John Middleton
A bit of history.
I was born in 75. oldest of 4 kids. Born in Brisbane and the family shifted to New Zealand in 78. We lived in Hastings where I attended school and didn't mind it. Did pretty well in 3rd and 4th form (first two years of high school) till we shifted back to Aussie and settle in Mackay in November 1990. I HATED the change to MackaySHS and that was reflected in my average grades. I only stuck out Grade 10 and then left.
I loved anything to do with timber and couldn't get a job so I got into a pre vocational course at TAFE for building/joinery followed by a shorter 3 month cabinet making course to top out an overall 9 months. Came out top of my class most of the way through and scored a job at
www.justjoinery.com.au when I finished.
I soon found my skill was with solid timber and so I spent most of my trade working on making solid timer doors and windows but I excelled in Staircases. I learnt the making, installation and even self taught myself the wood turning aspect. I graduated 6 months early with honours. 6 Months later, I had an accident and lost some fingers at work. That was 6 weeks off and a lot of surgery and physio, repeat surgery 12 months later etc. inside of 6-9 months of that, I got promoted to workshop foreman. It was a shop of 19 guys and many had 10-20 year experience over me but I loved the work and had a real passion for the industry. early 98 i got a return of my childhood asthma and so had to very reluctantly leave the industry. From here I worked for dad as a CC tech.
Married (2002) to my childhood sweetheart Jo and now have 3 lovely daughters. 4.5, 3 & 1.
What do you like to do outside of the business.
Activities involve stuffring around with my tools and making stuff. Anything from building alterations to outdoor furniture etc
I enjoy tramping/bushwalks etc especially 2-4 day trips through native bush and staying in primitive huts.
There's also a bit of private work with kids mainly from church teaching them etc.
I also enjoy the forums. I participate regularly on here, Mikeysboard, the rug hub and ricks board. There are a few others that I 'keep up with' on a semi regular basis.
Your taste in music & artists.
Mainly gospel type. I quite like Brooke Fraser's songs.
Why / how did you join the industry?
I joined Dad in Busy Bee Carpet Cleaners (no longer in operation) and learned the ropes of our industry. Did lots of ACCI and
IICRC course plus a handful of other types including 2 different leather ones, a full day with Col Nation, HECS x3, and some outside our industry.
I didn't relish carpet cleaning but loved the odd time we got a fire or flood job. Dad and Mum sold up to follow their daughters back to NZ and so I decided to follow this industry and started Carpet Pro in May 2000. Obviously I had a strong focus on restoration. We've grown to the point that we have two vans and an office manager/receptionist. We're stuck between 2-3 techs workload so hopefully soon, I intend stepping off the truck and moving into a more managers role that will include a lot of my more specialised services.
What is the predominant side of your business ie carpet cleaning, fire or flood, pest, janitorial etc?
roughly 35-40% each of fire and water damage restoration. the remainder is a mix of carpet, upholstery, rug care, carpet repiars, leather, tile etc
What changes ,if any, would you like to see within the industry.
I'd like to see an apprenticeship type scenario for new entrants to our industry. We've not got the best of reputations and while it won't weed out the rats, it will help lift the overall perception so as the industry grows, hopefully it'll be for the best.
What is still on your to do list?
I've never been outside Aus/NZ. I'd love to take the family to Europe. The only cause for me to visit the US would probably be for work related interests.
John