Workforce Spotlight: Pascual Vargas
Pictured: Angel Pascual Vargas (left), Pascual Vargas (right)
For Pascual Vargas, a Senior Foreman with Escarpita Construction, the Obama Presidential Center project is a family affair: his son, Angel, and his brother, Daniel, are also among the company’s crew working to bring the Center to life.
Pascual originally moved to Chicago’s Southwest Side at the age of 14. But before then, he had already developed an interest in carpentry skills back home in Michoacán, Mexico where he started learning how to measure, cut and construct projects like tables, chairs and doors.
Lakeside Alliance spoke with Pascual about why he’s passionate about his work, what it means to him to be a part of the Obama Presidential Center project and more. Read on!
How did you get started in construction?
I am from a small town in Michoacán, Mexico. Growing up there, I used to work with a carpenter doing tables, chairs and doors, so I had an idea of how to use a ruler and some of the basics early on. Later, when I heard of a company that was looking for carpenters, I applied and got into the trade here. I cannot complain — I get paid to do what I love!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Everything. Something I love is that I get to see how the finished design of a project will look from the drawings and the layouts. In order for me to know how to do the walls, for example, I need to know what the finishes are going to be and what is coming next.
What does a typical day look like for you on site?
I supervise our team so that everything in our scope is done safely, correctly and doesn’t cause any delays. I have a few meetings everyday, but overall I spend a lot of time walking through the job site to check that everything is where it is supposed to be. As a Foreman, I like to give my crew chances to do the kind of work they like the most and make sure they always feel comfortable asking questions or talking about challenges. I have been with some of my crew members for almost 15 years now.
What does it mean to you to be a part of this project?
Knowing that there will be thousands of visitors coming through the Obama Presidential Center and that I was a part of building it, it means a lot. It is even more special because my brother, who is also a Foreman at Escarpita, worked on this project and my son, Angel, is actually working with me right now. I am very proud to see him here. Coming from a town of only about 3,000 people, my family wouldn’t believe me when I told them some of the cool things I am doing here, but now they have to because my son is working with me, too!
What is it like working with Escarpita and Lakeside Alliance?
Escarpita treats me like family and always makes my son, my brother and I feel like a part of them. The team at Lakeside Alliance has a lot of experience. They have done a good job making us feel comfortable, which is really important.
What advice would you give someone else starting a career in construction or the trades?
It’s a matter of effort. There are always ways to get started in construction, like stopping by your local union. This is definitely hard work, but if you really like it, it won’t feel like work. My father in Mexico also taught me to never be afraid of making mistakes because they happen to everyone and what is most important is learning from them.