Rising Through the Ranks: Volunteer Makes the Most Out of Relationships and Experiences

Rising Through the Ranks

Volunteer Makes the Most Out of Relationships and Experiences

Imagine waking up at 3:30 a.m. six days a week, commuting 92 miles, and working 10-hour shifts.

That was Jacob Epperson’s reality during his apprenticeship program two decades ago with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 312. While this routine was grueling, it set the stage for Epperson to have lasting relationships and rewarding experiences within organized labor and the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA).

Leveraging His Network

One of those relationships was with Brandon Bishop, who was a co-worker of Epperson’s father and a family friend. Two months before graduating from high school, Bishop, who is now the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Secretary-Treasurer, arranged a meeting between Epperson and Local 312’s leadership team.

It didn’t take much to sway Epperson to join the IUOE. Working as an operating engineer made perfect sense as a career since he grew up operating heavy equipment, and his dad was a mechanic. Epperson started as an apprentice in August of 2002.

Bishop has been a mentor throughout Epperson’s career.

“Once I started working, I would call Brandon with all sorts of questions, and he would give me his opinions,” Epperson said. “As he progressed in his role, I constantly picked his brain with questions and scenarios on how to handle things.”

Climbing the Ladder

Fast forward to 2013, Epperson followed in Bishop’s footsteps by becoming the Local 312 assistant business manager and was elected business manager in 2015.

“My primary responsibility is to oversee daily operations of the union, represent our members, and negotiate contracts to ensure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions,” Epperson said about his role as business manager. “I advocate for our members in dealings with contractors and project owners, resolve disputes, and manage the apprenticeship program.

More leadership opportunities came in 2019 when Epperson was unanimously elected Central Alabama Building Trades (CABT) president. His role involves coordinating efforts among various trades, fostering collaboration, and advocating for legislation that benefits members and the construction industry. He also facilitates workforce development initiatives.

Connecting to Conservation

After starting his CABT leadership role, Epperson began volunteering with the USA in 2019. His first major project was the construction of a new public fishing tournament weigh-in pavilion at Smith Lake in Alabama.

Epperson’s natural leadership skills have helped get the CABT Sporting Clays Shoot off the ground and grow conservation dinners in his region.

“When I hear the USA’s mission statement, I think about helping protect the outdoors and bringing everyone together to achieve a shared interest,” Epperson said. “That’s something unions have always been about—working collectively for a greater good.”

USA events coordinator Eric Bakken, who has worked closely with Epperson for years, shared what makes him stand out.

“I first met Jacob when the Alabama dinner was just getting started, and we quickly became good friends,” Bakken said. “He’s not just about business—he genuinely cares about people. Jacob is the kind of leader who understands the value of bringing everyone together at our dinners. He doesn’t feel the need to grab the microphone or seek attention. He has earned the respect of everyone in the room at our events, his members, and his fellow office staff at his local.”

Growing up playing sports, swimming and riding dirt bikes, Epperson’s interest in hunting and fishing didn’t start until his 20s. He can recall his first time hunting with his brother and Bishop.

“Believe it or not, I shot a 6-point [buck] that evening from probably 250 yards away,” he said. “When I saw him fall, I was pumped. That feeling I had is what keeps me hunting.”

While the challenge and thrill of hunting lures Epperson, he also enjoys his time outdoors coaching his daughters in softball and catching beautiful sunsets during the summer at his lake house on Lake Martin. His daughters can be found helping wherever needed at USA shoots and dinners.

According to Epperson, his involvement with the USA has led to some of his best relationships in the industry and motivates him to help wherever he can.

“Preserving and building outdoor spaces as well as building connections and relationships through USA events gives me a sense of pride,” he said. “Knowing that I’m contributing to something meaningful and lasting makes it all worth it. Thirty years down the road, I can ride by something I helped build or preserve and say I helped do that back in the day.”

Lessons Learned

From all the handshakes, negotiations, dollars raised, and events attended, Epperson has learned valuable lessons like being approachable, hearing different perspectives, staying focused and flexible, and doing the right thing even when under pressure.

Epperson’s goals are to grow membership, add more training equipment for his local’s apprenticeship program, and leave everything better than when he started.

“When I was in the field, I always got along with everyone and had a strong motivation to be the best operator I could be,” he said. “When I got into this position I currently hold, I said I always want to be viewed and treated as one of the guys. I never want them to think they can’t talk to me. I think I have achieved that goal in the way I lead our local.”

Epperson is someone you can always count on, according to Bakken.

“Before our dinners, he’s always there, helping set up,” he said. “He could be elsewhere, but instead, he chooses to lend a hand. He’s always ready to pitch in, and he encourages others to do the same. We’ve never lacked help with him around.”

The 2025 Central Alabama BCTC Sporting Clays Shoot took place Friday, March 28 in Talladega, Alabama while the 2025 Alabama State Conservation Dinner is scheduled for July 21.