At Raymond, we have outstanding employees, so we decided to feature some of them on our blog. We’d like to highlight San Diego General Foreman Kasey Clifton. Kasey has been in the industry and with Raymond for 12 years, beginning as a 1st Stage Apprentice out of high school.
Kasey is currently running various Sea World projects, where Raymond is performing fireproofing, framing, drywall, insulation, rough carpentry, and plaster for Clark Construction.
What brought you into the construction industry? Working with my dad on his jobsite during the summertime growing up, I knew it was a fit for me and something I wanted to learn. I knew if I was going to have any future with this, I wanted to join the union for the perks like pension, benefits, and insurance to better support myself and my family. I was fortunate enough to get in with Raymond from the start.
What do you think is the most important change happening in the construction industry today? Over my last 12 years in the industry, I would have to say, Safety. There are always things changing within safety that benefit all of us out in the field. I would also have to say that communication between our team and with the general contractor has continued to improve over the years, helping us to be more efficient.
Have there been challenges on any of your current projects, and how have they been overcome? A lot of the challenges we have are around a lack of information in the plans. I overcome this by staying three weeks ahead of my crew with RFI’s and handling any issues before the crew gets to it. By the time they get there all questions are answered.
How would you describe your career progression at Raymond? I am very grateful to be a part of Raymond, it’s like my second family in a sense. I started right out of high school as a 1st stage apprentice and went through all the schooling, journey’d out, and asked a lot of questions along the way. I was always hungry to learn more and eventually became a General Foreman. There are always opportunities to keep growing within the industry.
What’s the best thing about your job? The best thing about my job is building relationships and friendships within this company. I love meeting people at work and getting to know them on a personal level. I find accomplishment in having everyone home safe to their families after each shift. I enjoy how creative it can get within a job at times, whether it be in the office or out in the field.
It’s a great feeling to complete a job from start to finish with my team and be able to look back and know we did it safely and efficiently!
What is the most challenging part of your job? The most challenging part of my job would have to be dealing with different personalities and attitudes. You learn to talk to people on a personal level and give advice when needed.
What do you like doing when you’re not at work? I love spending time with my kids and wife, whether it be riding horses, dirt bikes or going to the beach.
Have you had any challenges in your life that you’ve overcome that you want to share? I would have to say, everyone goes through ups and downs and I’m lucky that I’ve been okay. Whenever I have had challenges, I’ve tried to take a second and think about the positive things in my life.
What inspires you? My family. It makes my job easier knowing I’m doing this not just for me, but for them as well!
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? Ha-ha, well I would first start by saying my family… and then there would be Mexican food, Thai food, and a beer or two!
What is something most people don’t know about you? I always try to have a positive attitude and a welcoming vibe.
How do you balance your career and your family? That’s a good question. It took me a while, but I now use my drive home to help me unwind. It’s a 1.5-hour drive so I use that time to leave work behind. When I pull in the driveway, it’s family time!
Is there anything else you would like to tell us? I’m honored to have had this opportunity to be interviewed and thank you to Raymond for letting me be a part of this company and family. Big thanks to Ken Jensma (General Superintendent) for everything!
