Geoff Clark never intended to be a carpenter, but sometimes life has a way of directing us to where we’re meant to be.
Clark was working a Mainland factory job out of high school when a friend’s contractor uncle suggested he give construction a try. Sixteen years later and the production manager with MAC Renovations hasn’t looked back.
In addition to the variety that each day brings, Clark loves the challenge of carpentry.
“Each project is different – you’re always doing something new and figuring out solutions to the unique challenges that each project presents,” he says.
“My biggest sense of pride comes when someone says, ‘There’s no way that can be done,’ and then we figure out how to make it happen.”
The path to a rewarding career in carpentry
As a ticketed trade, carpenters alternate schooling with real-life work experience to progress through the Red Seal process. While Clark tackled his career path a little differently than many, working in the industry before returning to school, the education components offer new carpenters a terrific foundation to build upon and an expedited career path, he says.
In conjunction with schooling, initiatives like MAC’s comprehensive mentorship program ensure apprentices get thorough, real-world experience and guidance as they move through their education.
Who would be well-suited to a career in carpentry? For Clark, it comes down to attitude more than anything else.
As one part of a much larger, multi-faceted team, a good carpenter must enjoy building, but more than that, must enjoy working with others – one reason the father of two enjoys the family-run atmosphere at MAC.
“The company has been around for 43 years and in addition to the quality work they do, it’s about creating a culture people want to be a part of,” Clark says.
While carpentry skills can be taught, the right attitude is key. “Having a good attitude, a strong work ethic and a solution-oriented mentality, that’s what makes a good carpenter,” he reflects.
Clark appreciates the career that carpentry has given him, not to mention the invaluable life skills that come with knowing how to build. Since joining MAC Renovations about 18 months ago, he’s also enjoyed opportunities to further grow in his career in a family company.
“I wouldn’t trade carpentry for any other career,” he says. “At the end of the day, you get the gratification of seeing the results of your work – the successes, but also where you can improve. That’s just so rewarding.”
To learn more about MAC Renovations, visit macreno.com
