Union membership changes the lives of entire generations — often within the same family. The Johnson family out of SMART Local 24 (central Ohio) is proof, demonstrating the long-term impact of organizing, mentorship and generational growth.
Kevin Lyle Johnson Sr. was organized into Local 24 in 2007 from a non-signatory contractor in Cincinnati. Through hard work and dedication, he advanced from welder to foreman and ultimately became a part-owner of Peck Hannaford & Briggs, a signatory contractor in Local 24’s jurisdiction.
His journey laid the foundation for the next generation.
Building the next generation of SMART leadership
Johnson’s son, Kevin Lyle Johnson Jr., followed a similar path rooted in discipline and leadership. After excelling in trade school and beginning his apprenticeship at Local 24, he served in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantryman, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Upon returning home, he completed his apprenticeship and continued to grow within the trade.
In 2025, Kevin Jr. stepped into a foreman role while taking the next major step in his career: launching his own company, Johnson Metal Works LLC. Based in Northern Kentucky, the sheet metal fabrication business specializes in custom ductwork and precision metal solutions. Since its founding, the company has grown to a team of 10 employees, serving contractors throughout Kentucky and Ohio.
The Johnson family’s impact does not stop there. Another one of Kevin Sr.’s sons, Dylan Johnson, is currently in the Cincinnati apprenticeship program and is scheduled to top out this year, continuing the family’s strong presence in the union sheet metal workforce.
The union difference
This story represents a full-circle organizing win — and what the union difference means in practice for entire generations. What began with organizing a single worker from a non-signatory contractor has evolved into a signatory contractor owner, a second-generation business and continued membership growth.
It also highlights SMART’s broader impact, beyond collective bargaining, better pay and stronger benefits. From apprenticeship training to leadership development and contractor support, SMART creates opportunities for long-term careers, business ownership and life-changing success across entire families.
A model for growth
The Johnson family’s story is a clear example of how investing in members can lead to lasting growth for the entire organization. By recruiting and training skilled workers, supporting leadership and fostering pathways to business ownership, SMART Local 24 continues to strengthen both its membership and its contractor base.
One new member led to a new signatory contractor, generations of SMART members and a stronger future for the trade in Ohio and Northern Kentucky. That is why we organize!
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