About Smart
Local 18
Smart Local 18 provides an environment where you can not only be successful as an employee but also as a human.
What We Do

Embracing Inclusivity
At SMART 18, we wholeheartedly embrace a culture of inclusivity.

A Thriving Community
Our union family extends its reach across diverse industry landscapes

The Member Advantage
Being part of SMART offers you more than just increased wages, enhanced benefits, a secure workplace.
About Us
Sheet Metal Workers’ Local #18 covers the entire state of Wisconsin with the exception of Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron counties.
Local #18 was established October 1, 1982, as a result of an amalgamation of former locals 24 (Milwaukee), 33 (Fox Valley), 35 (Racine/Kenosha/Walworth), 42 (Fond du Lac/Manitowoc/Sheboygan), 64 (Eau Claire/La Crosse/Wausau), 279 (Madison), and 416 (Janesville).
Organizing
Section 7: “Employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representation of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining…”
Section 8(a): “It shall be unfair labor practice for an employer…to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in Section 7…”

Top row from left to right
Dan Wippich, Gary Hunter, Matt Van Der Puy, Brad Kalcic, Scott Bartz, Mike Mooney, Scott Knocke, Stu Wilson, Don Athas, Craig Wagner
Bottom row from left to right
Mark LaMothe, Ken Liebenstein, Brett Cadman, Matt Forster, Ben Hebert, Andrew Norberg, Jesse Rumpff, Matt Wied, Jake Olson, Brian Larson
Scott Knocke
President/Business Manager
(262) 798-1818 ext. 112
1-800-242-5822, ext. 112
Fax – (262) 798-1837
e-mail: sknocke@smwlu18.org
Brad Kalcic
Financial Secretary-Treasurer
(262) 798-1818 ext. 114
1-800-242-5822, ext. 114
Fax – ((262) 798-1837
e-mail: bkalcic@smwlu18.org
Scott Bartz
Vice-President/Business Representative – Madison / Janesville Areas
(608) 576-3563
Fax – (262) 798-1837
e-mail: sbartz@smwlu18.org
Michael Thomas
Recording Secretary/Business Representative – Racine / Kenosha Areas
(262) 933-1006
Fax – (262) 798-1837
e-mail: mthomas@smwlu18.org
Stu Wilson
Business Representative – Milwaukee Area
(262) 798-1818 ext. 113
Fax – (262) 798-1837
e-mail: swilson@smwlu18.org
Jeff Lensink
Statewide Organizer
jlensink@smwlu18.org
(920) 247-9391
Fax – (262) 798-1837
Jake Olson
Business Representative – Milwaukee Area
(262) 798-1818 ext. 116
Fax – (262) 402-4359
e-mail: jolson@smwlu18.org
Craig Wagner
Business Representative – Eau Claire / La Crosse / Wausau Areas
(715) 498-1926
Fax – (262) 798-1837
e-mail: cwagner@smwlu18.org
Matthew Van Der Puy
Business Representative – Fond du Lac / Manitowoc / Sheboygan Areas
(920) 889-0638
Fax – (262) 798-1837
e-mail: mvanderpuy@smwlu18.org
Dan Wippich
Business Representative – Fox Valley Area
(920) 819-7300
Fax – (262) 798-1837
e-mail: dwippich@smwlu18.org
Hallie Jennerman
Director of Organizing
hjennerman@smwlu18.org
(262) 875-1635
Fax – (262) 798-1837
Craig Holzem
Statewide Organizer
cholzem@smwlu18.org
(715) 498-1615
Fax – (262) 798-1837
Chad Ratz
Statewide Organizer
cratz@smwlu18.org
(608) 345-1073
Fax – (262) 798-1837
Executive Directors
Executive Board
The Executive Board of Local #18 is composed of 10 members, including the President, Vice-President and Recording Secretary. This body meets on a monthly basis to carry out the general operation of the local union – including, but not limited to, the executive administrative and judicial powers of SMWIA Local Union #18.
Ben Hebert
Executive Board Member
Matthew Forster
Executive Board Member
Brian Larson
Executive Board Member
Ken Liebenstein
Executive Board Member
Matthew Weid
Executive Board Member
Andrew J Norberg
Executive Board Member
Brett Cadman
Executive Board Member
Gary Hunter
Trustee
Alex Oldenburg
Trustee
Jesse Rumpff
Trustee
Mark LaMothe
Trustee
John W Kristzonas
Conductor/Warden
What We Do
Our Values
Embracing Inclusivity: Our Commitment to a Discrimination-Free Environment
At SMART 18, we wholeheartedly embrace a culture of inclusivity. Discrimination, harassment, hazing, or bullying is strictly forbidden within our membership. We stand resolutely against any form of prejudice or bias based on race, color, religion, age, creed, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital/parental/family status, veteran’s status, disability, or any other legally protected class.
