It shouldn’t surprise anyone that certain stereotypes exist. Construction workers do not have the best image in the public eye. Some people view the construction worker in a negative light and unfortunately they do not hold contractors in high regard either. We are thought of as generally lacking in education with no self-discipline. What is surprising is that the stereotypes do not stop there. While we have a strong craft, trades tend to look down upon others. If I had only heard one or two stories, I could dismiss them, but there seems to be a lot out there. I am not making these stories up, simply relaying them to point out what others tend to think of us. It is up to the individual to decide the validity of these rumors.
A significant wall and ceiling contractor noted that we are not respected. He has a major electrical contractor as a good friend and over dinner they discussed how wall and ceiling subcontractors routinely get the shaft. The surprising part was he felt we deserved it. His friend further stated, “You may not want to know what most of us other subcontractors think of drywall and plaster contractors.” He went on, “Generally, we consider you guys the knuckleheads.” He continued to explain that only the wall and ceiling contractors do work for nothing, allow themselves to be pushed around and even as a major subcontractor, we sign onerous contracts they would never touch. He also said the “wall and ceiling contractors are so fragmented and seem to lack the intelligence or will to do anything to fix the industry, it consistently blows us away.”