Tradie profile: Harley Buschkuehl

Harley Buschkuehl

SKY POINT METAL ROOFING

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? I love working outdoors with my hands. Our trade is like a craft. It takes a sharp eye and a certain skill set to be able to demonstrate this.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB – AND A MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM THOSE EARLY DAYS? One of our first jobs was installing a brand new Colorbond roof to a home on the Gold Coast with a boutique builder and a high-end home. It was quite daunting at the time, the house itself ended up in the paper and in the pages of many building and interior magazines. The property won a few accolades which set a high benchmark for us. It was very satisfying to be able to work on such a high-calibre home and see the recognition of the work that was done.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE – AND WHAT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT? I own a metal roofing business with my brother-in-law. Between the two of us there’s over 21 years’ experience in the trade. What we love most about our job is we are always on the move it’s a very physical career and will always keep us in shape.

WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? We completed a re-roof to a pre-war home that was being renovated. It was extremely difficult as it was heritage listed and had strict guidelines to what was being done. However, we turned it into an amazing roof that will last for a lifetime to come. WHAT’S THE TOUGHEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED, OR BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE OVERCOME? The toughest challenge I face is directing a large team of employees in a way that is extremely efficient, while also keeping the workplace safe and sound – all while showing a high level of professionalism. It is a dangerous career path, but we all have a family to return to at the end of the day.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? As with all businesses, we would like to keep expanding and growing. I have always loved being on the tools, so I have no expectations to get off them anytime soon. In saying this, it limits my time to juggle all my liabilities off-site so bringing my partner on board and having her take on more responsibility has been amazing.

TELL US ABOUT ANY AWARDS YOU’VE WON AND/OR TRAINING YOU’VE COMPLETED WITH MASTER BUILDERS? The only course I have undertaken with Master Builders is the business managerial course that is required for obtaining the appropriate QBCC licensing. However, I would like to complete a few more courses through Master Builders for self-satisfaction.

FINALLY, WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high, and the consequences matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine.