Building dreams: from apprentice to business owner

Scott Pedley has had an affinity for construction for as long as he can remember.

“From a very young age I was always into making things, building things,” Scott shares. “My uncle worked as a builder for years and was someone I looked up to, so that definitely played a part.”

At the tender age of 16, Scott embarked on an apprenticeship. Arriving on site, it quickly became apparent that Scott was the youngest member within a group of adult, seasoned professionals. "Being straight out of school, the youngest on site, and working alongside grown men, I was trying to prove myself on a daily basis," Scott reflects. 

Though confronting at first, Scott’s open mind and eagerness to learn was unrelenting. He was firmly resolute in his decision. 

In fact, the very thing that he found unnerving as a 16-year-old boy would be the key to his success. Over the years, Scott absorbed as much information as he could from the once daunting, talented carpenters he encountered. With each experience, he learned new ideas and different techniques. It’s an attitude towards learning that still lingers 17 years later, and is no doubt connected to his success.  

Scott's aspiration to establish his own construction company was an unwavering goal from the start. "Since I was 16, owning my own business was one of my biggest goals," Scott states. “Everything I’ve done since starting as an apprentice has led me down that path.” 

In 2016, SJP Builders began with a casual conversation over a few beers. In the company of a close friend who happened to be a local property developer, Scott was asked of his interest in contracting to build houses. "A few Heinekens later and I was starting a house the following Monday," Scott recalls. 

“It all started with just myself and a young fella, and then I employed my old foreman who has such a wealth of knowledge. That really helped us find our groove.”

Today, Scott provides others with the same opportunity that enabled him to start his career. He trains apprentices to complete their certification, and once completed, he does it again with another aspiring builder. He recalls signing off his first apprentice, Liam, proudly.

Scott humbly attributes his company’s growth to his team; their ability to show up and commit to solid work; commitment to high quality craftsmanship; and pride in their work, which inevitably flows through into other areas of the business. 

But his journey from apprentice to business owner was not without its challenges. While Scott acknowledged the inherent risks, he was resolute in his decision to pursue his passion. "For me, the reward has always been far greater than the risks," Scott shares. “Working hard and building a reputation for quality doesn't just happen overnight. Consistency is key.”

In his earliest projects, his work spoke for itself, and word soon spread. As the number of clients grew, the architecture became more unique, featuring obscure angles, steel portals, and raked ceilings. Scott refers to these building challenges as an ‘opportunity’, which is emblematic of his attitude towards learning. 

“The fact that we got the opportunity to do those jobs in the first place is probably the biggest indication that we've gained recognition in our field.”

At the heart of SJP Builders' success lies consistency, collaboration, and diligence. "We strive to build high quality homes, consistently. Simple as that," Scott states. “A client should never hold you to a higher standard than you hold yourself.”

The Covid-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges across multiple industries, and construction was anything but an exception. “When you pride yourself on not letting people down, it's hard when you have no choice. But we weren’t the only ones going through it, and we were lucky to have such understanding clients.” 

Scott’s advice for those aspiring to enter the industry is to work hard and be realistic. "Becoming a business owner and building a business is tough work," says Scott. “It's constantly learning what you're capable of and overcoming what you're not, and it takes a lot of personal sacrifices to accomplish.”

As a registered Master Builder, Scott is at the forefront of the latest developments in the construction industry. This constant contact provides invaluable insights which he applies in his work. 

As he approaches the 10-year milestone in the next few years, Scott’s ambition is still as present as when he was a 16-year-old apprentice. His long-term goal is to win a Master Builders award. But for Scott, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching his clients’ reactions as they walk into their new homes for the first time. 

“It's a feeling you can't beat.” 

Learn more about SJP Builders