Union Strong: Cory McCray on Trades, Grit & Second Chances

Maryland State Senator and IBEW Local 24 leader Cory V. McCray joins Rich and Dan to share how a paid electrical apprenticeship rewired his life—from Baltimore City and the juvenile system to business owner and public service. Cory breaks down how union apprenticeships work, why mentors and discipline matter, and how practical pathways can lift families and entire communities. A grounded, honest guide for anyone who cares about second chances and real opportunity. Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and the Victory Team Guest Bio:  Cory V. McCray is a Maryland State Senator, husband, and father of four who completed an IBEW Local 24 electrical apprenticeship before launching a career in business and public service. He’s the author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life and serves as a business agent and vice president within his local, championing working families, mentorship, and scalable pathways to the middle class.  Main Topics: ·         How a paid union apprenticeship provides wages, benefits, and schooling without debt. ·         Discipline, mentors, and “learning to listen” as success multipliers on the job site and in life. ·         Differences between premier union apprenticeships and other pathways, plus common pitfalls. ·         Moving from limited exposure to leadership: business owner, union officer, and senator. ·         Building pipelines for data centers and future infrastructure—and why Maryland needs more tradespeople now. ·         Recovery, reprogramming habits, and choosing environments that support growth. ·         Writing and publishing The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life: proposal, editing, and launch. ·         Family first: genealogy, legacy, and raising contributors to the community.  Resources mentioned: ·         The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life by Cory V. McCray — order hub: apprenticeshipcheatcode.com (as stated “the apprenticeship cheat code dot com”). Also available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, local shops. ·         Local bookstores mentioned: The Ivy Bookshop (signed copies), Snug Books; Goodreads; Barnes & Noble. ·         IBEW Local 24 (Maryland), other IBEW locals across the state. ·         Data centers and trades demand in Maryland (context from conversation). ·         Episode Sponsor: Daniel McGhee and the Victory Team·         Supporter: Full Circle BoardsSupporter: Sincerely Sawyer PhotographySend us Fan MailThe Victory TeamLOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME Go with the Agent that was voted Harford’s Best & won the Harford CouDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email