Benjamin Watrous
Ledyard Center
Summary
Dynamic Lead Carpenter with extensive experience at Self-employed, specializing in custom furniture creation and exceptional finish carpentry. Proven ability to enhance client satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving skills. Successfully managed projects, reducing material waste and improving workflow efficiency, while training junior carpenters in advanced techniques and safety protocols.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Carpenter
Self-employeed
04.2003 - Current
- Led project planning and execution, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to timelines.
- Supervised and trained junior carpenters in advanced techniques and safety protocols.
- Managed client communications to understand needs and deliver custom solutions effectively.
- Developed efficient workflows, reducing material waste and enhancing productivity on job sites.
- Supervised a team of carpenters, fostering skill development and collaboration on complex builds.
- Completed installations of building structures, trim, flooring, and cabinetry.
- Demonstrated versatility in carpentry techniques, working proficiently with both hand tools and power tools to achieve desired results.
- Demonstrated close attention to detail to verify quality and accuracy of work.
- Specialized in specific carpentry tasks such as framing, finish work, or restoration projects to provide clients with tailored services and high-quality results.
- Read and interpreted blueprints to follow specifications of projects.
- Contributed to successful completion of residential and commercial projects by skillfully installing cabinetry, doors, windows, and flooring materials.
- Repaired existing structures such as staircases, decks, or door frames with precision to extend their lifespan without compromising structural integrity or aesthetics.
- Cut, shaped and installed siding, roofing and framing to protect interior of properties from harsh weather conditions.
- Reduced material waste by precisely measuring, cutting, and assembling lumber for various construction projects.
- Measured, drilled and sawed materials to perform successful home improvements.
- Strengthened team collaboration through effective communication and problem-solving skills during complex carpentry projects.
- Assisted in training new carpenters to demonstrate techniques, apply best practices and comply with protocols and regulations.
- Discarded debris and disposed waste to maintain cleanliness and quality standards.
- Supported the development of accurate project estimates by providing input on materials needed, labor requirements, and timeline expectations for various jobs.
- Constructed custom furniture pieces according to detailed design plans, showcasing creativity as well as technical expertise in woodworking processes.
- Constructed custom furniture to client's design specifications, significantly increasing repeat business and customer referrals.
- Enhanced structural integrity of buildings by installing frameworks, including joists and studs.
- Repaired damaged doors, windows and other structures.
- Effectively used nails, screws, pneumatic nailing systems, concrete anchors, powder-actuated fasteners and framing connectors.
- Installed insulation, trim and other finishing touches.
- Measured, cut and installed drywall, paneling and other materials.
- Built and hung custom doors and frames.
- Installed drywall, ceilings, trim and fabricated replacement trim and moldings.
- Assembled and installed furniture and cabinetry.
- Safely operated electric cordless and hammer drills and cutting torches.
- Measured and marked cutting lines on materials using pencil or chalk and marking gauge.
- Facilitated harmonious working relationships with crew members to prevent problems and conflicts.
House Painter
Self-employeed
08.1995 - Current
- Managed all aspects of residential and commercial painting projects, ensuring high-quality finishes.
- Coordinated color selection and design consultations with clients to achieve desired aesthetics.
- Supervised and trained junior painters on safety protocols, tools usage, and painting techniques.
- Developed efficient workflow processes to minimize downtime and enhance project completion rates.
- Conducted thorough surface preparation, including sanding, priming, and caulking for optimal paint adherence.
- Assessed customer feedback to refine service offerings and improve client satisfaction scores.
- Applied primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.
- Performed minor repair tasks like patching holes or sanding rough areas before painting to ensure a smooth and even final result.
- Completed interior and exterior painting for variety of residential and commercial clients.
- Used brushes, spray guns and paint rollers to paint surfaces.
- Improved overall project efficiency by ensuring proper surface preparation and timely application of paint.
- Maintained clean job sites by promptly disposing of debris, unused materials, and cleaning tools after each task''s completion.
- Communicated effectively with clients regarding project specifications, timelines, and budget constraints to ensure mutual understanding and satisfaction throughout the entire process.
- Monitored and adjusted painting techniques for optimal results.
- Used sandpaper, scrapers, grinders, and steel wool to smooth surfaces.
- Skillfully operated power tools such as pressure washers or spray guns for efficient exterior painting projects.
- Expanded clientele base with professional customer service skills, leading to increased referrals and repeat business opportunities.
- Delivered visually appealing results by expertly applying various types of paint finishes, including matte, satin, gloss, and semi-gloss coatings.
- Assisted in training new team members on proper painting techniques, safety procedures, and customer service expectations for consistent high-quality results across all projects.
- Painted surfaces using brushes, spray guns, and paint rollers.
- Prepared trim, walls and ceilings for painting by cleaning, smoothing, and priming.
- Worked holidays and weekends depending on shifting needs of project.
- Applied primer, paints, varnishes and lacquers to walls and surfaces using traditional and sprayer methods.
- Operated power sprayers and hand tools to prepare and paint large areas.
- Protected surfaces from damage and spills by using drop cloths prior to and during painting.
- Mixed and blended paints according to specified colors and consistency.
- Applied putty, wood filler, spackling, and caulks to prep uneven surfaces and fill in holes.
- Painted indoor areas such as hallways, bathrooms, and lobbies.
- Evaluated completed work for quality and adherence to standards and client requirements.
- Prepared surfaces and surrounding areas for painting using sandpaper, tape, and other materials.
- Climbed scaffolding, staging, ladders, and planks to reach work area surfaces and observed safety protocols to prevent falls.
- Patched cracks, holes and other imperfections in walls and other surfaces.
- Taped off areas to prevent overspray and other accidents.
- Used airless sprayers, rollers, brushes and other painting tools to accomplish job tasks.
- Prepared surfaces for painting or staining by removing old paint and applying primers.
- Reached high ceilings and walls with scaffolding and ladders.
- Corrected surface imperfections by filling cracks, holes, and joints.
- Primed and sealed surfaces to best support paint coats.
- Interacted with clients to report progress and verify timetable for completed work.
- Mixed paint, varnish, shellac and lacquer to desired consistencies.
- Trained new staff on initial setup routines and continual work monitoring procedures.
- Followed safety procedures and properly used protective gear while painting.
- Repaired drywall and plaster prior to painting.
- Applied various types of paints and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces.
- Utilized brushes and rollers to create various textures.
Education
GED -
Hard Knocks
Ledyard Center, CTSkills
- Framing techniques
- Power tools operation
- Demolition work
- Window installation
- Door installation
- Finish carpentry
- Woodworking expertise
- Cabinet making
- Insulation installation
- Flooring installation
- Tile installation
- Painting and finishing
- Staircase construction
- Plumbing basics
- Scaffold setup
- Deck building
- Problem-solving
- Subcontractor coordination
- Exceptional finish carpentry skills
- Client communication
- Remodeling projects
- Customer service
- Custom furniture creation
- Carpentry techniques
- Repair and maintenance
Timeline
Lead Carpenter
Self-employeed
04.2003 - Current
House Painter
Self-employeed
08.1995 - Current
GED -
Hard Knocks