Circle of Learning

Jarred Allnutt has had the great fortune of learning masonry skills from two top-notch instructors, but the relationship to these instructors is somewhat uncanny.

Allnutt was taught by Joe Luchtenburg at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Luchtenburg, ironically, was taught by Allnutt's father, Steve, the other instructor in Allnutt's life.

"Jarred's father had enough faith in me that he thought my program was important to his own son's development as a mason, and turned him over to me," says Luchtenberg, who is particularly proud.

Allnutt has been assisting his father on jobsites for many years, although they differ in their recollections of just how many. Jared says he started at age 8. His father recalls the age to be 12. Whatever the case, Allnutt had a great deal of professional preparation even before he entered the Kirkwood program, for which he is grateful.

"My Dad gave me knowledge of the trade and ambition," Allnutt says. "Mr. Luchtenberg made extra efforts to teach me the 'tricks of the trade,'"

Luchtenberg praises Allnutt for his work ethic and skill set. "Jarred was a class leader and graduated with perfect attendance and a perfect 4.0 GPA," he says. "Jarred set the standard for his entire class. He's made both his father and me very proud of his accomplishments."

Allnutt now works at Gary Scheer Masonry, where his supervisor is his own father, Steve.

When asked about the challenge of supervising his own son, Steve Allnutt says, "It's an extra challenge. We both have to separate family from work. As a result, I think we both try a little bit harder. I want to set a good example and not be easy on him, so I'm probably a little tougher as a result. I do know this, Jarred's trying hard to please his old man."

Allnutt is a member of union Local #3 and has begun his four-year apprenticeship.