Even after being in the construction industry for 32 years, there's still something new you can always learn. Steve Nash, better known as Rocket, has worked on over a dozen high-rise building projects. Currently, he is working on the Ascent project. Upon completion, Ascent will be the world's largest timber building. "Mass timber is its own unique beast," Rocket shares. "But I'm learning how to make the wood fit perfectly!"
In its simplest form, mass timber is like highly engineered, massive Lincoln Logs. Each section is prefabricated offsite and then brought onsite to assemble. "I think the schedule is the most challenging part of Ascent. There are so many moving parts, and everything needs to be in order, A to Z. You can't go backward or out of order, so you gotta get it right the first time."
Rocket has been with C.D. Smith since 2014 and is a form carpenter who's specialized in constructing concrete formwork. However, his first job was installing Terrazzo. He created works of art with chips of marble, glass and other aggregates in tinted cement, ground, smoothed and polished to a silky smooth sheen. To this day, Rocket takes pride in his work. Whether working with Terrazzo or carpentry, he has a passion and appreciation for craftsmanship.
Outside of work, Rocket is a proud father of four daughters and a grandpa of five grandchildren. He enjoys watching Packer games on Sundays, fishing and restoring classic antique cars. His passion for fishing led him to volunteer. Now, every spring, he takes senior men fishing. Rocket also has a hidden talent and is a self-proclaimed comedian. So the next time you see Rocket and are looking for a good laugh, ask him for a roofing joke; it'll be on the house.
Thank you, Rocket, for sharing your passion for carpentry and getting things done right the first time and every time on the Ascent project and throughout your career. We appreciate your adaptability and willingness to learn new things, all with a dash of humor for having fun building relationships! We appreciate your dedication and representation of Who We Are!
Date: July 21, 2021 | Author: Alex Venuti
Carpenter Steve Nash and Project Engineer Alex Venuti are in the field working on the Ascent MKE project - which is making international news because it's poised to become the world's tallest mass timber structure. See below and click on the links for more about this exciting project.
Photorealistic renderings courtesy of Korb + Associates
About C.D. Smith
C.D. Smith Construction is an industry leader in safely providing the highest quality commercial construction services. Utilizing an integrated approach and self-performing trade services combined with technical expertise, our team serves as a solutions provider throughout all phases of a project, from planning through construction. With veteran leadership and a dedication to our employees and clients, we proudly place our name on projects of all sizes across the United States.
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