The saying “like father like son” holds true for the Hedtke family with four generations in the sheet metal trade, three of whom have worked for Egan Company.
“My father was already in the business, so I decided to give it a try too,” said Dale Hedtke, Egan Company Sheet Metal Field Leader. “It’s what you did back then… 33 years later and I’m still loving it.”
In 1984, Dale followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the union (Sheet Metal Workers Local 10). Thirty years before that, Dale’s father, Donald Hedtke, followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the local sheet metal union. And now, Hunter Hedtke, Egan Company Sheet Metal Apprentice, has followed in his father’s, grandfathers, and great-grandfather’s footsteps by joining the union and continuing to make the sheet metal trade a family tradition.
Donald worked as the Egan Company Sheet Metal Shop Foreman and on various Egan projects throughout his career, and Dale and Hunter are currently on a jobsite together for a Mystic Lake Casino project.
Egan has been a great place to work. I like working with the people and knowing I’m part of something good. It’s one of the reasons I’m still here, knowing the good Egan does.
– Dale Hedtke, Egan Company Sheet Metal Field Leader
“I absolutely cherish the wonderful people I’ve come to know at Egan. There are still plenty I have yet to meet, but I can honestly say that I’ve yet to meet a single Egan employee who I haven’t liked.”
“I take each job day-by-day and stay positive. Egan has been an amazing company to work for as they always provide any tools or equipment needed to get the job done.”
“An Egan perk I love is the Safety Buck program. Egan is always trying to do things to improve employee satisfaction and keep us safe.”
“I’ve learned it doesn’t pay to get wound up over little things.”
“I believe that everyone has something to contribute, if given the right opportunity.”
“I would like to give recognition to all Egan [field crews] – from pre-apprentices to the field leaders. They all show up every day with a great attitude, work hard, and a willingness to learn and share their knowledge.”
Over 180 employees submitted 324 photos during August’s safety photo contest – Why We Work Safe! Employees were encouraged to show each other what it is that makes them work safely both on and off the job.