"For over four years, I worked as a part-time laborer and truck driver for Al Slattery Masonry, Inc. to earn money so I could attend college," says Lanc Schmitt. "I was studying forestry at Oklahoma State, but by my senior year, the masonry business had started to appeal to me."

"Lanc is an amazing young man," says Luke Slattery, Schmitt's masonry instructor at the Mid-Del Technology Center in Midwest City, Okla. "After completing his undergraduate degree at OSU in December 2007, Lanc enrolled in my course as a full-time student for the spring semester. He was my only adult student, yet he relished the opportunity and utilized his maturity to quickly become my best student despite a completely different learning environment."

"I saw his potential, and I challenged Lanc to become a national champion. He has very high aptitude and exceptional patience."

Following his win in the Oklahoma contest, Schmitt competed in the SkillsUSA national masonry contest held in Kansas City's Bartle Hall in June 2008.

"Even though Lanc didn't win the national contest, I fully expect him to exceed every expectation of him as he goes through life," concludes Slattery.

His employer, Al Slattery, agrees. "Lanc joined us full-time right after graduation. He has adapted well to the learning process of a new employee and has already taken the responsibility of Safety Manager along with basic mason duties and some field supervision. He's a fine young man, a quick learner and a dedicated employee. He definitely has a future with our company."

Not satisfied with a college degree and technical training in masonry, Schmitt is taking business courses to make himself "a better employee."

The son of a fourth generation carpenter, Schmitt enjoys hunting, fishing and playing soccer. He reports that he is very involved at his church with the Methodist Men's group and serves the church's trustees committee. He credits his parents for his success. "They influenced me by supporting all my ambitions in life," he says.