Richard Jones lived his adolescent life in Hobart, Ind. In 1984, Jones graduated from Hobart High School, and a few years later began his career in the heating and cooling industry.
Jones decided to start his career in the heating and cooling industry because of a family friend. After a few years of being in the business, Jones decided it was time to take his career to the next step.
In 1998, Jones got into the Sheet Metal Workers Union (SMWU). Jones then stayed at the SMWU for 20 years and was a foreman for 18 of those years. As a foreman, Jones overlooked the crew members to make sure they were doing the job correctly, that deadlines were met, and that the correct materials were ordered so that the workers could do their jobs.
Before becoming a foreman at SMWU, Jones' job consisted of installing exhaust systems, air equipment, and duct work. Most of these installments were made at commercial places – like hospitals and schools – and Jones found this job to be quite enjoyable.
“I decided to work at SMWU because my dad had worked there for a long time. It also had more money and benefit opportunities,” said Jones.
Last year on February 19, Jones decided it was time to leave the SMWU and live the lavish retirement life.
“I retired because I felt it was time for a change. I had been working for 30 years and I wanted something new, a bigger and better challenge,” Jones said.
Prior to deciding to retire, though, Jones realized that he still wanted to have a career related to the building industry in his life. So a few months before retiring, Jones spoke with a person in the position he wanted to be in: the Portage Building Commissioner.
“I was interested in becoming the Portage Building Commissioner for quite some time, and our conversation helped me realize just how much I wanted the position,” said Jones.
On December 6 of 2021, Jones became the newly-appointed Portage Building Commissioner and was ecstatic to be in that position.
As the Portage Building Commissioner, Jones is in charge of the Portage Building Department, meaning he inspects machines, framing, foundations, construction, remodels, and also does administrative work.
When thinking of his current career, Jones believes that the best aspect of his job is all of it; but if he really had to decide on one topic, he would choose the inspections.
Jones enjoys doing the mechanical inspections the most because he used to do the work that he is now inspecting. To Jones, it is also rewarding because he is able to see how different companies and people do his old job differently.
Aside from being the Portage Building Commissioner, Jones spends his free time golfing, going on the trails, and spending time with his family. Out of all the golf that Jones has played, his best game ever ended with a score of 96.
