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Quality Control Inspector Francisco Rodriguez is Building a Life to his Standards

Ten years ago, Francisco Rodriguez put on a suit and tie, knocked on the recruitment and development manager’s door at Tampa Tank, and said “I need a job.” It was the day after his high school graduation.

When he walked to his welding station for the first time, the 18-year-old Rodriguez, with years of work experience under his belt already, was the sole provider for his family.

“Growing up a child of immigrants, I’ve been working my whole life,” Rodriguez says. “I had prior experience working in construction with my father, so when I came here at 18, I already knew how to read most drawings. At that time, my dad was in prison, and my mom was a stay-at-home mom. [My options were] either go to college or be a welder.”

By the time he turned 19, Rodriguez had been promoted to foreman. He could run most machines, lead yard crews, and take the reins on pretty large projects, he recalls. Now, he’s a quality control inspector working toward Certified Associate Welding Inspector credentials from the American Welding Society. His job demands laser-sharp focus and a keen eye for detail, especially when it comes to safety.

“For me, the day-to-day work is not hard at all. That’s just routine,” Rodriquez says. “The hardest thing is coming in every day with the energy and attitude you had on the very first day. Otherwise, people will get hurt.”

A first-generation American and new father to a one-year-old son, Rodriguez is invested in setting a positive example of discipline and success.

“I want to show my son, ‘Work hard, even if you come from absolutely nothing,” he says. “There have been times when I’ve wanted to quit and do something else, but I’m like, ‘No, I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m good at it.’ I just want him to be proud of me.”

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This story is part of Visions in Steel: The People Who Bring Designs to Life, exhibiting through March 11 at the AIA Tampa Bay Center for Architecture and Design. Visions in Steel shines a light on the fitters, welders, machine operators, and other professionals the steel industry relies on every day to bring designs from concept to reality. Interested in bringing Visions in Steel to your city or your fabrication shop? Reach out to Hope Hrabowy at hrabowy@aisc.org.