After arriving in Atlanta in 2002, Vicente Rumbo began his construction career in interior systems, focusing on metal framing.
He had to return to Mexico but was able to come back to Georgia with his wife and son in 2016. Since he had construction experience, a friend brought him to work with Anning-Johnson Co., a union contractor that hired him as an apprentice. He quickly advanced and was on his way to becoming a foreman.
While working as an apprentice with Anning-Johnson, he attended classes at the Atlanta Local 225 Carpenters Training Center to advance his career.
Along with working full-time, attending classes, and raising his family, Rumbo never gave up his passion for music.
“For as long as I can remember, I have loved music,” Rumbo said. A lifelong singer, Rumbo began pursuing music seriously in 2004.
He bought a guitar and began playing with friends who invited him to join a group.
While his work and music schedules sometimes clashed, Rumbo made time for music.
“When I had to take classes at the local, I would play the night before, come to the local, and sleep in my car to be ready at 7 a.m. to take my class,” Rumbo said. “I enjoy playing music, and I still do it to this day.”
After a disagreement with his band, Rumbo was ready to give up music because he wanted to give 100% to his work and his family. When he thought he was retired from music, he received a call from a mutual friend inviting him to audition for a group called Escencia de Tierra Caliente.
He was hired as the vocalist and continues to perform with the 10-member group, which specializes in traditional Mexican music. “We have played everywhere from California to Chicago, Arkansas, Texas, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and more,” Rumbo said.
While still maintaining his work schedule, Rumbo continues to make time for his family, music rehearsals, and shows. Even when he has to travel, Rumbo does what he can to perform.
“I’ll work Monday through Friday, and then dedicate Friday night, Saturday, and sometimes Sunday to music,” Rumbo said.
In 2018, Rumbo accepted an opportunity to become a representative for the SRCC, which he enjoyed because it allowed him to connect people looking for work with better opportunities.
Even when performing at weddings, quinceañeras, and private events, Rumbo said people in attendance are sometimes also involved in construction, which allows him to continue spreading the word about union benefits.
“Pretty much wherever we go, we can play a city, a ranch, or even a place that’s entirely a forest, and we’ll assume we’re going to play for the deer, but the people come out,” Rumbo said.
As an organizer, Rumbo works out of the Atlanta Local Carpenters 225 office, recruits in the field, and sometimes travels out of state to assist with organizing campaigns.
“One time, we had a council meeting in Memphis. As soon as I was done, I came down to perform that night in Atlanta,” Rumbo said. “When you like doing something, it doesn’t matter how tired you are. It doesn’t matter the time. You have the energy to do it.”