The Noble Noble Co.

TITLE

Construction Journeyman

TIME PERIOD

October 2005- March 2007

LOCATION

Bay Area

Project Description

Project Summary

While staying in my friend’s basement in the Sunset District of San Francisco, I found myself working for a construction crew called the Noble Noble Co. Their team was known for its less-than-stellar reputation, but they were in need of labor.

At the time, I had two things going for me: a strong, muscular build, courtesy of years of excess milk consumption during my childhood (though buried under a couple inches of fat), and the fact that I had no criminal record.

I started as the star laborer — the only person on the crew with a legal driver’s license. Over time, I worked my way up and became a partner in the company.

Beyond just the physical work, I also took pride in improving workplace culture. One change I implemented was creating a policy where only classical music could be played before noon, replacing the usual rap music that dominated the mornings.

FIRM DESCRIPTION

The Noble Noble Co. was a contracting company based in San Francisco, where we specialized in masonry and remodeling projects. With a small, dedicated crew of four, we completed a wide range of projects, showcasing our ability to execute detailed craftsmanship and deliver quality results.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I learned about true craftsmanship under Aaron’s tutelage, as he was meticulous, disciplined, and never cut corners. A master of masonry, his attention to detail set a high standard that I strived to match.

I ran a small construction crew, which taught me invaluable leadership lessons, such as how to address mistakes and, when necessary, how to hire and fire team members. Managing jobs on schedule and within budget became a key part of my role, giving me my first hands-on experience with essential managerial skills.

Booking jobs and maintaining client relationships also became a significant part of my responsibilities. While people skills came naturally to me, this experience marked my first real venture into sales, where I learned how to connect with clients and ensure their satisfaction.

AARON NOBLE

Aaron, the owner of the company, became my first mentor outside of my family. He had a rough upbringing in the Barrio Dream Homes of East Los Angeles and often shared captivating stories of his past — from his gangland days to his womanizing years.

Despite his tumultuous history, Aaron had transformed himself into a Buddhist intellectual and embodied a strong, masculine example for me during my youth. It was under his guidance that I was able to shed many of the burdensome sensibilities I had from my younger years and learn what it truly meant to be a man.

Through him, I learned how to talk tough, outwork any two men, and persevere through adversity. He instilled in me many noble traits that I still carry with me today. Aaron was a warrior in every sense, and I am deeply grateful for his influence.