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INTERNATIONAL UNION of ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS
LOCAL UNION NUMBER FORTY-FOUR
TOLEDO, FORT WAYNE & SOUTH BEND
Affiliated with the AFL-CIO
MEMBER UPDATES & PHOTOS
October 24, 2025
Happy Hunting!
Brother Jared Krukowski coming home successful during the satellite phase with son by his side.
October 22, 2025
Birth Announcement!
Congratulations to Brother Nate Hicks and his wife on the birth of their daughter Liana Joy Hicks. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are all very happy for you!
October 20, 2025
Congratulations to Bethany Wilson!
Congratulations are due for sister Bethany Wilson, who was recently nominated and elected to the position of Inspector Representative for the QEITF Certification Council!
October 2025
Milestone Moments!
Congratulations to Brother Mike Malnor, who received his 40-year pin during our October Fort Wayne meeting.
Congratulations to Brother Matt Harvey, who received his 30-year pin during our October Fort Wayne meeting.
Congratulations to Brother Danial Junk, who received his 25-year pin during our October Fort Wayne meeting.
Congratulations to Brother Bill Northcutt, who received his 25-year pin during our October Toledo meeting.
Congratulations to Brother Eric Myers, who received his 20-year pin during our October Fort Wayne meeting.
Congratulations to Brother Charlie McLeod, who received his 20-year pin during our October Fort Wayne meeting.
Congratulations to Brother Blake Miller, who received his 20-year pin during our October Fort Wayne meeting.
Brother Mike Malnor receives his 40-year pin from Local 44 Fort Wayne Steward Eric Myers
Brother Matt Harvey receives his 30-year pin from Local 44 Fort Wayne Steward Eric Myers
Brother Danial Junk receives his 25-year pin from Local 44 Fort Wayne Steward Eric Myers
Brother Bill Northcutt receives his 25-year pin from Local 44 President Dan Conrad
Fort Wayne Steward Brother Eric Myers receives his 20-year pin from Local 44 Business Manager Santos Flores
Brother Charlie McLeod receives his 20-year pin from Local 44 Fort Wayne Steward Eric Myers
Brother Blake Miller receives his 20-year pin from Local 44 Fort Wayne Steward Eric Myers
Fall 2025
Members from Across the Country Travel to Toledo to Become QEI Certified!
Congratulations to brothers Bruce Bestul (44), Don Brimmer (44), Tyler Cornn (85), Cody Evans (44), Chris Gallagher (former 36), Jim Gault (45), Terry Keating (45), Tim Kershner (44), Scott Macy (44), Caleb Marr (85), Frank Sadowski (44), Scott Slater (44), Steve Sniegowski (44), Mike Sovis (85) & Greg Wasik (135) who were part of a 17-person contingent that recently traveled to Toledo from all over the country to take the weeklong QEI Certification course and exam.
Additional kudos are in order for the sixteen people who came back to Toledo three weeks later to complete a Continuing Education course.
Many thanks go out to QEITF Training Administrator Don Winkle Jr, Instructor Mike Janca, Instructor Richard Sargent II & Assistant Program Administrator Maggie Cleveland for their time and efforts. This group sacrificed two of their fall Sundays to help facilitate these classes. We sincerely appreciate their dedication and support of our efforts to bring QEI education to the masses.
October 1, 2025
Congratulations to Mike Amos!
Congratulations are due for brother Mike Amos, who recently passed the test to earn his Michigan license! Mike attended the April code book tabbing and test preparation session, studied hard afterwards and passed his examination. Congratulations once again on this amazing achievement!
September 7, 2025
Birth Announcement!
Congratulations to Brother Eric Emerson and his wife on the birth of their son Atlas James Emerson. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 welcome this newest addition to the family.
The 2025 Toledo Labor Day Parade
Thank you to all Local 44 and Local 36 members and their families who took the time out of their busy holiday weekends to represent Local 44 in this year's Labor Day parade. We had another amazing turnout - with many of our members and their families on hand to enjoy the sunshine, walk in the parade and pass out tons of candy to the thousands of labor-loving Toledoans who lined the parade route in beautiful downtown Toledo!
Congrats to Honorary Retiree Brother Steve Cook!
Congratulations to Honorary Local 44 Retiree, Brother Steve Cook, who received his gold cards and certificate after a near 40-year career which came to a close on May 1, 2025.
Steve was joined by several of his fellow honorary retirees at the August South Bend Retirees Luncheon.
