Episode 42: The Building Arts with Steve Ballenger of Zepsa Industries

When Steve Ballenger graduated from college, he didn't know what he wanted to do next. So, he answered a classified ad which said, "helper wanted in the cabinet shop."

That cabinet and millwork shop was Zepsa. Steve went in for an interview with Ed Zepsa who hired him on the spot. This began Steve's now twenty-two career as a craftsman in the building arts.

Mr. Ballenger tells us, " my Dad was a handy who was always making something. He'd enlist my brothers and I to help him build things. Our biggest project was a free-standing garage. That's where I learned my passion for craft."

He started in the Zepsa shop, stacking boards, but his curiosity led him to other skilled jobs like making cabinets, staircases, architectural interiors with wood and metal, and doing shop drawings. Today, he's the company president whose job entails collaborating with architects, designers, builders and owners to make things which adorn everything from churches to penthouse apartments.

We asked Steve Ballenger about his career in the building arts, his own learning trajectory and the opportunity for others to be craftspeople. He told us about Zepsa's apprentice program which pairs new shop employees with skilled and experienced craftspeople for training and development on the shop floor.

"To the young people who are curious about the craft, who like doing things with their hands, are interested in architecture and architectural components...we have a place for them here. We'll train them and help them launch their career as craftspeople."

Jobs, and careers in the building arts are interesting, rewarding and available for the willing, and the curious. Steve Ballenger of Zepsa, who graduated from college and answered a help wanted ad, is a good example.

Subscribe/Listen on Amazon Music
Subscribe/Listen on Apple Podcasts
Subscribe/Listen on Spotify