Meet the Community

Manny Francois is a member of Floor Coverers Local 2168. Prior to joining the Carpenters union, Brother Francois served in the Marine Corps and then worked as a pharmacy technician for several years.

“I liked working in pharmacy, I made chemo drugs from scratch, so it was definitely interesting, but the money wasn’t there. I was working two or three jobs just to keep going and then I was expecting my first kid and I knew something had to change,” Manny said.

His friend, who was also in the Marine Corps had joined the Sheet Metal Workers Union and suggested he attend the Carpenters apprenticeship information session. “To be honest, what really attracted me to the Carpenters union was the overall package; the wages, the health care and retirement. I couldn’t believe how good it was and it made sense with a baby on the way,” he said.

“But now, the Brotherhood and the camaraderie that we have is the silver lining. The money and the package is a bonus.”

Francois who works for Capital Carpet and Flooring in Wellington, Mass., said that after his interview, he thought to himself, “This is home!”

Manny’s advice? “If you’re serious about your future; this is it. Joining the Carpenters union is a life-changer. It’s similar to the camaraderie in the military and I live by the motto of: one team, one fight, one Brotherhood!”