Local 159 Member of the Month – August 2025

Honoring Tommy Long
Nominated by Heidi Philips

“I’ve always said that our trade can be taught to anyone with a strong work ethic—but that work ethic is the hardest part to teach.”

For Tommy Long, that work ethic was apparent long before he ever picked up a tool. As a young busboy at a local Mexican restaurant, he was constantly hustling—refilling water, bringing chips, clearing tables, and meeting customers’ needs before anyone had to ask. It didn’t go unnoticed. One of the restaurant’s regulars, a union contractor, saw his drive and asked if he’d ever considered a career in the trades. That conversation changed the course of Tommy’s life.

He began his career in 1988, starting as a pre-apprentice before even graduating high school. Since then, he has continually risen through the ranks, becoming a standout journeyman, and a respected foreman.

Over the years, Tommy has worked on iconic projects like City Center, The Encore, Raiders Stadium, and the historic Horseshoe Casino—a job he fondly remembers for its unique layout and the opportunity to work on a piece of old Vegas history.

But ask Tommy what he’s most proud of, and it isn’t the landmark jobs or the years of experience—it’s the 12 apprentices he’s currently mentoring on his crew. Tommy takes great pride in putting young workers “on the wall” and helping them grow into skilled, confident professionals.

He doesn’t buy into the idea that this generation lacks work ethic. “I see a diverse set of apprentices who work hard every single day,” he says. “They’re showing up, completing their tasks, and earning more time to practice hanging wallpaper.” While classroom instruction—whether through the apprenticeship or three-week classes—is valuable, Tommy emphasizes that nothing substitutes for real-world pressure and working conditions.

He believes the best apprentices are the fearless ones. “They’re not afraid to try, and they’re not afraid to fail. Striving for perfection is good—but expecting perfection can hold you back. Nobody’s perfect.”

Tommy often takes apprentices into journeymen’s rooms to point out the small imperfections. “See this?” he tells them. “Even the hangers you look up to make mistakes.” A mentor once told him, “The difference between a good paperhanger and a great one is that a great one can fix his mistakes.” It’s advice Tommy passes down every day.

Tommy has “journeyed” in every sense of the word—working in Chicago, Northern California, and Southern California, gaining experience with a wide variety of wall coverings. Known by many as “Chopper,” he is highly skilled, talented, and passionate about his craft.

His journey hasn’t been without hardship. After being struck by a drunk driver on St. Patrick’s Day, he spent years recovering—an accident that impacted both his personal and professional life. Tasks most take for granted—climbing a ladder, crawling under a vanity—became difficult and painful. Still, Tommy pressed on.

One apprentice that stands out to Tommy is Brilin Hildibrand, who has shown the same tenacity and growth Tommy admires. As a foreman, Tommy balances the challenges of mentoring, teaching, keeping to schedules and budgets, and ensuring a final product that satisfies both the client and the company—while also navigating safety concerns, managing personalities, and supporting workers dealing with life’s many pressures.

From apprentices who cry daily to those who are overly confident, Tommy’s approach is always patient, professional, and understanding. He keeps his crews focused, motivated, and even laughing—because, as he says, a little humor goes a long way on a stressful jobsite.

Tommy is the kind of journeyman many strive to become—respected by his peers, superintendent, company, Local 159, and most importantly, his family. When told he was nominated for Member of the Month, he humbly suggested that someone more active in union meetings or who completed the apprenticeship might be more deserving. But the truth is, his impact speaks louder than any meeting attendance or certificate.

Tommy, there are too many people who’ve been influenced by you—not to recognize everything you’ve done and continue to do for this trade. You lift up those around you—apprentices, journeymen, contractors, and union brothers and sisters alike.

We thank you for your commitment, mentorship, and heart. You’re the best.

We love you, Tommy Long.