On his resume, Ben Pagenkopf describes himself as a "masonry worker with a strong work ethic and effective time management skills." His instructors and employers vouch for his strong work ethic. His schedule documents his time management skills.

In high school, Pagenkopf wrestled, played football and ran track, all while working part-time as a construction machinery operator and a sawmill operator. His academic efforts in high school earned him a cumulative 3.98 g.p.a. He earned eight scholarships that helped him defray the expenses of his technical training at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore, Wisc.

"Ben came to Southwest Tech with strong academic and mechanical skills," says Don Borchert, his instructor."He used these skills to progress quickly. When Ben participated in the Wisconsin State competition, he scored higher than any Southwest Tech student had in the past."

That's quite an accomplishment for Pagenkopf, since Borchert's students at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College have represented the State of Wisconsin in the national masonry contest each of the past seven years!
After graduation from SWTC, Pagenkopf accepted a bricklaying position with Ostrader Masonry. Kurt Ostrader is pleased with his new employee and his SWTC graduates.

"I'm a big supporter of the state's technical college programs," says Ostrader. They teach a solid foundation of the basics of the trade. That allows me to immediately train them in how we operate in our business. I'm very happy with Don Borcherts training and development program. Ben (Pagenkopf) is as good or better than the five other (Southwest) Tech graduates I have on my payroll."

Pagenkopf is complimentary of Borchert as well."He has influenced me in many ways, most importantly to take pride in my work and always do my best."