Chapter: Youngstown
Name: Brandon Hamrick
Company: Shelly & Sands Inc.
Position: Project Engineer
In his four years working among the Youngstown Chapter’s leadership, Brandon Hamrick has been a constant advocate for welcoming others into the heavy/highway construction industry. Now in his second year as the chapter’s chair, Hamrick is continuing those recruiting efforts and finding he has shared support from his fellow chapter members toward that endeavor.
“Serving as chapter chair has provided me with a valuable platform to help young adults explore the diverse facets of construction …,” said the project engineer for Shelly & Sands Inc., who adds that his previous year as chair has helped forward that workforce development agenda. “Connecting with professionals from other companies has opened new opportunities to contribute to the future of the construction industry. It has also reinforced the importance of educating future generations about careers in construction.”
Hamrick grew up in Northfield and attended the University of Akron. His initial interest in the construction industry can be linked to individuals promoting his eventual career path – such as a neighbor who was a professional engineer and mentors Hamrick worked alongside during college internships.
Continuing the role others had in his career development, Hamrick is proud of the Youngstown Chapter’s participation in industry recruiting efforts. “The Contractor For A Day experience we provide for YSU (Youngstown State University) each September has consistently been a valuable opportunity for students,” he said. “This year, we were excited to expand the experience by showcasing a broader range of projects and material plants than in previous years. We hope that highlighting different areas within the construction industry will help spark interest and inspire students to explore the many career paths available in this field.
“Being introduced to various members of the Youngstown OCA Chapter has been incredibly valuable,” added Hamrick, who has worked with Shelly & Sands since 2019. “Building personal relationships with other members has given me a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of the diverse work that falls under the construction industry.”