Sasha Fersterer

The position of the Site Manager is to be responsible for the timely completion of the project by ensuring the project is constructed in strict accordance with the plans and specifications.

The site manager oversees operations of the whole site and regularly reports any conflict or revisions to the project team.

• Build, alter or manage construction timeline programs
• Contributed to business growth, securing repeat clients through excellent site management practices and consistent delivery of superior results.
• Run daily onsite tasks and happenings
• Delivered high-quality results.
• Minimized project disruptions due to unforeseen issues with proactive contingency planning efforts.
• Track and record construction progress and costs
• Manage and communicate variations.
• Estimate construction costs
• Engage and coordinate sub contractors.
• Ensure quality and standards are maintained.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, contractors and team.
• Train and direct staff in desired direction and scopes.
• Maintain efficiency within construction
• Ensure safety procedures are followed
• Hit targets with budget and curate processes to lower costs

Finer Base Pty Ltd was the progression from my previous endeavour - SAFSTRUCT.

Finer Base was created to move the business in a direction of higher end custom home building. We tailored the business to provide a service to bigger custom home builders that were looking for cost security in there carpentry scopes.

Finer Base priced and contracted complete carpentry structural and finishes on high end builds as well as provided a labour hire service.

Later the business took on its own projects where we focused on smaller boutique renovations and building projects where our clients where looking for a unique experience that involved creative design and cost conscious construction.

Some skills developed and applied

• Estimated and priced intricate carpentry projects.
• Tracked and followed budgets
• Managed day-to-day business operations.
• Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
• Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
• Build personal relationships with clients to understand there needs and drivers.
• Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions and drive efficiency.
• Creatively designed projects to meet clients vision and well as budget needs.

Contracted as Finer Base Pty Ltd, I ran a project from Berecon start to finish during covid border restrictions where the builder could not get to site.

This included;

- Prepping and excavating a sloped rural site.

- Building and managing the construction of a self sustainable off grid 3 bedroom home.

- Free flow design with interstate clients.

- Run and input data into construction software.

- Coordinate and build new local contractors list.

- Manage builders and clients expectations.

- Manage budget and timeline constraints.

Managed onsite construction.

During the contracting period of Finer Base operating, I was engaged as a construction manager under Benchmark Building Projects to run and supervise onsite tasks as well as assist in pricing of smaller projects and client liaising.

Skills gained and applied:

• Supervised team of multiple construction workers to maintain productivity and quality of work.
• Oversaw successful completion of multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
• Identified and resolved construction issues promptly to prevent delays.
• Established a reputation for excellent crisis management skills when unexpected issues arose during construction, quickly developing solutions to minimize project delays.

Safstruct Pty Ltd was a larger scaled carpentry contracting business that started as a 2 man team and was grown to a 10 + employee building and construction business. Later the company was re branded to Finer Base Pty Ltd.

During this period SAFSTRUCT engaged with various building company's, developers and the general public. Majority of the work was carrying out all the carpentry scope in residential home construction. We did a mix of volume home developments, 5 story walk up commercial fit outs and custom homes with various cliental.

During the peak of this period SAFSTRUCT occupied the majority of the the carpentry contracts in the coastal area between Kingscliff and Pottsville NSW.

Skills gained;

• Managed day-to-day business operations.
• Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
• Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
• Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
• Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
• Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
• Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by focusing on processes and driving our team to follow.

Designed and built custom furniture and 'occasional' styling pieces.

We also contracted to a graphic design company where we were engaged to create custom timber pieces for displays, art, and product units. Including - WSL trophies, commercial restaurant table pieces, shop fit out displays.

Some skills gained;

• Creative expansion and further gained an understanding of how to bring a concept from a design idea to life.
• Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
• Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
• Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.

Carpentry contracting works to building and developing companies for residential housing and commercial buildings.

Small scale works for the general public including extensions, decks, pergolas, office fit-outs and cosmetic upgrades.

• Managed day-to-day business operations.
• Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
• Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
• Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.

In this apprenticeship I underwent all the necessary training in all aspects of carpentry.

I was trained to assist and learn from lead carpenters to gain the skills and confidence to perform these construction tasks alone.

Some key learnings;

- Safely operate hand tools, power tools and other construction equipment.

- Measure and cut construction material

- Read and interpret construction plans

- Help install and maintain structures

- Follow safety guidelines

- Collaborate with team members

- Clean and maintain sites and equipment