Making a Career of It
Cody Loniewski
Member: Carpenters Local 279
Location: Hudson Valley
Summary: Cody is a graduate of Tappan Zee High School, Class of 2005. He began his career working for his father at his residential carpentry business. Cody credits this time with teaching him the fundamentals of carpentry and helping him realize the importance of taking pride in his work. From there, he transitioned to the union and is proud of his work ethic and the quality craftsmanship he provides. Cody resides in Rockland County with his wife, Brittany, and their three children, Marley, Mavis and Sonny.
Age: 39
Position: Business Agent, Carpenters Local 279
Recent Employers: Prior to becoming a business agent, I was a foreman for Kane Contracting.
Recent Projects:
The three most recent projects I worked on in the field were Morgan Stanley Headquarters – Westchester branch, Optum Healthcare, Brewster, NY and Smyth Building, Stamford, CT.
Ongoing Responsibilities: Union organizer/business agent, Local 279 Executive Board member & financial secretary, delegate to North Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters.
Education, Training, Licenses/Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from York College of Pennsylvania, Graduate of the Carpenters four year Apprenticeship Program, OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR and many other certifications.
Why this career choice? I joined the Carpenters Union because I’ve always taken a great deal of pride in my work. Union carpenters are highly skilled and trained to work efficiently, safely and to a high standard. What I enjoy most about the trade is being able to step back at the end of the day and see something I helped build, whether it’s a wall I framed, ceiling grid I installed or another part of a project that I can point to and say, “I built that.” There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being able to see the results of your hard work every day and knowing that you’re contributing to something that will last.
Biggest challenges in your work? It was a big transition going from being on a job site every day to being an organizer/business agent. It was like starting over as an apprentice, learning a new career. I went from working with my tools on to representing the carpenters who build our local communities. It is a big responsibility and not one that I take lightly.
What are the biggest surprises working in the trade? One of the biggest surprises for me is seeing just how strong the brotherhood and sisterhood within the union really is. Being a union carpenter is a lot like being part of a sports team. The more you work together and support each other, the stronger you become as a group. What has really stood out to me is that you become part of something bigger. That sense of belonging and being part of something bigger than yourself is something I didn’t expect, and it has become one of the things I value most about being a union member.
Most memorable quote: “The future belongs to those who build it.” — Douglas McCarron
Any words of wisdom for a young person entering the field? Attitude is everything. Showing up on time, ready to learn and ready to work is 90 percent of the battle. If you bring that every day, the rest will fall into place.
Greatest accomplishments so far? Marrying my wife, who constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself. She forced me out of my comfort zone and convinced me to join the Carpenters Union 12 years ago. She is always by my side and supports me in whatever I do. On top of that, she has blessed me with three beautiful children.
Favorite interests or hobbies? Spending time with my family, coaching my kids in sports they play and relaxing by the pool.
BY RYAN CAPALBO