on what to do so he decided he would meet the new guys and wait to make a decision.

Wednesday came and Jon brought his son along to meet the new hires. Jon met three of the guys right away and felt really good about keeping them. When he couldn’t find the other two guys, Jon asked Jack where they were working. Jack looked up from his set of blueprints and said, “Pete and Michael are working together up in the balcony.” Jon turned to his son and said, “I guess we’re going for a walk.” When they got upstairs, Jon noticed right away two guys sitting down and smoking cigarettes. Jon was furious and his son knew it, “What are you going to do about this dad? Jon told his son to follow him and see. Jon marched over to them with his son just behind him. Jon looked at the two men sternly, “I will not have guys sitting down on my job!” Jon pulled his wallet out and two hundred dollars for each of them and shoved it down their top bib pocket. “Go back to the hall, I’m done with you! Let’s go son, I’m sorry you had to see that.” Jon and David walked back to the car a drove off.

A month went by, and The Conservatory of music was wrapping up, so it was time for Jon to make his final walkthrough. Jon met Jack at the front of the building, “Where’s David?” Jon smiled, “School started back, thanks for asking.” Jack gave Jon a tour of the finished project, “Inspector should be here later today.” They continued walking around and Jon was very pleased how it all turned out. As they were getting ready to head upstairs, Jon turned and saw the same two guys he laid off a month prior. Jon walked over to them with a very puzzled look his face, “Didn’t I lay you two off a month ago?” The two guys looked at each other and laughed, ” You did. We’re not electricians, we’re plumbers.” Jon was so dumbfounded that he turned around and went right back to shop. He vowed he would not speak of this to no one. Evidently someone said something or I wouldn’t be telling this story today.

I’ll see you on the next one.