At Thacker Pass, every story matters. Our Faces of Thacker Pass features aim to share the behind-the-scenes stories of the people, their diverse roles, and the vital part they play in advancing our project.
Frank S. is a journeyman laborer at Thacker Pass and was the project's Employee of the Month for December 2025. At the time of catching up with him, Frank had a perfect attendance streak of 206 working days without an absence and counting (not counting his weekends and/or designated days and holidays off of work). We discovered how he got his nickname, his early connection to Bechtel and his world-class skills in a very niche sport.
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in San Francisco, California.
How did you become a Laborer?
I drove a truck for 34 years and applied to be a water truck driver for a solar project around Battle Mountain. I didn't know it was a union job and this was during the pandemic, so I couldn't get my paperwork done in time. But they said, "Why don't you come in as a Laborer?" And so I did that. I've been a Winnemucca resident for more than four years now and have also worked on projects in Carlin and Battle Mountain.
What brought you to Thacker Pass?
It's a local opportunity that provides a good living. I love the Workforce Hub, the food and the transportation. Every day I get up and I'm thankful for the opportunity. This is the right place for me.
What's your advice to a young person considering a career in the building trades?
Look at all the job opportunities you'd have. I've accomplished a lot in the last five years. Our General Foreman is only 27 and he's so mature. The sky's the limit. Great retirement, great benefits, great pay. It's something you can build a life on. I'd recommend Thacker Pass for those reasons. It's a great living, especially for young people.
What's your secret to never missing a work day?
At first, it was about 30 or 45 days and it was a bragging thing. Then it was 85 days. Then we got into the hundreds and I didn't even think about it. But I just turned 60 years old, I quit drinking three years ago and I also have 75% vision loss. So, I feel it's a privilege now. Because of my eyesight, I don't have to drive anywhere. I get a free bus ride. I wake up every day and tell myself, what you've been through in the last five years, this is where you need to be.
What’s a hobby skill, or talent that people might not know about?
I'm a professional arm wrestler. I had four world titles and 30 national titles. I went all over the United States, a couple of times to Canada, and I went to Russia back in '98. When I competed, I used to have dreadlocks down to my waist, and I wore full tie-dye. People would call me "Stretch." On the job site as of now, I'm 48-0. You would think that arm wrestling is such a "He Man" sport. But arm wrestlers are, at the end of the day, some of the most humble people you would ever know. They just have this talent that they're so good at.
Frank is pictured keeping things organized at the Thacker Pass tool building.