Schultz Miller Profile: Jerry Hamel
Jerry Hamel began his working life as a teacher of 6th-grade math and 8th-grade science. He then took a desk job with Bank of California. But it wasn’t long before he realized he preferred the challenges and rewards of physical work to those of the classroom or office. Growing up in northeastern Kansas, he’d helped a local carpenter on his family’s house. When the opportunity to work for a small contractor in West Seattle came along, he took it. In 1987, he joined Schultz Miller, and he hasn’t looked back since. He’s currently the employee with the longest tenure in the company.
What keeps Jerry going is the chance to brainstorm, apply math skills, and solve problems on a variety of different projects. He appreciates that carpentry gives him the opportunity to figure out a problem and then implement the solution, not pass it on. One of his favorite projects was one he took on mostly by himself, a 5-foot-high attic in The Highlands whose owner wanted a nautical-themed bunkhouse for her grandchildren. Jerry crafted ship-like ribs for the ceiling, added port holes, and installed a ship’s ladder. He’s always been adept at details and finish work, but he isn’t afraid to pick up a broom or shovel. His motto – “Whatever it takes to get the job done” – has served him and Schultz Miller well.