Strength in Diversity: Building a Stronger, More Competitive Workforce
SMART 18 recognizes the profound value of diversity within the workforce. We firmly believe that diversity not only strengthens our union but also enriches our communities and enhances the competitiveness of the sheet metal and transportation industries. Our mission is to transform the perspectives of management, labor leaders, and our members alike. We strive to actively recruit, warmly welcome and ardently retain the most proficient and skilled workforce available, all while celebrating the beautiful tapestry of differences in age, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, language, marital status, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and all the other characteristics that make each individual uniquely remarkable.
More About Us
Our Rich History: From Humble Beginnings to Diverse Representation
Since the inception of our predecessor unions, SMART has undergone remarkable growth, expanding to encompass a broad spectrum of industry sectors and occupations. Our membership now includes professionals in various roles, such as freight and passenger rail conductors, bus operators, HVAC technicians, and the skilled sign installers responsible for illuminating iconic landmarks like New York City’s dazzling Times Square.
A Thriving Community: SMART Members Across Industries and Geographies
Today, our union family extends its reach across diverse industry landscapes, with our dedicated members contributing their expertise in the construction industry, rail workshops, shipyards, nuclear power plants, rail yards, various manufacturing facilities, and throughout the expansive tapestry of America’s interconnected transportation network. It’s quite probable that the HVAC technician you relied on during air conditioning or heating troubles and the bus operator who safely transported you or your children to work or school is fellow SMART members, exemplifying our commitment to excellence and service across the nation.
Mission Statement
A Modern Union with Time-Honored Values: SMART’s Mission
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART) represents a 21st-century labor union dedicated to the well-being, protection, and elevation of the quality of life for both women and men laboring in the sheet metal, shipyard, manufacturing/production, and transportation sectors across the United States and Canada.
Our Pursuit of Excellence: Ensuring Desirable and Safe Work Environments
Our unwavering mission revolves around the creation and upkeep of favorable, secure working conditions. In doing so, we aim to offer our members and their families the level of comfort, happiness, and security that every individual rightfully deserves in exchange for their labor. This commitment is embodied in our belief in a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, a principle that underlines our vision for a better future.
The Member Advantage
Beyond the Basics: The Comprehensive Benefits of SMART Membership
Being part of SMART offers you more than just increased wages, enhanced benefits, a secure workplace, and a say in your work conditions. With a robust membership exceeding 200,000 individuals, we have the collective power to consolidate our resources and secure substantial discounts when dealing with financial institutions, lenders, and a variety of service providers.
Evolving for Your Advantage: SMART’s Commitment to Expanding Benefits
Our commitment to you doesn’t stop at the essentials. SMART continually enhances and broadens the range of benefits available to you as a valued union member. We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the utmost value from your membership, offering you an ever-improving array of advantages. A small selection of these member-only benefits are listed below:
- Accident insurance
- Health savings
- Legal services
- A competitive low-rate loan program
- Life insurance
- Mortgage and real estate services
- Discounts on entertainment services and products, such as sporting events, concerts, movie tickets, discounted amusement park passes, and flowers for special occasions.
- Auto insurance
- Discounted tools and equipment
- Lower cost cellular services.
