Thanks. The industry he was in had a tradition only recently dying. In construction, managers often did skilled labor and physical labor was never far removed from any supervisor. It is a industry I retired from as well.
My dad in 1949 would work in the office all day and then go to the suburban home he was building almost by himself and work until 1:00 in the morning or later.
Prior to retiring I found myself with a shovel in my hand occasionally.
My dad’s understanding of “getting the job done” meant you never avoided physical labor. You taught yourself whatever craft was needed. I think physical labor and routine hard work often translates to being able to apply strength to any task needed.