## Welcome to Built to Work

**Colin (Host):** Welcome to Built to Work, the podcast that gets its hands dirty, dives into the grit, and uncovers the heart of what makes the blue-collar world tick. I’m Colin, your host, and I’m sitting down with the people who keep our world running—from those tackling the tough jobs no one else dares to do to the HR professionals working overtime to find the labor force we desperately need. Whether you’re in the trenches or behind the scenes, this podcast is for anyone who values hard work, determination, and stories that build the backbone of our workforce. So grab your gloves, your coffee, or your clipboard, it’s time to get to work!

Today I’m here with one of the most interesting men in metal that I’ve met so far, named Larry Harmon. Larry, thank you for taking some time to chat with me today.

**Larry Harmon:** Nice to be here. Uh, so Larry and I got to know each other about a year ago. You were doing some consulting for an aluminum company, and we got the opportunity to sit down a couple of times to talk about your career, your past, where you’ve been, and how you really are an expert in all that you do.

**Colin:** I think that depends on who you ask, first of all, the expert part. But I have been around quite a bit.

**Larry:** Yeah, so I kind of want to, Larry, just walk back a little bit. How did you get into the metals industry and how did you get to where you are now? Kind of an overview of that.

**Larry:** It’s a very long story, but I’ll shorten it for you; how’s that? That works well. So as I got out of high school, I went to vocational school. I didn’t go to college; I took machine shop. I was a machinist working with aluminum for an airline company, and it worked out really well. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about aluminum because that’s where we focused most of our work. A friend of mine worked at a big aluminum company, and we had worked together in some activities like church and side work. So he asked if I would be interested in coming to work for him. I said sure, why not?

I went to school, actually went to college when I was 35, just for business, not a four-year degree or anything like that. It turns out the place I went to work with was Alcoa. Alcoa didn’t focus a lot on education, which worked out well since they focused on results, which I could deliver. I started out in casting; I didn’t even work directly with the guy who got me in there. I was a late bloomer by Alcoa standards; everybody there had been there right out of school. I didn’t start until I was 38, working in the cast house, casting aluminum, molten metal, cleaning it up, taking scrap remelt, and casting it into ingots and can sheet. I learned so much there and then went to the pot rooms.

**Colin:** Was there a favorite part of the process that stood out to you, or where you felt the most accomplished?

**Larry:** It’s hard to say one specific part. I’ve experienced the entire process from the mines to rolling mill for the can sheet. I’ve even been fortunate to work overseas in Saudi Arabia for about five years. That was a cultural shock but a rewarding experience, managing different facilities and honing my trade. It’s been fulfilling to see everything from start to finish.

**Colin:** That’s incredible. Is there an industry-wide change you think has been the most impactful during your time?

**Larry:** Everyone wants to be technically savvy, making improvements to take human error out. Automating has been significant, yet there are still limitations. New technology, like robot stackers for safety, are great strides but not always affordable for everyone. However, the biggest change, I believe, is in the workforce culture. The younger generation lacks the work ethic seen in older generations. They’ve changed the operational dynamic within facilities, definitely something to adapt to.

**Colin:** Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Larry. It’s always enlightening to hear your perspective. I appreciate your time today.

**Larry:** Always a pleasure talking with you, Colin. Take care.

**Colin:** Thanks for listening to Built to Work. Remember, the next time you’re on the job or appreciating the work of those who keep everything running, remember their stories and how much they contribute every day.

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