Walking the Iron with John Steinmetz

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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