Honorary Local 44 Retiree Brother Steve Cook proudly displays his gold card and framed certificate amongst other Honorary Local 44 Brothers (L-R) Dave Frick, Pete Slater, Dave Bollinger, Gene Bridwell, Steve Cook, Ron Slater and Local 44 Business Manager Santos Flores.
June 11, 2025
Milestone Moment!
Congratulations to Brother Ryan Shank, who received his 30-year pin during our June Toledo meeting.
Brother Ryan Shank receives his 30-year pin from Local 44 President Dan Conrad
May 21, 2025
Congratulations to Tim West!
Congratulations to brother Tim West, who passed the test to earn his City of Detroit Elevator Journeyperson license!
Spring 2025
Gone Fishing!
Brother Chris Simpson with this permit fish that he caught, ironically enough, while fishing without a permit during a recent vacation to St. Lucie Inlet, Florida.
If you have any photos for submission, please send them in and we'd be glad to post them.
Chris Simpson
May 5, 2025
Congratulations to Tim West!
Congratulations are due for brother Tim West, who recently passed the test to earn his Michigan license! Tim was an active participant on the Michigan Monday Night Code Outreach calls and attended the Friday morning code book tabbing session. Congratulations once again on this tremendous achievement!
April 25, 2025
Michigan Licensing Code Book Tabbing & Test Preparation Course!
On Friday, April 25, 2025, Local 44 held a code book tabbing and test preparation course to assist members aiming to earn their Michigan Elevator Journeyperson License.
Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund National Coordinator Mike Janca and Local 36 Detroit Code Liaison Scott Tucker made the drive down to assist thirty members of Locals 36 and 44 with passing this extremely difficult test.
Thank you to all who helped to make this event successful and good luck to those aspiring to add another license to their resume. Your efforts will be rewarded.
April 15, 2025
Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
Congratulations to Brothers Zebulon Carey & Riley Northcutt who were sworn in as the newest members of Local 44 during our April Fort Wayne Informational Meeting.
New Local 44 members, Brothers Zeb Carey & Riley Northcutt, being sworn in by Local 44 Financial Secretary Bill Northcutt.
April 9, 2025
Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
Congratulations to Brothers Drini Gjini & Michael McMahon who were sworn in as the newest members of Local 44 during our April Toledo General Meeting.
New Local 44 members, Brothers Drini Gjini & Mike McMahon, being sworn in by Local 44 President Dan Conrad.
March 13, 2025
Congratulations to Brandon Kuderik!
Congratulations to brother Brandon Kuderik, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
February 19, 2025
Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
Congratulations to Brothers Dominick Currier, Clayton Roof and Michael Scislo who were sworn in as the newest members of Local 44 during our February Toledo General Meeting.
New Local 44 members, Brothers Dom Currier, Clayton Roof & Mike Scislo, being sworn in by Local 44 Warden Keith Nelson II.
February 19, 2025
Congratulations to Santos Flores!
Congratulations are due for brother Santos Flores, who was recently nominated and elected to the position of Trustee with the Executive Board of the Northwest Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council!
February 14, 2025
Congratulations to Aaron Snelling!
Congratulations to brother Aaron Snelling, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
February 1, 2025
Vertical Mobility Acquires All Pro Elevator
January 21, 2025
Birth Announcement!
Congratulations to proud new parents Brother Nicholas Holmes and his wife on the birth of their daughter Madeline Lee Holmes. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are excited to watch your young family grow.
December 18, 2024
Merry Christmas from Zach Newman!
Merry Christmas from brother Zach Newman all the way from Camp Arif Jan in Kuwait!
September 16, 2024
Congratulations to Bethany Wilson!
Congratulations are due for sister Bethany Wilson, who recently passed the test to earn her Michigan license! Bethany was an active participant on the Michigan Monday Night Code Outreach calls and the Saturday morning code book tabbing session. Be proud of this tremendous achievement!
September 10, 2024
Birth Announcement!
Congratulations to proud parents Brother Sern Nelson and his wife on the birth of their son Artemis Edward Grey Nelson. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are excited to watch your young family grow.
September 2, 2024 Labor Day Parade Fun!
Thank you to all Local 44 and Local 36 members who came out, many with their families in tow, to help represent Local 44's union pride this Labor Day. We had an amazing turnout - with more than 45 members and their families on hand to walk in the parade and pass out candy to the thousands of Toledoans who lined the parade route downtown Toledo!
August 18, 2024
Birth Announcement!
