“Construction is interesting for me and I feel wanted there and that I’m actually making a difference because I can use the skills I have to the best of my ability.”
We all possess individual skills that can be applied to help out our community in some way or another. Radical Renos often attract skilled tradespeople who have been wondering how their skills can go towards helping others. Nick Ogilvie is one of those tradespeople.
Nick doing measurements on the Threshold Project.
“…Nick put so much extra time into the CCC project; he was a super man. So dedicated.”
Nick is a man of few words, but his work speaks volumes. As Paul Latour says, he is one of those people that just steps up to the plate and gets things done.
Nick has been involved with two HeroWork projects to date and has been recognized for his quality of work and dedication. Paul Latour had this to say of Nick, “He was one of our best and most talented contractors at the Threshold [Housing Society] event and the Carpentry Leader for the CCC (Citizens’ Counselling Centre) project…Nick put so much extra time into the CCC project; he was a super man. So dedicated.”
Nick busy with the drill.
“He was one of those key guys who had a lot of skills and knowledge.”
As the Carpentry Leader on the CCC project in conjunction with Kent McFadyen, Nick was responsible for planning everything related to carpentry and drafting the supply lists, among other tasks. While he had several general contractors working under him, some with even more years of experience, he showed great leadership and respect. He was also really cooperative with the other leaders, making for a smooth and enjoyable project atmosphere. Paul Latour reflected on Nick’s performance in the CCC project, “He was one of those key guys who had a lot of skills and knowledge.”
“If you want something you have to work for it.”
Nick’s incredible work ethic and care for quality is something that was emphasized when I was told about him. I asked Nick where that work ethic came from. “I guess from my parents and my grandparents, they worked really hard and I saw how hard they worked growing up. To get places you need to work hard. If you want something you have to work for it.”
Nick coordinating at the CCC project.
“I’ve always been interested in the trades and the carpentry trade just kind of fell into my lap.”
Nick started his own construction company called Welbury Bay Construction. “I started it a couple years ago and I mostly do residential construction on Saltspring Island here, and renovations, construction, and helping homeowner builders as well.” Nick’s skill and enjoyment of the industry have been a long time passion. “I’ve always been interested in the trades and the carpentry trade just kind of fell into my lap. I had an opportunity to get into it when I was still in high school and I just stuck with it. I was working for someone else and I got laid off because I worked my way up, so I started my own business because I had a bunch of people phoning me to do work, so I just started that. Now I kind of do a bit of both, I work for some other contractors as well as do my own thing.”
“It doesn’t matter if you’re someone off the street with no skills and you want to just help out, they respect you just as much as a 30 or 40-year veteran in their trade.”
Being part of a Radical Reno is an experience that really resonates. Not only is there the opportunity to meet great people, but there is also a rewarding experience of truly cohesive teamwork and respect. Regarding the atmosphere within the Radical Renos, Nick had this to say, “With the trades, they all work together really well, everyone helps each other out. It doesn’t matter if you’re someone off the street with no skills and you want to just help out, they respect you just as much as a 30 or 40-year veteran in their trade. It doesn’t matter. Everyone just gets along kind of like a family, especially with a core group of people.
Nick cutting some flooring for the Threshold project.
Out of these Radical Reno experiences, Nick has been able to build a number of great friendships and professional partnerships with other contractors. “I’ve met a lot of good contractors, people I can call upon for their expertise and help.” It seems as though the HeroWork environment is a great place for likeminded people to come together, and the partnerships formed make for a high-calibre teams that the community benefits from through honest work and refined craftsmanship.
“…if you have that desire to come and help out you’ll see how good it is and you’ll totally be hooked.”
I asked Nick what he would say to someone who’s on the fence about volunteering with HeroWork. “I think they should sign up for a day and see how they like it. I’m sure that if you have that desire to come and help out you’ll see how good it is and you’ll totally be hooked.”
In noting what he hoped would be a part of the future of HeroWork. “Broadening the area that HeroWork covers outside of Greater Victoria would definitely be a good step and get more people involved.”
You can check out Nick’s business, Welbury Bay Construction, along with a variety of other fantastic businesses on the HeroWork Sponsors Directory.
