b'ITS BEEN A GOOD RUN.THE SOLIS FAMILY: THREE GENERATIONS, ONE DESTINATION
It all began with Jerry Solis, a small-townHe studied construction
management, interned apprentice ironworker from Beckemeyer,under Gerry
DeiningerHe took me under Illinois. In 1967, he was dispatched to a job
forhis wing. He liked me for whatever reason, Jeff The Korte Companynot
realizing it wouldrecalledand built a career that stretched from spark a
legacy spanning three generations.San Francisco to Key West, Florida. One
project Over time, Jerry rose to superintendent,even led him to help
arrange a Native American managed ironwork operations and
purchasedcleansing ceremony after his crew uncovered the companys first
ironworking trucka greensacred remainsa moment that shaped both his 1967
Ford half-ton. His young son, Jeff, watchedoutlook and his respect for the
work.as the company logo was painted on the doors right in their driveway.
Now, Nick Solis carries the torch as a traveling carpenter. I have
pictures on my phone of the Jeff grew up hearing stories of long hours
andbefore and the after, he said. You wouldnt even weather that tested
every trade. But he knewthink this is the same place. One day, Id like to
be his path would look a little different. I thought Ithe superintendent
on a job.might want to be the guy thats in the trailer, he said. If I get
too cold, Ill go in the trailer, and if IFor the Solis family, its more
than a trade. Its get too hot outside, Ill go back to the trailer
andtradition. As Jerry put it, Its been a good run.sit in the air
conditioning.12 13'