JOHN OCONNOR

My Journey – Building Sydney Carpentry in Motion

Starting Sydney Carpentry in Motion wasn’t easy — it took grit, long hours, and a lot of learning on the job. Like many tradespeople, I started with a passion for building and the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life. But turning that passion into a business came with its own set of challenges.

From managing quotes and tight deadlines to finding the right clients and juggling multiple job sites, the early days were tough. There were setbacks, stressful nights, and plenty of mistakes — but every obstacle was a lesson. I quickly learned that hard work, reliability, and clear communication go a long way in this industry.

Over time, I built not just projects, but relationships. Clients started coming back — not just for the quality of the work, but for the trust, the follow-through, and the effort I put into every job. That’s what Sydney Carpentry in Motion is all about: honest work, done right, with care and precision.

The journey is ongoing, and I’m proud of what’s been built so far — not just the physical work, but a reputation for showing up, working hard, and delivering top-quality carpentry services with professionalism and pride.

• Documented, researched, and resolved customer service issues.
• Organized files and records and handled other support tasks, freeing up managers to take on more pressing responsibilities.
• Performed manual labor tasks to detailed instructions from supervisors.
• Listened to customer requests and specifications and made suggestions to appropriately fulfill needs.
• Collaborated positively with peers and other staff members to maintain friendly, supportive, and cooperative work atmosphere.

• Evaluated performance of carpentry crew members and provided constructive feedback.
• Operated heavy machinery such as forklifts during construction projects.
• Managed team of apprentices to accomplish assigned production activities.
• Performed hands-on carpentry tasks to meet project deadlines.
• Reviewed company schedule to plan upcoming projects and develop short-term milestones and projections.
• Maintained accurate records of time worked by crew members for payroll purposes.
• Met with potential clients to discuss project scope and provide quotes based on their needs.

• Conducted basic concrete formwork setup for foundations or slabs.
• Collaborated with clients to discuss design preferences and project requirements.
• Participated in safety training sessions to maintain safe work environment.
• Selected appropriate materials based on job specifications or client requests.
• Inspected completed projects to ensure compliance with safety codes and regulations.
• Assisted lead carpenter in constructing and repairing building frameworks.

• Explained and demonstrated proper surfing techniques and equipment care.
• Organized gear and surfboards for adult and child summer camps.
• Provided feedback and encouragement to help students progress in their surfing skills.
• Instructed students on ocean safety and awareness, including rip currents and tides.
• Monitored weather conditions to determine suitable surf locations for lessons.