How Passion Turns To Gold: Jacob Moody, Champion

If you’ve met Jacob Moody, you know how passionate he is about the construction industry.

His motivation to continue learning earned him a gold medal last March at the ABC National Craft Championships (NCC) in Long Beach, CA. He qualified for the national competition by earning gold at the ABC of Wisconsin Skill Competition in January.

“It was very intense during the competition. You have the best of the best competing for first place,” Moody said. “You must be ready for everything and prepared on how you’re going to build it.”

Moody certainly prepares. At the ABC of Wisconsin Skills Competition, while the other competitors continued socializing after lunch, Moody took that extra time to study for the written exam.

“I remember all of my competitions like it was yesterday and how, mentally, I was preparing myself to compete and win,” Moody said.

“It has always been a goal for me to win nationals. My first week of school I told my teacher that I am going to be a national Champion. Four years later, I did it.”

During competitions, Moody would often be seen clarifying plans and instructions for the practical competition. This certainly paid off for him.

“I not only did it for myself but also for my family, instructor, Kraemer Brothers, ABC of Wisconsin, and for the State of Wisconsin,” Moody said. He recommends all apprentices consider competing.

Moody graduated from the ABC Apprenticeship Program in May for a second time. That’s correct. Moody, a carpenter apprentice with Kraemer Brothers of Plain, initially completed the Laborer Apprenticeship while working with the company. He then started the Carpenter Apprenticeship Program in 2014.

Moody said his instructor, Gary Roehrig at Moraine Park Technical College, has had a huge impact on his life and career.

“Gary made our classroom environment very educational and fun. He has even taught me how to be a better person. I have a high regard for Gary and respect how professional he is and the fact he considers it an honor to have the opportunity to teach us,” Moody said.

Gary Roehrig has mutual respect for Jacob.

“Jacob was the most dedicated apprentice I have had the pleasure of training in my years of teaching. He has always been attentive and willing to participate in any class discussion. His attention to detail is one of his strongest points,” Roehrig said. “Jacob is going to have a very positive impact on this trade,” he added.