Congratulations to proud new parents Brother Andrew Lewandowski and his wife on the birth of their son - Benjamin Andrew Lewandowski. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are extremely happy for your family!
Honorary Local 44 Retiree and former Local 44 Business Manager Brother Bob Fredericks proudly shows off his newest grandson
August 14, 2024
Congratulations to Christopher Simpson!
Congratulations are due for brother Chris Simpson, who recently passed the test to earn his Indiana Elevator Journeyperson license! Chris has worked extremely hard studying for this very difficult test and should be very proud of this tremendous achievement!
August 2, 2024
Congratulations to Adam Lucas!
Congratulations to brother Adam Lucas, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
July 3o, 2024
Buddy's Barbecue!
Members of Local 44 took advantage of the opportunity to sit down and share some barbecue with one of Local 44's most respected honorees - Buddy Ireland. Thanks to everyone who came out for the inaugural Buddy's Barbecue!
From L-R: Local 44 Brother Drini Gjini, Honorary Brother Skip Delauter, Brother Dan Conrad, Honorary Brother Buddy Ireland, Honorary Brother Doug Darrah, Brother Santos Flores, Brother Bill Northcutt & Brother Frank Sadowski
Honorary Local 44 Brothers Ben Monaco, Buddy Ireland & Skip Delauter
Honorary Local 44 Brothers Wayne-O Starrett & Buddy Ireland
July 3, 2024
Birth Announcement!
Congratulations to proud parents Brother Trey Petersen and his wife on the birth of their son Charlie. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are excited to watch your young family grow.
June 12, 2024
Welcome Local 44's Newest Member!
Congratulations to Brother Danny Woods, who was sworn in as the newest member of Local 44 during our June Toledo General Meeting.
New Local 44 member, Brother Danny Woods, being sworn in by Local 44 Warden Keith Nelson II
June 2024
Air Supremacy Over Goshen!
Honorary retiree Brother Dave Frick recently helped to coordinate and host the annual Air Supremacy Over Goshen radio controlled aircraft event. The event features giant scale military and civilian classics every summer. Give Dave Frick a call at (574) 876-8496 for more details or to plan your participation for next summer.
May 8, 2024
Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
Congratulations to Brothers Jasyk Haas and Hunter Presson, who were sworn in as the newest members of Local 44 during our May Toledo General Meeting.
New Local 44 members, Brothers Jasyk Haas & Hunter Presson, being sworn in by Local 44 Warden Keith Nelson II
January 12, 2024
Congratulations to all Local 44 members who traveled to Cleveland to earn their QEI certifications!
Congratulations to brothers Santos Flores, Mike McClanahan, Scott Simon, Bethany Wilson & Jeremy Young who were part of a 13-person contingent from all over the country that recently traveled to Cleveland to take the week-long Qualified Elevator Inspector Certification course.
January 5, 2024
Congratulations to Christopher Simpson!
Congratulations are due for brother Christopher Simpson, who recently passed the test to earn his Michigan license! Chris was an active participant on the Michigan Monday Night Code Outreach calls and the Saturday morning code book tabbing session. Be proud of this tremendous achievement!
December 19, 2023
Congratulations to Santos Flores!
Congratulations are due for brother Santos Flores, who was recently nominated and elected to the position of Sargeant-At-Arms with the Northwest Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council!
November 17, 2023
Congratulations to William Spalding!
Congratulations to brother William Spalding, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
November 9, 2023
Shepherd's House!
In honor of Veteran's Day 2023, the members of Local 44 presented Fort Wayne's Shepherd's House veteran assistance community with $250 in gift cards to be used for incentive programs within the community to assist veteran residents with daily activities.
November 2023
Milestone Moments!
Congratulations to Honorary Local 44 Retiree, Brother Wayne Starrett, who received his gold cards and certificate after a memorable 35-year career.
Wayne-O was also honored for his many years of service to Local 44 as our President. Current members are forever grateful for your contributions to our Local over the years as well as the many years of friendship many of us have enjoyed with you.
Honorary Local 44 Retiree Brother Wayne Starrett receives his gold cards and certificate from his successor Local 44 President Dan Conrad
The Local 44 Executive Board honoring Wayne-O
Wayne-O's family came out to join in the festivities
October 25, 2023
Congratulations to Bob Bolton!
Congratulations to brother Bob Bolton, who recently passed the test to earn his City of Detroit Elevator Journeyperson license!
September 27, 2023
Congratulations to Mike Amos!
