Take 10 With Carpenter Felipe Arana
At Grassi & Associates, we understand the importance of having a good team. Carpenter and foreman Felipe Arana brings to each of the projects he works on a passion for the craft and attention to detail. The Jalisco native has been with Grassi for over two decades, and our staff also includes his brother, son, and nephew. Felipe graciously took some time out of his busy schedule to let us interview him for a Take 10.
GA: How long have you been with Grassi & Associates, and what brought you to work for them?
FA: I worked with a friend who saw a listing for Grassi in the newspaper that they were looking for additional help. I was commuting to the city, so I was ready to work in Napa since I live there. Grassi was looking for a carpenter. That was 23 years ago; I love my job. It's a great team; I like everyone in the office, all of the ladies and the guys, Paul, Mark, Ralph, and Mike.
GA: Your brother Roberto, son Eddy, and nephew Peter all work at Grassi; that is quite a dynasty! How did you learn carpentry?
FA: My brother Roberto started working at Grassi a year after I started working there. Peter is Roberto’s son. Peter’s been with the company for about a year. My son Eddy joined this February. He wanted to know if they were hiring because he saw how happy his father was. It is exciting to work with my son. When I first started in construction, I spoke very little English and worked as a laborer learning carpentry over time. When I came to Grassi, I was already a skilled carpenter.
GA: Which has been some of your most rewarding projects to work on?
FA: Pretty much all the jobs are rewarding. I always work as a foreman and love showing the subcontractors what we do and how to execute their jobs. I consider myself a people person and enjoy collaborating with all the people involved on the job.
GA: Which has been the most challenging?
FA: If I think something will be a challenge, I have the support I need and can ask the questions, and I always think ahead. Even at home, I am still thinking in advance about my projects.
GA How have you and the Grassi team dealt with COVID?
FA: By taking good care of everyone: being safe, knowing your job sites, and following all the strict COVID protocol. We make sure subs sign all the proper paperwork and take temperatures. It was hard, and thankfully everyone was ok. Grassi only shut down briefly in March but still had to finish the job sites. There were only a few people on some job sites. Some people left, some people kept working.
GA: When you are not working, how do you like to relax?
FA: Have fun with my family, drink a few beers. Corona and Modelo are my favorite. And with lime and salt. I don’t have a lot of time to relax, but I enjoy family and friends when I do.
GA: Music you can listen to on repeat?
FA: Mariachi and Musica Cubana
GA: Sweet or savory?
FA: Savory--tacos. Tortas ahogadas!
GA: Wine or Tequila?
FA: Tequila--give me a shot already!
GA: Napa or Jalisco?
FA: Both.
