Member Highlight: Randy Kramer

Randy Kramer (Local 68 – St. Paul, MN) is making strides as a second-year apprentice with her impressive work ethic and passion for the artistic side of floor covering. Currently, she is doing small hospital work around Wisconsin with Schleis Floor Covering out of Green Bay.

"My friend Preston got me involved with floor covering," she said. "His dad owns a small shop in Owatonna, MN, showing me the ropes and giving me the chance to see what the job was all about." Randy’s initial exposure came from working on residential projects, and she quickly gained a love for the craft.

One of her favorite projects so far as an apprentice was working on seaming tree carpets. "It’s really enjoyable to cut multiple pieces of carpet and use a hot mount seam to join them together," she explained. "I really liked it and mine turned out really well.” For Randy, projects like these are a fun way to step outside of her usual work and gain experience on different types of flooring.

Her love for the trade comes from her desire to work with her hands and the artistry involved in floor installation. She primarily works with resilient flooring with Schleis and is gaining hands-on experience on jobsites and in class at the St. Paul Training Center.

Randy working at the St. Paul Training Center in November of 2024.

"One of my goals is to install a new gym floor, especially a hardwood, fresh new basketball court. Watching one come together is incredible and I want to be part of that process,” Randy shared. She has already worked at some impressive locations, including the iconic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. "It was pretty cool," she said, cringing as she is from Minnesota.

Through her apprenticeship, Randy has come to appreciate the camaraderie of the union. "Now that I’m in the union, my boss is there to help me. I have a brotherhood and a sisterhood that has my back. Here, people fight for you, not against you," she stated.

Randy found that the initial awkwardness of being in a male-dominated field quickly faded. "At first, it was a little uncomfortable being the only woman on site," she said, "but once I got the hang of the job and the jobsite culture, it became much easier. I’m able to communicate with my foreman and superintendents, and work side-by-side with other floor coverers and tradespeople.”

For Randy, floor covering is a passion, a place to be creative, and a community of tradespeople who always have her back. "If you liked shop class, this is a great fit," she stated for anyone who might be considering a career in the trades. "There’s a creative side to it that I never expected, and I have come to really enjoy it."