Dedication, pride and enthusiasm
When John joined Mar-Key Group almost 3 years ago, he’d not long returned from living in Tenerife for 28 years. So what led him back to the UK? He shares his story with us…
‘In 1995, I flew to Tenerife for a 1 week holiday. It was -5 degrees in the UK, and when I arrived there it was 28 degrees, so I ripped up my return ticket and decided to stay!’
‘We taught the guys some new skills and experience to help them get back into work’
It might sound idyllic, but John hasn’t had it easy. ‘I had a problem, with drugs and alcohol, and didn’t want to see people in the same position I was. I saw so many people like me coming out of rehab with nowhere to go so they ended back on the streets. I wanted to make a difference, so whilst I was out in Tenerife I set up a halfway house. I did all sorts of jobs to fund it – refits, maintenance, construction, any odd job that could help to pay. Whilst doing so, we also taught the guys some new skills and experience to help them get back into work.’
This enthusiasm for good work and helping others better themselves, are to us the perfect attributes of a member of our team. Today John is a Chargehand Level 2, continuing to develop even more new skills out on site. ‘I’m accustomed to hard work. I’ve worked in construction my whole life. I meet new people, see new places, new towns, learn new skills. It’s hard work but rewarding! The Construction Managers are so supportive.’
‘I think I laughed my way through the first 3 months, it’s such a great bunch of people’
And as for a typical day? Well there isn’t really one! ‘That’s what I love about it. It’s so varied. One day you’ll be assembling and lifting frames, , the next pulling rooves or putting floor down. Whatever needs doing, we get on with it as a team’.
It’s clear to see why John’s such an asset in our site team. But what would his colleagues say about him? ‘They’d call me an old b*****d’ John jokes. ‘I’m almost 60! But I’d hope they say I’m a hard worker, conscientious and take pride in what I do’.
John remembers his first conversation when he applied for a job at Mar-Key Group ‘They knew I had the experience, but site work is a real physical role so they wanted to be sure I was physically suitable. I told them ‘give me 3 months, and if I’m no good, I’ll walk away. That was years ago now and I like to think I’m performing well. I think I laughed my way through the first 3 months, it’s such a great bunch of people and everyone was so welcoming.’
He’s been on sites all over the UK, but which was his most memorable build?
‘We were in Ireland when a storm hit. I was one of the first to volunteer to be on standby and secure the ABS back in. We just want to keep our clients happy so you do what needs to be done. I also really enjoy the City Central build at the HAC in central London. The quality of the install there is amazing. It’s sometimes stressful meeting deadlines but we all crack on and work together.’
People like John with such dedication to his role and his colleagues are why we talk about our team so highly. He’s a fantastic representative of Mar-Key Group and we hope his story inspired others…whatever your age! If you’ve got a project in mind or want to know more about our capabilities, get in touch 01202 577 111 / team@mar-key.com