Children often idolize construction workers, but as they get older that appreciation sometimes fades. All too often, those in our fields feel the bias against blue collar work.
Maryland contractor and CEO of Delmarva Veteran Builders, Chris Eccleston, wanted to change that. He teamed up with graphic designer Jenny Kerr Schroen to create Grit Leads to Greatness, a children’s adventure book about two siblings living in a city that has forgotten how to build. Together, they work to find a mason, a carpenter, a plumber and an electrician who help them rebuild their home. The book captures the imaginations of kids and adults alike, reminding them how exciting and important construction is to our world.
We love seeing young people (and adults!) encouraged to look into the trades, so this blog post highlights the many books, movies, and TV shows that spotlight construction or construction workers. Check them out!
Books
- “The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate” by Jon Gordon: This book tells the inspiring true story of George Boiardi, a construction worker and college lacrosse player who embodied the qualities of a great teammate. It offers practical advice on how to build a strong team, both on and off the construction site.
- “The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach: While not specifically about construction workers, this novel tells the story of a college baseball team and the construction workers who built their stadium. It explores themes of teamwork, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
- “The Soul of a New Machine” by Tracy Kidder: This Pulitzer Prize-winning book tells the story of a group of engineers and construction workers who built a new computer in the late 1970s. It offers a fascinating look at the creative process and the challenges of building something new.
Movies
- The Big Short: This movie tells the story of a group of investors who bet against the housing market before the 2008 financial crisis. It features several scenes of construction workers building new homes and developments, and offers a sobering look at the consequences of reckless speculation.
- Joe Dirt: A comedy that follows the misadventures of a janitor who dreams of becoming a construction worker. It’s a lighthearted and fun movie that features several scenes of construction workers on the job.
- Iron Man: This superhero movie features several scenes of construction workers building Tony Stark’s state-of-the-art laboratory and other high-tech facilities. It’s a fun and action-packed movie that shows the importance of construction workers in building the infrastructure of the future.
TV Shows
- Undercover Boss: This reality show follows CEOs as they go undercover and work alongside their employees. Several episodes have featured construction companies and their workers, offering an inside look at the challenges and rewards of the job.
- Dirty Jobs: This popular show features host Mike Rowe as he travels the country and works alongside people in a variety of dirty, difficult, and often dangerous jobs. Several episodes focus on construction workers and the many difficulties they face.
- Building Alaska: This show follows a group of construction workers as they build homes and other structures in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. It offers a fascinating look at the challenges of building in such a remote and unforgiving environment.
We hope you get a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy something from the list above. You’re never too old to get excited about construction!