Torquay Joinery grows its team

ACCORDING to John Parrello, Torquay Joinery is more than just a business, it’s his passion and the result of nearly 20 years hard work that he’s enjoying sharing as he gets older.

“I started this business 17 years ago with a business partner. Three years ago, my business partner stepped back, so I was on my own for five months,” he said.

“I put Maxx on who is now a fourth-year apprentice, Alex, Dave and Lawson also joined the team. Eighteen months ago, Patrick walked in and brought a wealth of knowledge.

“He’s got fantastic computer skills and design experience and that’s when the real growth for us started. We got an online presence and Patrick encouraged us to get onto Instagram and Facebook.”

Established in 2001, Torquay Joinery has serviced the Surf Coast and surrounding areas helping clients achieve their dream kitchen, bathroom, living area and alfresco spaces.

John said he prides himself on the fact he’s now able to pass his experience onto his apprentices ensuring the highest quality of work across his company.

“It’s difficult with the younger kids out there now, not all of them want my experience. Ten years ago, the trend was for everyone to finish VCE and go to university,” he said.

“No one was doing apprenticeships, so we relied solely on guys with experience to continue and now we’ve got a lack of qualified trades.

“Lawson our apprentice is a local kid that didn’t want to finish year 12 and was really keen to work. He’s perfect for us, I’m only here for a short time. I’m worn out so I’m enjoying passing on everything I know to guys like Lawson.”

John said despite still being full-time he is hoping in a couple of years to take a step back.

“With Patrick and his influence, he’s shown me a great pathway on how to make that step back because I struggle with that. He is very career minded and what he has taught me on the computer, that I can’t do,” he said.

“Patrick’s encouraging me to work more part-time, he’s really taking the bull by the horns. My wife and I have a holiday unit in Lennox Head, we have a daughter there with our grandson I’d definitely like to spend more time there.”

Torquay is growing and so is Torquay Joinery. They’ve added a couple of VW caddy vans to the fleet.

If you see them driving around, give them a wave.