Shaun Kenny: Cabinet Maker
Chase your dreams Shaun Kenny
Age: 40
Industry: Manufacturing
Shaun Kenny has always enjoyed making things from scratch. After finishing Year 12 he secured a hard-fought apprenticeship with a cabinet making company in Canberra. It turned out to be the stepping stone to a very successful career. He is now Managing Director of his own business ‘Leader Joinery' and has never looked back.
At school, Shaun Kenny was a hands-on kid. He enjoyed creating things, like billycarts, and working with wood quickly became a passion.
"I found I could get wood to do what I wanted it to," he says with a laugh.
"It's a natural thing, you've either got it or you haven't."
Shaun knew he wanted to work in carpentry or cabinet making and planned to leave school in Year 10 to do an apprenticeship. After his first attempt fell through his mother urged him to stay on and complete Year 12, a move he is now very grateful for.
Following a tough six-months juggling full-time work in a bottle shop and one day a week at TAFE, Shaun finally secured an apprentice position at one of the biggest cabinet making businesses in Canberra.
"I worked my way up the ranks there, from Project Manager, to Leading Hand, Workshop Manager, then Operations Manager."
He stayed on for 15 years and along the way worked on various high-profile projects such as the Sydney Olympic Village and Star City Casino.
"The knowledge I gained there was absolutely fundamental to my business today."
After the company closed its doors, Shaun decided to go out on his own. It was a humble beginning, with just two staff and one kitchen project. He mortgaged his house and car and was forced to borrow money from friends just to pay staff wages.
Initially, Shaun had a lot of concerns and sleepless nights, but fortuntely he also had a lot of confidence in his ability.
"I'm a very positive person," he says excitedly, "if I pour my heart and soul into something I believe can't fail."
He now employs 28 people and owns a 1400 metre factory in Canberra complete with computerised machinery and a spray booth. His business has won many industry awards and is renowned for its high-quality joinery.
Their speciality is working on very large commercial projects, such as the Prime Minister's cabinet, and custom-making luxury kitchens.
Shaun is also heavilly involved with the Housing Industry Associaiton (HIA) as Chairman of the Bathroom and Kitchen Association, and attends regular national meetings on training and legal issues.
"I like to give something back."
"The industry is always changing and a large part of my day is spent developing systems to work smarter rather than harder. You have to keep pace with the world or you'll get left behind."
Shaun maintains that starting his business is, by far, his greatest achievement.
"I love it. I absolutely love my job."
"And I would say to anyone that if you want something, then you have to go for it. Attack it with passion and drive and the only thing that can hold you back is yourself."
Best part?
I love creating something from nothing. And at the end of a long day, I get the most pleasure out of seeing happy clients. I love hearing my clients rave about my staff. They take a lot of pride in what they do and deserve the recognition.
What advice do you have for people trying to get into your occupation?
Follow your dreams and make it happen. And don't listen to anyone who says construction is a lower option.
Biggest myth about your trade?
When I was at school a careers advisor at school said to me -‘ Why don't you go to uni Shaun, you're smart. There is no future doing an apprenticehip in cabinetmaking.' It's a very big myth that working in construction is a lower option.
iTypical day?
There is no typical day! But usually I get into work at about 6.30am and get the workshop up and running. I meet with my managers, go through quality control checks, then do some tendering or pricing. I usually try and get out on the road to a couple of jobs in the afternoon to meet with clients and answer any questions or queries they may have. Then it's back to the office to do some paper work.
Hardest part?
Financial management of the company, personnel management, and maintaining workflow. It's a large joinery and essential to ensure our clients are happy.
What personal qualities do you need to succeed?
You have to have a passion for it. And if you have it, then chase it because it's very rare to make a career from your passion.