Joseph Keating
City and State: Pleasantville, NY.
Current Company and Position: Instructor at NYC Carpenters Training Center.
Family: Joey Keating (wife); Joe (son); Frank (son); Liam (son).
First Job: Working for my father and uncle in residential carpentry.
What it taught me: Hard work pays off and to take pride in your work.
Best advice you could give someone starting out: Be on time, don't be afraid to ask questions, and be willing to learn your craft.
Who is your hero and why? My Dad. He was a dedicated family man and was a role model for me both as a carpenter and a father to my sons. He showed kindness and strength throughout my life and helped me become the man I am today.
Biography: With over three decades of grit and craft under his belt, Joseph F. Keating, Jr. is a seasoned union carpenter who embodies the spirit of the New York City District Council of Carpenters (NYCDCC). A proud member of Local 157, Joe has spent 32 years mastering the intricacies of the trade, from high-end interior finishes and millwork to complex glass and metal installations. His career spans long-term roles with industry leaders like Duncan Interiors and Glenwood Management Services, where he built a reputation for precision in layouts, hardware, and blueprint reading.
Beyond the job site, Joe is deeply committed to the leadership and financial health of the brotherhood. He serves as the Treasurer for Local 157 and continues his work as a union delegate. Since June 2019, he has also served as an instructor at the NYC Carpenters Training Center, passing on his extensive knowledge to the next generation of apprentices and teaching them that carpentry is as much about integrity as it is about skill.
Joe’s hands-on approach extends to a life of service in his community. He is a local volunteer firefighter and spends his summers volunteering for the Appalachian Service Project through a local church, assisting residents by rebuilding their homes and their lives. Whether he is volunteering his carpentry skills for the Wounded Warrior Project or participating in union leadership programs, Joe speaks and acts with the sincerity of a man who knows the value of hard work and giving back. He remains a steadfast advocate for the trade, always striving to build a stronger future for his fellow journeymen.
