Brad Hallock
Brigade Fire Protection
Brad Hallock’s nomination for Craft Professional of the Year speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. He’s spent his life in construction, always pushing to raise the bar on craftsmanship. With over 30 years in the field, Brad’s hard work, expertise, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the industry and everyone he’s mentored along the way.
A Life in the Trades
Brad has spent most of his life in Greenville, building both his technical skills and strong connections with the people who have influenced his career. To him, construction isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. Starting in the fire protection field right after high school, Brad has dedicated 30 years to growing, overcoming challenges, and striving for excellence in his work.
Brad is a family man to his core, with three children and four grandchildren who keep him grounded. Brad describes himself as a builder at heart, enjoying projects like constructing pole barns and houses. He enjoys construction not just at work but also in his free time, finding great satisfaction in building and improving things.
Building a Legacy
Brad joined the construction industry to support his growing family, but over time, it became a source of pride in his work. He firmly believes in doing things right the first time, a lesson he lives by and shares with others. As a fitter once told him, “It takes longer to do it twice,” a piece of advice that guides his approach to every project.
Brad’s work includes impressive achievements, like completing a nine-story hospital. Recalling this project, he considers it both his proudest and most challenging endeavor due to its scale and complexity. Brad’s legacy isn’t just about the buildings he creates—it’s about the people he mentors and inspires along the way.
Dedication to Mentorship
For Brad, mentorship means helping others go beyond what’s been done before. He focuses on more than just technical skills, emphasizing respect and integrity in every interaction. Whether it’s teaching apprentices how to read blueprints, measure accurately, or follow safety protocols, Brad leads by example. He takes a hands-on approach, encouraging apprentices to learn through practice and to take ownership of their work.
Brad’s approach to mentoring the next generation reflects his commitment to the merit shop philosophy. This philosophy values effort, skill, and results, allowing individuals to succeed based on merit rather than seniority or office politics.
The Future of the Industry
Brad believes one of the biggest challenges for the next generation is the loss of basic trade skills, such as working with measurements. Through close collaboration with his team, he prioritizes not only teaching technical skills but also cultivating a culture rooted in respect, dedication, and pride in their craft.
The industry’s safety standards are constantly improving, and Brad believes it’s essential to highlight their role in building safer and more sustainable workplaces. He emphasizes the importance of safety by ingraining protocols into his crew’s daily routines, reinforcing the belief that safety is not just a priority but an essential part of the job.
A Lasting Impact
For Brad Hallock, construction isn’t just a job—it’s a passion for building, inspiring, and improving. His commitment to integrity, mentorship, and doing things right has earned him the respect of his peers and the appreciation of those he has guided. Brad hopes to leave a legacy where people can look back and see that he truly contributed to their learning and growth.
Brad’s dedication to his trade and the impact he’s had on the people and projects he works with define what it means to be a craft professional. His nomination for Craft Professional of the Year recognizes his achievements and highlights the respect he’s earned from colleagues, apprentices, and the construction community.
