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Brett Gross Wins State Ag Mechanics Design and Fabrication Placement Proficiency Award

 The Art of Concrete

 Brett Gross, a graduate of Napoleon High School , started working with concrete as a first grader helping his self-employed father with his company.  He became interested by the stories that his father and older brothers would share. Although Brett started out by handing tools to the workers and helping clean up the work site, he now knows how to work with every tool.  Brett has learned many trades such as how to print designs in the concrete; he also learned that concrete can be dyed different colors which increased his interests in the concrete business.  

One of the goals Brett set when starting his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program was to increase the hours he worked for the company, Clem and Kevin Gross Construction.  He knows the hours he works will go on his resume and will help him get a good job.  His second goal was to become more responsible so that he can be trusted in the future.  The last goal was to thrive in everything he does for the construction site. Brett said “I love it when people come out and say they like the work I do.”  

Brett is improving himself by learning different trades such as pouring concrete, building walls, running the saw, framing, measuring and cutting the lumber. Last year Brett set a goal to work 400 hours and he surpassed the goal by working 452 hours.  “We have recently changed from a construction company that builds three houses a year to a company that mainly does concrete work.  I really enjoy this change.  Concrete work is easier on the body and there are more changes on the site where we work,” said Brett.  

Brett’s future goals consist of attending college at North Dakota State University to become a banker and earn an honest living for his family.  He also plans on helping his dad with the company and excelling himself in his SAE program throughout the year.  

The Ag Mechanics Design and Fabrication Placement Proficiency awards are sponsored by the Grain Millers Specialty Products.

By Melissa Mitchell

Ths page is sponsored by the ND Grain Growers Association

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Last modified: April 22, 2008