Describe your current job.
I’m the construction manager for Graham Piling Services – I do marketing, estimating, installing and payments – basically, everything.
What are your areas of responsibility?
Everything piling!
How did you get to where you are now?
I left university with a degree in house building (UK style). After a few years, I decided to change and get into piling. I started out as a junior engineer with Cementation Piling in the UK. After a few different career moves over a 25-year period, I now find myself in Canada with Graham Construction.
What do you love about your job?
All of it! And it’s in Canada.
What does a typical day look like for you?
What’s a “typical day”? I haven’t had two days the same since I started in piling.
What are the challenges you experience in your job?
I am still adjusting to the Canadian way, having spent 25 years doing things the UK way. I am getting there!
What are your future goals?
I want to continue to enjoy my working life.
What are your predictions for the future of deep foundation construction in Canada?
I am hopeful that piling contractors will be involved more with the initial designs, after all, we know the equipment and the risks and the solutions. Partnerships with GC and clients – it’s the future!
Fast Facts
- First job: Paperboy (when I was 12 years old)
- Childhood ambition: To play rugby for Scotland
- Favourite food: Fish n’ Chips with mushy peas, and lamb vindaloo with chili naan bread
- Last movie you watched: The new James Bond – not the best I’ve seen
- Last book you read: Johnny Cash and Keith Richards
- Family life: Two boys and three step-children – one in Canada; one in Leeds, UK; one in Doncaster, UK; one in Adelaide, Australia; and one in L.A., U.S.
- Dog person or cat person: Dog
- How you spend your time away from work: With friends and with a guitar
- Apple or Android: Apple
- Best advice you’ve ever received: Don’t look down
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