Jonah’s Journey with RYCON Constructions

One of our key values at RYCON Constructions is investing in our people. Our owner and Director, Gerard Ryan, has enjoyed a stellar 30+ year career in the Brisbane building industry, and he knows only too well the value of a significant mentor and how to develop people to bring the best out in them. 

We sat down with Gerard and Jonah, Construction Manager, to chat about career progression and their journey together, so far.  

JONAH:
How long have you worked at RYCON and what were you doing before you joined the team?  

I started with RYCON in November 2020, so I’ve been here for just over 4 years now. Time flies when you’re having fun! 

Before working here, I was a Contract Administrator for Precision Contracting. They’re one of the larger southeast Queensland ceilings, walls, & linings companies. I was fortunate to work on some large projects, where I helped deliver detailed interior fit-out packages across various industries. 

What did you bring to RYCON that convinced Gerard to employ you? 

I wanted to join RYCON to gain experience in the high-end housing market and I think Gerard could see my eagerness for the industry. I also know now that my attention to detail was what Gerard was looking for in an Estimator. 

GERARD:
What did you see in Jonah that encouraged you to give him a go?  

Well, he’s right! Attention to detail is critical in the role of an Estimator, and he showed that detail pretty much from day one. What struck me first about Jonah was his genuine desire to learn more about the industry. It’s easy when sitting in an interview, to say you want to learn more about the building industry, but Jonah showed me that he did. In fact, he continues to enjoy learning. He is always up for a challenge and I’d say, he actually thrives on being challenged and being busy. 

JONAH:
Looking back at your role as an Estimator, what are the best memories from that time?  

I started as an Estimator, and then my role quickly grew to both estimating and delivering the projects through to completion.  

I look back to when I first started and have very fond memories. We were in the middle of the pandemic, our office and our team were much smaller, but there was a constant pursuit for delivering quality workmanship which I found really enjoyable and refreshing. As our team and the company have grown, that focus on delivering a quality product has definitely remained the same. 

GERARD:
Jonah quickly established himself as a key member of your team. What attributes were most impressive and when did you know he would have the ability to step into a management role? 

The Estimator is a key role in the business. It can set us up for a successful and profitable project, or not. I noticed early that Jonah was always looking for ways to improve, whether it was with work processes or within himself, and that struck me as someone with a good head for business. Jonah has a very high work rate and is very good at starting and completing a task. He also has the ability to multi-task over several jobs at one time while not getting flustered, which is an art in itself! Jonah has a natural firmness in his personality, which gains him respect amongst his peers.
 

JONAH:
What’s the best part of your job? And do you have a favourite project you have worked on here at RYCON? 

I’d say the best part of the job is working alongside a great team. The office team, site supervisors, foremen, carpenters & apprentices have all joined RYCON because they’re passionate about the building industry. Even the network of regular sub-contractors RYCON has introduced me to, all have a passion for delivering quality workmanship. That really makes the job enjoyable because you’re surrounded by like-minded people.  

I’d also say another favourite part of my job is the dynamic nature that comes with it. We work across multiple industries, so I’ve had the opportunity to estimate and deliver multiple industrial warehouse projects, high-end house renovations, townhouse developments, landscaping projects, pool builds & custom granny flats. This helps to make the role interesting, every day. 

With all that said, I don’t think I have a favourite project, although, I do have a soft spot for the Brooke’s Blooms warehouse & office because that was the first warehouse project I delivered.

GERARD:
What would you say are the key attributes for someone looking to start and secure a future in the building industry?

If you want to work in construction, you need to have a passion for the industry and be driven by the satisfaction you get from building something from scratch and seeing it through to completion. And then, enjoy seeing a happy client at the end. When you build something or are heavily involved in various aspects of a project, you naturally take ownership of it and become very proud of the finished product. 

If you don’t have the passion or vision it can be a very frustrating industry. You are often met with small challenges that are out of your control, and it’s up to you to navigate around them.

JONAH:
What advice do you have for someone starting out in the building industry?  

That’s a great question! If I had to give one piece of advice to someone starting out in the building industry, it would be to always keep an open mind and be willing to learn. The industry is huge and diverse, so embracing the opportunity to work on a variety of projects early on, really helps you build a strong foundation. Whether it’s residential, commercial, or something a little more niche, every project offers a new lesson. 

So, I’d say, don’t shy away from the hard stuff, find great mentors, and take on a range of projects, because there’s no shortage of learning opportunities.  

Any great advice you have received from Gerard that you’d like to share?  

There has been a lot! But one thing that stands out is his emphasis on quality workmanship and the duty a builder owes to a client when entrusting them to renovate or build their asset. From early on, Gerard has shown me that the builder’s duty extends to all aspects of the project. From assisting with consultants to managing the development approval/building approval, providing accurate and detailed quotes, ongoing cost management and design management, to providing practical insights throughout the build. These are all the processes Gerard offers to our clients and I’ve had the benefit of learning from working alongside him.

GERARD:
What’s some good advice you’d like to close with? 

Jonah has shown that RYCON offers a clear career path for those who want to apply themselves and put themselves in a position where they are not frightened to take on new challenges. 

When you have a great work ethic, attention to detail, are willing to be taught, and are not shy to ask questions, then people will happily take the time to teach you. It is very rewarding for me personally and as a business owner, to watch our employees grow and prosper in both their work and personal lives.  

My main advice is to always be open and honest with all stakeholders, from subcontractors and suppliers to your clients. Integrity in the construction industry is key to forming long and lasting relationships, regardless of your position. Jonah has proven to have these attributes hence his progression through to Construction Manager. Congratulations Jonah – I’m very proud of you!