How did you get started in the industry? 

After university I qualified as a Quantity Surveyor. Until early last year I was the managing director of a well-established family-owned painting and decorating business. Unfortunately, I didn’t have an equity share in it, and since it was a family-owned operation there was little likelihood of me acquiring any.

In discussion with my family, I started to think that with my experience, and the success I had had in growing the business, the economic future of me and my family would be best served by doing my own thing. Like lots of others who have started up their own businesses, the idea of doing so had been at the back of my mind for a number of years.

So, I decided to give it a go and start afresh, fully aware that I would be solely responsible, for better or worse, for making a success of it. So far, I haven’t had a single regret.

Biggest professional achievement: 

I founded the business in February last year and we started trading in July. We are on track to record sales of £1m in our financial year end in March.

Best advice you received: 

Always keep a level head. I’ve found that it is best not to get too “up” on good days or too “down” on bad days.

What do you like most about your job? 

You need to condition yourself to enjoy the challenge every day brings and make the most of every opportunity that comes along. I want Cali Decor to be the local employer and contractor of choice. We have made a good start from our launch last July and have been picking up lots of small to medium-sized jobs which have boosted our turnover and given us the confidence to start challenging for larger projects which we believe we can successfully fulfil.

And the least? 

Long hours are a necessary part of running a business but, inevitably they detract from the equally, if not more important, requirement to spend time with a young family. Combining work and family commitments isn’t always easy but my wife and I have a routine works for us.

What would you most like to change in housing/construction?

I’m conscious that there is a broad consensus within the sector that oil-based paints are more effective than water-based paints, but we are determined that Cali Decor should grow its reputation amongst existing and potential customers as a user of low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) materials.

As a business, we are determined to forego entirely their use by the end of this year in favour of water-based paint and I think that over the coming months and years more and more customers, in sectors such as hospitality and housing, will demand this approach of their contractors.

Which newsletters/ bulletins do you receive? 

Scottish Construction Now, of course.

How would you change Scottish Construction Now? 

I’d like to see more in-depth profiles of successful, inspiring business people.

Do you read a daily newspaper? 

Yes, The Herald and the Daily Record.

Hobbies and interests:

Golf, football, family

Favourite holiday destination:

Anywhere warm and sunny

To take part in Just A Minute, contact SCN at newsdesk@scottishnews.com