Employee Profile – Kelly Mlakar

“Hi my name is Kelly, I’ve been in the trades for 33 years and started as an apprentice carpenter. I worked my way up to general superintendent, but prefer the safety aspect of my trade, so with additional training, I was able to acquire my NCSO and Occupational Health and Safety. For the last 5 years, my job title has been Site Construction Safety Officer. My favorite part of being a carpenter is being able look at a set of plans and visualizing the finish product. It took many years to acquire this skill but seeing beyond what is in front of you is exhilarating and once it’s completed, I feel a sense of pride knowing I helped take part in building it. One thing for sure, is no 2 days are ever the same, so boredom never sets in and I get a free work out! My experience with Farmer has taught me that they genuinely care about everyone and their safety not just at work, but their personal lives as well. The people who work here are not just numbers, they’re family and they look out for each other. They also provide excellent training and educational opportunities to help advance your careers and are proving to be one of the top leaders in this industry. For women that are considering getting into the trades, do well in math and finish high school. This will open many doors, not just in carpentry but so many other areas in the trades. The reason I got into the trades is I’m an active person with a lot of energy and this has been one of my biggest assets. The reason I stayed in the trades. “I love the challenge of working hard and the satisfaction of providing a good income for my family.” – Kelly