Member of the Month – February 2025: Enrique Barragan Jr.

Local 159 is proud to recognize Enrique Barragan Jr. as our Member of the Month for February 2025. Nominated by February 2024’s Member of the Month, Anthony Davis, Enrique’s journey reflects both perseverance and dedication to the craft, and his commitment to the Union has made him an asset to Local 159 and beyond.

Enrique’s path into the Union wasn’t a traditional one, but his passion for trade and desire to succeed was always clear. As a young man right out of high school, he knew painting was his calling. He asked his dad to help him join the union, and while the only way in was as a taper, Enrique didn’t initially take it seriously. His youthful immaturity led to his removal from the union, but his determination never wavered. Enrique wasn’t ready to give up on his dream of becoming a part of the IUPAT.

His unrelenting desire to realize his dream required him to  move out of state and where he began working for his cousin in Oakland at a Union shop. After a year of hard work, Enrique returned to Las Vegas with a clearance card and quickly found employment with Dale Miller at M&H. His commitment to learning and growing in the trade led him to work for Raymond and join the wallpaper crew. Enrique withheld some of his hours to graduate the apprenticeship at first, believing he still had more to learn, especially in wallpaper, before becoming a journeyman. Now, almost two years into his role on the wallpaper crew, Enrique has built a reputation for his dedication and skill. He’s spent much of that time on a punch crew but is now hanging production at The MGM.

Enrique enjoys working on the wallpaper crew because of its clean nature and the opportunity to meet great people and mentors. He credits Josh Melvin, Rob Laird, and Louise Montez for their guidance and support in helping him develop his skills. Enrique’s own mentorship has also come full circle—he’s helped guide two young apprentices on the punch crew, showing them what he has learned throughout his journey.

Enrique understands the value of union membership, especially when it comes to benefits for his family. Though he has yet to start his own family, he recognizes the importance of having a secure future. In 2023, Enrique was able to realize the American Dream—he purchased his own home. It’s a milestone he’s incredibly proud of, even though he acknowledges the challenges that come with homeownership.

His desire for continuous learning has led Enrique to take classes in Faux and epoxy, further expanding his skill set and making him a valuable asset to the Union, and his employers. His commitment to ongoing training has qualified him for several STAR’S events, where he’s won prizes like Blackstone grills, PS5s, and 65-inch TVs. He has also qualified for VAC banquets through his willingness to volunteer for the community. One of his most memorable experiences was feeding the homeless, a humbling reminder of how fortunate he is to have the basic necessities of life—food, shoes, and shelter.

Enrique’s dedication to his work is evident in every project he takes on. One project that stands out was his work at The Venetian, installing peel-and-stick on metal doors that looked like wood grain. He was on the project for a short time but appreciated the opportunity to learn another aspect of his craft.

Family has always been central to Enrique’s journey. His father, brother, and cousin are all members of Local 159, and many members of his extended family belong to District Council 16 in Northern California. When Enrique isn’t working, he enjoys riding his Harley-Davidson for a bit of wind therapy, working on projects around his house, or simply relaxing.

Although Enrique doesn’t have aspirations at this time to become a foreman or superintendent, he can see himself as a lead man in the future. He has already mentored the next generation of workers and believes in high performance and high value, means doing things the right way the first time and leaving a lasting impression with his work. His foreman from a previous project nominated him for his exceptional work ethic, noting how Enrique consistently shows up, even when he’s sick, to ensure his responsibilities are met.

Enrique’s story began as a freshman in high school, watching his dad come home after long, exhausting days of work. It was then that he asked his dad how much he made as a union painter and learned that his dad earned about $35 an hour. Enrique was amazed—he realized this was the equivalent of multiple McDonald’s jobs—and decided that he wanted to join the union as well. His dad helped him practice painting around the house, giving him the skills he needed to eventually join the union and pursue a career as a painter.

Enrique is a testament to what it means to be a dedicated, hardworking member of our union. His work ethic, commitment to learning, and willingness to mentor others set him apart as an invaluable member of any crew. Local 159 is proud to have Enrique Barragan Jr. as a member and is excited for what the future holds for him in the union.

We are proud of the future of our union when it looks as bright as Enrique Barragan!