Congratulations to brother Mike Amos, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
June 19, 2023
Birth Announcement!
Congratulations to proud new parents Brother Spencer Kempf and his wife, Addison Kempf, on the birth of their daughter Oaklynn. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are excited to watch your young family grow.
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June 14 & 15, 2023
Milestone Moments!
Congratulations to Honorary Local 44 Retiree, Brother Jimmy Zeiler, who received his gold cards and certificate after a distinguished 42-year career.
We would also like to congratulate Brother Eric Myers of Fort Wayne, who received his twenty-year pin after two decades of dedicated service.
Honorary Local 44 Retiree Brother Jimmy Zeiler receives his gold cards and certificate from Local 44 Vice-President Mike McClanahan
Brother Eric Myers receives his well-deserved 20-Year Pin from Local 44 President Dan Conrad
June 6, 2023
Welcome Local 44's Newest Member!
Congratulations to Brother Cameron Worsham, who was sworn in as the newest member of Local 44 during our June South Bend meeting.
New Local 44 member, Brother Cameron Worsham, being sworn in by 20-Year Local 44 member Scott Slater during our June South Bend Meeting
May 24, 2023
Congratulations to Eric Hartman!
Congratulations to brother Eric Hartman, who recently passed the test to earn his City of Detroit Elevator Journeyperson license!
May 2, 2023
Please Welcome Local 44's Newest Member!
Congratulations to Sister Marie Frantzy Defranco, who was sworn in as the newest member of Local 44 during our May South Bend meeting.
New Local 44 member, Sister Marie Frantzy Defranco, being sworn in during our May South Bend Meeting
Spring 2023
Gone Fishing!
Brother Chris Simpson with the 38-inch muskie he pulled out of Webster Lake in Indiana.
Brother Chris Simpson also caught this jack crevalle while vacationing in Cape Coral Florida this spring.
If you have any photos for submission, please send them in and we'd be glad to post them.
Chris Simpson
Chris Simpson
April 26, 2023
Congratulations to John Cark!
Congratulations to brother John Cark, who recently passed the test to earn his City of Detroit Elevator Journeyperson license!
April 18, 2023
Congratulations to Bethany Wilson!
Congratulations to sister Bethany Wilson, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
April 12, 2023
Congratulations to Eric Emerson!
Congratulations are due for brother Eric Emerson, who recently passed the test to earn his Michigan license! Eric was an active participant on the Michigan Monday Night Code Outreach calls and the Saturday morning code book tabbing session. Be proud of this tremendous achievement!
April 2023
Please Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
Congratulations to brothers Austin Lindahl, Steve Scavo and Dennis Williams who were all initiated as members of Local 44 during our April meetings.
New Local 44 brothers Austin Lindahl & Dennis Williams being sworn in by Austin's proud father and longtime Local 44 member, brother Allen Lindahl
New Local 44 brother Steve Scavo being sworn in by Local 44 Warden Keith Nelson II during our Toledo meeting
March 8, 2023
Honorary Member Ray Lopez Gold Card & Certificate Presentation!
All members past and present would like to wish Ray Lopez the very best in his retirement. Ray had a distinguished career spanning more than forty (40) years with us. Thanks again for your contributions to Local 44! Hope to see you in attendance at all of our monthly Retiree's Breakfasts.
February 23, 2023
Congratulations to Tim West!
Congratulations to brother Tim West, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
February 2023
Please Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
Congratulations to brothers Caleb Kahle, Andrew Sampeer, Nate Ward and Trey Petersen who were all initiated as members of Local 44 during our February meetings.
New Local 44 brothers Nate Ward, Caleb Kahle and Andrew Sampeer being sworn in during our Toledo General Meeting
Local 44 brother Trey Petersen being sworn in at our Fort Wayne meeting
January 11, 2023
Congratulations to Eric Emerson!
Congratulations to brother Eric Emerson, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
January 3-6, 2023
Kalamazoo Valley Community College - Wind Turbine & Ladder Rescue Training
Six members of Local 44 (brothers Mike Amos, Marcus Brothers, Dan Conrad, JR Gomez & Bill Huber) started the year off at Kalamazoo Valley Community College to complete High-Angle Rescue Training. The certifications they've earned will qualify them for potential wind turbine work on any of the hundreds of wind turbines located on several wind farms located within Local 44's jurisdiction. Congratulations to them all for their success in class and thanks for their efforts.
