James Gentle

I currently run a small carpentry business focusing on residential renovations. Ive had multiple people working for me including an apprentice, labourer, carpenters and multiple other trades. My role involves finding jobs, meeting with customers, quoting, collecting materials, all aspects of carpentry, and delegating jobs to other employees. I also do all the bookwork for my company.

I completed my carpentry apprenticeship with Hazell constructions in Brisbane. Here I did a wide variety of construction tasks and learnt the skills needed to be a quality carpenter. I was often left alone to work by myself and solve problems on my own which has definitely helped with running my own business early on in my career.

I spent my younger years in the army as an infantryman which taught me many life skills and installed discipline in me which I still benefit from to this day. As an infantry man I was trained in weapon handling, hand to hand combat, first aid, endurance, discipline just to name as few. The army definitely helped shape me into the independent hard working person I am today

Working at IGA from a young age was very beneficial for me for multiple reasons. It taught me how to interact with all sorts of different people in the community, it taught me how to work a cash register and handle money and it gave me a sense of independence from a young age to be able to support myself and contribute to my family. While working for IGA i performed multiple different roles including Checkout operator, Floor stocking, Fruit and veg department and Back dock loading.