What is the Question – May

For May’s What is the Question Roland chats with owner of BK Joinery, Bernie Keogh. Photo: SUPPLIED

 

What is your name?

Bernard Peter Keogh, but everyone calls me Bernie.

 

What is your occupation?

Owner of BK Joinery in Wendouree.

 

What brought you to Ballarat?

I have lived here all my life – born and bred.

 

What is your favourite spot in the city?

The city streets. I just love the heritage of this town.

 

What is your earliest memory?

Going with my Mum, Maria, whom everyone calls her Rita, to St Aloysius Primary School to help her hand-out milk to the school kids.

 

What is the best decision ever you have made?

To back myself and start my own business.

 

What do you like to cook?

My wife, Loren, is a magnificent cook so I don’t get much of a chance, but when I do, I like to make simple things with my kids – cupcakes, meatballs, and bread.

 

What is your most treasured possession?

My family. I have five beautiful children, Logan, Lauchie, Leyton, Sebastian, and Penelope, all of whom make me proud and happy every single day.

 

What or who inspires you?

My father, Thomas, who passed away 20 years ago, and my mother, Rita. I’m from a family of eight kids – six boys in a row and then two girls. They both worked really hard and volunteered in the community. Home was always a happy and safe place which smelt like freshly baked biscuits.

When I was about 18, me and group of mates would go back to our place after the pubs had closed and Mum would be waiting for us with freshly baked Anzac biscuits.

 

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Fiji. It is such a beautiful place and the people are so happy and kind. Great for a family holiday. We took our five kids. The airport is a nightmare but it is always worth it.

 

What music and television do you like?

Watching the mighty Tigers win after so many years of thinking I’d never see them win a grand final!

 

What is your favourite quote?

“You can’t fix stupid” – which I’ve silently thought many times.

 

What technological/scientific development boggles your mind?

Planes staying in the sky! Every time I board one, I hope they get it right!

 

What qualities do you admire in other people?

Someone who can me laugh, keep the conversation going, and make other people happy.

 

What was your first job?

I was a paper boy at the age of 12. Up at 5.30 six days a week. I earnt about $12 dollars a week. I saved every dollar and bought my first car at 17.

 

What did you want to be when you were growing-up?

I wanted to work with my hands. As a kid I was always making things with wood – cubbies and billy carts. My uncle, Peter van Derkley, was a builder. I used to work with him during school holidays from about the age of 12. I loved helping him.

 

What scares you?

Mice and rats. I absolutely hate them. I’ve been known to jump-up on the table and scream!!

 

What is the best parenting advice you could give?

Find a job you enjoy. That way you’ll always enjoy your working life.

 

What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a parent?

Letting your kids make mistakes and allowing them to learn from their own experiences.

 

What is the best parenting advice you have been given?

My Dad said, “Always carry a hankie and shine your shoes.” Being prepared and well-presented has got me a long way in life. Dad even polished our shoes when we were at school!