Most people spend their lives avoiding risk. A select few attack it. They dive head first into the zone where physical, intellectual, reputational, and financial risks fuel their actions, test their resolve, and fulfill their dreams. Every week The Adrenaline Zone podcast explores the action-packed lives of people who seek out challenges most wouldn’t consider. Buckle up and hold on as we interview these deep divers, high fliers, and fast drivers to find out how it feels to live life in The Adrenaline Zone.
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Most people spend their lives avoiding risk. A select few attack it. They dive head first into the zone where physical, intellectual, reputational, and financial risks fuel their actions, test their resolve, and fulfill their dreams. Every week The Adrenaline Zone podcast explores the action-packed lives of people who seek out challenges most wouldn’t consider. Buckle up and hold on as we interview these deep divers, high fliers, and fast drivers to find out how it feels to live life in The Adrenaline Zone.
“Coffee time” is over, so you polish off the rest of your beer, grab your bags of bolts, begin your climb up the column and step out to “walk the iron” 20 stories above the ground - all without a hard hat, a harness, or any means of being “tied off”. The world of high-rise ironwork has evolved considerably over the years, and today’s guest is here to provide his eyewitness account of it all.
In today’s exhilarating episode of The Adrenaline Zone, listeners are immersed in the captivating world of high-rise ironwork through the eyes of seasoned veteran, John Steinmetz. Boasting an impressive 40-year career in this daring profession, John shares details of his journey into ironworking, which is rooted in a strong family connection, and which unfolds as a thrilling tale of courage and resilience. The episode delves into a number of fascinating themes, from the challenges and risks of working at dizzying heights to the evolution of safety measures and training, the intricacies of assembling skyscrapers, and the camaraderie shared among ironworkers that resembles a second family. He also shares humorous anecdotes from his long and storied career, highlighting the importance of adaptability and problem-solving in this physically demanding field. As Season 5 of The Adrenaline Zone draws to a close here today, join Sandy, Sandra, and John to discover the awe-inspiring world of ironworking and the relentless dedication it entails. Don't miss this heart-pounding discussion that will definitely take you to new heights!
Episode Highlights:
John’s road to the construction industry
How tall structures are built
Getting used to working high up
The risks involved and how they are mitigated
The training involved
Some of John’s close calls over the years
Working in a confined space
The metal that John has in him
Dealing with a variety of weather conditions
The family-like nature of working with others in construction
The evolution of safety procedures over the years
Ensuring quality and timely work
Dealing with designers and engineers
Some of John’s funnier stories from his career
The impact of technology on his work
John’s advice for those considering a career like his
The highest John has ever walked on a beam
His favorite building that he worked on
Quotes:
"In our business, gravity is your worst enemy."
"I'll probably remember my first and my last."
"You have to be geared for it. It's not a lazy man's job."
"When it looks good on paper, it doesn't always work in real life."
"People say that artificial intelligence is going to take away a lot of jobs, but they're white-collar jobs, not your job."
"Just close your eyes and wait till the ride stops."
"Each general contractor has an outside inspection agency, a third party who comes in behind us and checks to make sure…everything is done in accordance to the specs."
"You never want the crane to stop."
“I would still do it all over again if I was given the opportunity. I made a good living at it, I've always stayed busy, and the union treated me very well.”
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The Adrenaline Zone
Most people spend their lives avoiding risk. A select few attack it. They dive head first into the zone where physical, intellectual, reputational, and financial risks fuel their actions, test their resolve, and fulfill their dreams. Every week The Adrenaline Zone podcast explores the action-packed lives of people who seek out challenges most wouldn’t consider. Buckle up and hold on as we interview these deep divers, high fliers, and fast drivers to find out how it feels to live life in The Adrenaline Zone.
