A bit about you

Name? John Duck

Do you have any nicknames? Ducky

When and where were you born? 27/08/81

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a footballer obviously like every other kid, However, from the age of around 5-14 I always wanted to join the Army, I was obsessed.

What is your favourite hobby? Football, although too old now

What is your favourite travel destination? Florida or Cyprus

Are you a sports fan? If so, what is your favourite team? Everton although not quite so good at the moment or any moment thinking about it hahaha

What causes are you passionate about? Being positive no matter what, Life is Hader enough

What is an interesting fact about you? I was born 2 months premature and only weighed 2lbs

A bit about your job role

What is your current job title? MD

What other job titles have you had in your career? Apprentice, Electrician, Approved Electrician, Electrical Supervisor, Electrical Contracts Manager.

Why did you choose to work in your industry? I honestly don’t know. I asked my Dad when I was leaving school what I could do after realising I was never going to make it as a footballer haha and just finished learning about the wars in History which completely put me of my dream of joining the army haha. My Dad said why don’t you become an electrician, So that’s what I did.

Why do you like your job? I don’t, hahaha I like seeing a project through all the different stages and seeing what we have accomplished at the end. I get satisfaction at the end after all the stress and ensuring everything has run smoothly to the best of our ability. I love seeing the process of others development in challenging times and reflecting on how we have helped each other and developed each other.

How would you describe your career in three words? Hard, Enjoyable, Exciting

What makes you unique in your profession? My Drive and ability to adapt to different personalities

What is your favourite thing about your career or industry? The people/ banter

If you could give a younger person career advice, what would it be? To follow their dream and don’t settle for anything less.

What is your favourite memory from your career so far? Probably when I was around 20, I was asked to run quite a large job with at one point around 17 electricians under me. It was daunting and I wasn’t sure if I could. In the end I just though what’s the worst that can happen. I just told myself this was easy and as long as I keep organised nothing will go wrong. Looking back now at such a young age, I actually smashed it. I always remember 2 new electricians starting on site for us and I asked one of the other guys who was 20 years older than me to get the lads to wait in the cabin why I made sure everyone else was set up. When I walked into the cabin and told the lads to follow me, as I was explaining all about the works, site inductions etc. One of them stopped me and asked if I was the supervisor. When I told him I was he apologised as he did not realise I was in charge as I was probably the youngest except for 2 apprentices we had. The same guy came to me about a week late and seemed mesmerised and asked how I was running a site so big at such a young age but with ease as he put it. I always reflect on this as this made me proud and realise I could go further despite my age. I was made a contracts manager by the age of 22.