Training Attendees L-R: Dan Conrad, Mike Amos, JR Gomez, Bill Huber, Marcus Brothers & Mike Ward
JR Gomez
Mock CPR scenario
Bill Huber
December 2022
Please Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
Congratulations to brothers Adam Hull, Spencer Kempf, Chris Metzger, and Adam Lucas who were all initiated as members of Local 44 during our December meetings.
New Local 44 brothers Chris Metzger and Adam Lucas being sworn in during our South Bend Meeting
New Local 44 brother Adam Hull being sworn in by President Dan Conrad at our Fort Wayne meeting
Local 44 brother Spencer Kempf being sworn in at our Toledo meeting
November 30, 2022
Fall Live Code Outreach
Elevator Industry Work Preservation National Coordinator Scott Hultstrom will be in Toledo on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 for a live in-person code outreach intended to further discussion on code requirements, safety and other industry matters in a townhall format.
Update: Scott Hultstrom has graciously decided to extend his stay in our area in reverse snowbird style and will also hold an outreach in South Bend on Thursday, December 1, 2022 so that he may accommodate our members in Indiana. These classes will also satisfy your State of Indiana Continuing Education requirements. Thank you Scott for your contributions.
Veteran's Day 2022
Local 44 Salutes Our Veterans!
Thank you to all of our members, past and present, for their service. We honor you today and everyday for the sacrifices you have made for the betterment of us all. We purposely did not include captions with these photos so that the next time you speak with any of these individuals, you can ask them personally about their picture's backstory and personally thank them. Of course, we also thank the dozens of veterans whose pictures we do not have for their contributions as well.
Scott Simon
Keith Nelson II
Jim McCool
Chris Metzger
Zach Newman
Local 44 encourages anyone whose picture has not already been included to please submit a photo for immediate inclusion. Thank you all for your submissions and, more importantly, your service to our great country.
November 10, 2022
Congratulations to Local 44's Newest Member - Daniel Maynard!
Congratulations to brother Daniel Maynard, who was initiated as a member of Local 44 during our November Fort Wayne meeting.
Local 44 Warden Keith Nelson II guides new Brother Daniel Maynard through the swearing in process
October - December 2022
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Multiple members will be attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College - Groves Campus' High-Angle Rescue Training to obtain the certification necessary for wind turbine lift service and maintenance. (Rescheduled for January 3-6, 2023 & February 6-9, 2023)
October 31, 2022
Congratulations to Tim Kershner!
Congratulations to brother Tim Kershner, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
October 26, 2022
Honorary Member Nick Stroh's 80th Birthday!!!
All members past and present would like to wish Nick Stroh a happy 80th birthday! Nick had a more than 40-year career with us and has been enjoying retirement for nearly twenty years. Thanks again for your contributions to Local 44!
October 20, 2022
Congratulations to Jeremy Fletcher!
Congratulations are due for brother Jeremy Fletcher, who recently passed the test to earn his Michigan license! Jeremy was an active participant on the Michigan Monday Night Code Outreach calls and the Saturday morning code book tabbing session. Be proud of this tremendous achievement!
August 30 & 31, 2022
TEAM Meeting
Local 44 members hosted Jimmy Demmel & Chip Hallmark of the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund for a TEAM (Training and Educating an Activist Membership) meeting on August 30 & 31, in Toledo and South Bend, respectively.
August/September 2022
Mechanic's Examination
The following members completed their Mechanic's Examination and received their Certificate of Recognition during September:
1. Don Shepherd
2. Christopher Eaton
3. Jared Krukowksi
August 16, 2022
Birth Announcement
Congratulations to Brother Zach Newman and his wife, Madison Newman, on the birth of their son Anderson Schuyler Newman, who is also the grandson of current member Roxann Newman and Honorary Retiree Gary Newman.
Summer 2022
Fish On!
Brother Adam Litka with the 17lb king salmon he caught from Pere Marquette Lake.
Former President Wayne Starrett caught two monsters - one 28" and the other 42" - that wife Beth undoubtedly had to help him reel in.
Member Barry Lobody with the 47" musky he pulled out of the Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada while fishing with his brother during vacation this summer.
Adam Litka
Wayne Starrett
Barry Lobody
July 16, 2022
Local 44 Family Picnic
Local 44 hosted members for its annual Pokagon State Park Family Picnic. A great time was had by all who attended and took in the great weather, food and activities.
Please email submissions for our MEMBER UPDATES & PHOTOS page to santosflores@iuec44.org. Thank you.