For Donovan Brown, a second-year carpentry apprentice, his profession is more than just a job—it’s a legacy. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, a master carpenter he deeply admired, Donovan joined the carpenter’s Union] in September 2023. He quickly hit the ground running, securing a position with Grady and Associates, where he specializes in installing medical support systems in hospitals.
In two years with the company, he’s transitioned from a groundsman to a team lead, running his own jobs with a small crew. “They know me and they trust me,” he explains.
The Union has been a cornerstone of Donovan’s success. “The Union allowed me to be stable and take care of my family,” Donovan reflects. It also opened doors to a wealth of knowledge, teaching him how to navigate the complexities of the construction workplace and collaborate effectively with peers. He believes the challenges he has overcome through the apprenticeship experience have made him a better person, a better worker, and a better coworker.
Donovan is quick to credit the mentors at the Union hall who have guided him. “Those guys have really impacted what I’ve been doing,” he says. “I’m glad to be able to have those guys to keep pushing me and keep me on track.” He’s even had the opportunity to engage in the Union’s political efforts, like going to the state capitol to advocate for legislation.
Looking toward the future, Donovan hopes to connect and work with other carpenters and Union members around the world, and to be there for the next generation of apprentices just as he has been mentored. In the meantime, he will keep building his career in Atlanta and working toward journeying out. When he’s not on the job or doing side carpentry work, Donovan enjoys playing basketball, working out, and spending quality time with his wife, mother, and siblings.