Workforce Spotlight: Tony Frizell
Tony Frizell is a lifelong Chicagoan, native to the South West Side. He graduated high school and started working in construction the very next day.
Growing up, he was inspired by his father, who worked for the Department of Water Management as a bricklayer, and his mother, who worked for the Department of Streets and Sanitation as a superintendent, here in the city. According to Tony, they taught him that to succeed in construction requires hard work and a dedication to your craft.
Throughout his storied career as a concrete and labor foreman, he has been a part of several notable projects including work on the Dan Ryan, O’Hare International Airport, Wintrust Arena, Marriott Hotel, Chicago River Walk, dormitory rooms at the University of Chicago, and, now, the Obama Presidential Center.
Lakeside Alliance spoke with Tony about lessons learned throughout his career, his experience working with Lakeside Alliance and more. Read on!
Tell us about your role on the Obama Presidential Center project.
I work for a company called Twenty Eleven Construction, which is minority- and women-owned. We are working on the roof, creating the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit & Vegetable Garden walls as well as the exposed aggregate concrete on the job, including all of the sidewalks. As a labor foreman, I oversee our crew and enjoy seeing things form from the ground up.
What does it mean to you to be a part of the Center?
It means a lot to me that this project is for President Obama, the first African American president of the United States. I have a lot of family members who are involved in politics. I was a precinct captain, so I have also been involved in politics throughout my life. It is very special to be working on a project like this.
What has been your experience working with Lakeside Alliance?
I think the project and the people are great. They are really big on safety and PPE here. Everyone is wearing their glasses, hard hat, gloves. That shows that Lakeside Alliance cares about the workers and us protecting ourselves. We also do “stretch and flex” in the morning and they speak about the job to let us know what’s going on. Most jobs don’t go into that detail, so it’s a nice thing that helps the crews feel a part of the process.
What advice would you give someone who is seeking a career in construction? What advice did you receive?
This is a great career. It pays well, has good benefits all the way around and you can take care of your family this way. I would say to start off young so you can learn, grow, hopefully retire early and enjoy your life.
Once you choose your trade, you have to commit to doing the work to learn it well. I learned from my dad to never be late and have strong work habits, which can take you really far. My parents always told me, “Someone may be able to get you a job, but they can’t keep it for you.” You have to be willing to do the work! If you don’t want it, that will be reflected in what you do.
What is your greatest hope for the outcome of the Center?
That it continues to bring jobs to the community. Also, this is a monumental building and something that all kinds of people will come and look at, so I am glad they decided to build it in Chicago. It will bring a lot of tourist attraction to the city because it will be beautiful when it’s all said and done!