Meet Maurice Walker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maurice Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maurice, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want to be known for my resilience, versatility, and the drive to make an impact in different areas of life. I’m a person who refused to let setbacks define them, instead I used those challenges as an opportunity for reinvention and growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Leaving the music industry wasn’t easy, as it was always a dream of mine. But a person must learn how to pivot and adapt to changes in life. I was one of those people who had to learn that. I was always good with my hands and learned a good bit from my pops back in the day. With that said, I decided to enter the trades. I became a union Ironworker. For those that don’t know what that is, I’m the guy erecting the structural steel to build buildings. It’s a tough and very dangerous job. There are times when you’re literally hanging from the edge of an unfinished building, and it can get scary at times.
I didn’t stop there though. My union sent me back to school and paid for me to get my construction management degree which led me to my current role. I am now the Construction Liaison for the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, and the first ever in this position. I help people in underserved communities get into labor unions by way of pre-apprenticeship programs. Many of these programs have supportive services for folks who may need childcare, transportation and other things. It’s a way of giving back to the communities that I grew up in. Giving back to folks who look like me.
Although, I’m not currently active in the music industry anymore, I still maintain a connection and talk to people who are still doing their thing. I also do artist development through my company, Elite Walker Group. It’s a smaller company, and I like what I do a lot.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Pittsburgh is a place where there are many sites to see. Mount Washington’s overlook of the city is always a grand place to visit when in the area. From there you can see the 3 rivers, downtown, and both stadiums. I’d take them to one of the Galley’s for lunch. Whether the north side or Bakery Square, it’s a variety of food and most likely a good time. Pending on who is in town, we could either hit the Improv to check out some comedy or see what plays or concerts are in town. I personally enjoy the arts, so everything I do primarily reflects that. Even going to the Warhol Museum is great to visit.

Also pending what time of year it is, we could hit up a Steelers, Pirates, or Penguins game. I’m also a lover of sports. There’s always something to do in Pittsburgh.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a lot of people in my life who offered me many things from their efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement. From my wife and daughters, my mom and pops (RWG), Big D, Mrs. Ross, and Crave… they all helped me become the man that I am, I’m truly grateful and thankful for them. I love them! I also want to thank the Local #3 Ironworkers Union, Jericho Lodge #20, Partner4Work, and the Swissvale Orioles organization all for taking a chance on me and helping me become a better man.

Instagram: @crave412

Twitter: @ckravin

Soundcloud: Hollywood412

Facebook: Maurice Hollywood-Walker

Image Credits
Jim Cain