I remember the day I decided that I was going to be a carpenter for life. I was on a parking ramp, waiting in line to park at Lansing Community College. I was halfway through year two and had plans to transfer to Northern Michigan University In the UP. I had been taking pre req classes and hadn't figured out what I'd been going to school for. It was ... just what people do, right? Then I thought about my uncle.
The reason I became a carpenter was because it was a part of my family. I started because of my uncle. He was a finish carpenter and got injured on the job. I looked up to him and wanted to help. I was almost 16 when I started going to work with him. My Dad owned an engine machine shop, but my older brother worked there and he had help.
My uncle’s injury got worse and I started to do more around the business for him. Because of school, I mostly worked weekends and in the summers. Eventually, he couldn’t work anymore and I kind of just took over his spot on the crew he ran with his cousin. I was still in high school at the time. When a lot of my classmates were partying, I was learning a craft.
When I turned 18, I started my own business and became a full fledged carpenter, but I still didn't consider it'd be how I made my living until I was in that line at the parking garage at LCC. I started looking at what I'd made so far. Everything I had, I'd made for myself by being honest, working hard and doing right by my clients. I thought "What could be more satisfying than making my living this way?"
For the record: I don't think there is anything wrong with college. I value the time I spent there, the friends I'd made and how it helped me come to my choice.
That was nearly 20 years ago and I've seen Michigan go through tough times. I always knew if I treated clients with honesty and respect, a tradesman like me would stick it out, even as so many left the state. It wasn't easy. Now, I have a family of my own and it feels like things have come full circle ...
I started doing this for my uncle, but now I do it for my family, especially the little munchkins in the photos. Things have gotten better in Lansing and all over Michigan and I'm proud to say I made it here.
I want my customers to know that when you choose Zischke Builders, this is who you are doing business with. I look forward to decades of providing dedicated, quality craftsmanship to Lansing and the surrounding communities. Give me a call at (517) 819-0429 or shoot me an email at jessezischke@gmail.com and I'll gladly help you and your family. You can also find me on Facebook.
Jesse Zischke,
Zischke Builders