Garco Construction
Bo Coon
An opportunity for a new career path can come along unexpectedly. That’s what Bo Coon learned when his coworker at Lowe's, who owned a home-remodeling company, introduced Bo to construction and offered him a job.
Although his coworker eventually moved and Bo left the position, Bo remains committed to construction work. Just two years ago, Bo’s friend encouraged him to apply for the Operating Engineers Union apprenticeship. With a letter of recommendation from his friend, Bo was accepted into the program and began training.
Bo is now an apprentice with Garco Construction, a full-service building company contracted with the Addition. Bo and a Garco crane operator were brought in to assist crews with heavy lifting, and Bo says it’s exciting to work and learn with such highly skilled teams.
“I’ve always driven by high-rises under construction, and I thought it would be really cool to see what those guys can do,” he says. “Finally getting to be a part of that—it’s awesome.”
As a rigger, Bo is the eyes and ears on the ground for the crane operator. He ensures the machinery is properly maintained and that loads are secured. Bo says that having the chance to work on a project of this scale has helped develop his heavy-machinery operating skills.
“Everything is new to me, and it’s a great learning experience,” he says.
Bo appreciates the team’s recognition of apprentices, and colleagues’ praise for his hard work. When challenges come up on the job site, lift director Kevin Figueroa helps him tackle and learn from them. Bo says that being a quick learner has made him a better team member.
“The learning curve has been the most challenging. I have to make sure everything I’m doing is going to be safe,” he says.
Considering Seattle’s historical growth and demand for big event spaces, he thinks the Addition will be just what the city needs after the pandemic to help the tourism sector recover.
While his work at the Addition will eventually end, Bo is grateful for his union job and for the experience the Addition has given him. Bo says his union is “a great brotherhood and sisterhood to be a part of.” He’s happy that his friend encouraged him to apply for the apprenticeship in the first place.
“I feel like finally I have a career path and I’m super proud to do what I’m doing,” he says. “Everybody I know takes pride in their work, and it feels good to be a part of that. I’m really thankful.”