Syzmik Unleashed: The Wandering Chippy

It’s time to meet another one of the Syzmik crew – Andrew, ‘The Wandering Chippy’! the almost garbologist. Andrew is a true-blue Aussie bloke living and working in Sydney. We chatted with him about his job, what inspires him and what tradie life is like.

Tell us a bit about yourself including who you are and what you do for work.
Hi I’m Andrew a 34-year-old builder from the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, I love to do anything outdoors like surfing, snorkelling and especially travelling. I work as a chippie nailing pieces of timber together and occasionally, I make the house look somewhat like the drawing!

Why did you get into your field?
I was always one of those kids who couldn’t sit still. I spent my time building Lego, tree houses or BMX jumps. As I got older my fascination with making things and helping people evolved into a passion for the construction industry. I started my career as a bricklayer, but I was rubbish. I stuck at it though and after finishing was lucky enough to get into carpentry where I then went on to complete my building license.

What inspires you and your work?
I’m a naturally inquisitive person and I love to learn about new styles of building and hear about what others in the industry are doing - especially if it pushes boundaries. I love to get creative and think outside the box so anytime I can persuade a client to run with my crazy new ideas for a build, I’m keen to jump in and give it my all.

What was your first key memory in your profession?
Hungover Saturdays as an apprentice. As you can imagine being 18 and a fresh apprentice, you’re always keen to head out with mates for a drink whenever you get the chance - even if it meant sneaky Thursday beers at the local! The fact I had to work Saturdays (because as we all know apprentice wages aren’t the best) never stopped me from heading out after work on Fridays. I always ended up stumbling in late Saturday morning with minimal sleep, really questioning my life choices.

Have there been any significant events or milestones in your profession?
Becoming a licensed builder at 25. After many late nights and seven long years at TAFE studying to get my builders license, I would say it is definitely up there as one of the highlights of my career to date. It wasn’t easy, but it led to me to running my own business and got me to where I am today.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

As a carpenter, I undertake all aspects of carpentry from frame to handover. Recently, I’ve moved into more of a builder role where one day I could be setting out a house, and the next I could be sending emails from the front seat of my Ute.

Did you always know you wanted to do this?

No, I told my second-grade teacher I wanted to be a garbologist. I still remember my mum asking me about this when I got home from school after the teacher had rung to tell her about the exciting news. As I grew up, I had many other ideas of what I wanted to be from an architect to a dolphin trainer at SeaWorld.

What is your favourite part about your industry/field?

Looking back on what I have created. The completion of a job is always the most satisfying feeling. Reflecting on all the time and effort I have put in to make it a reality and seeing the reactions from clients or family and friends, it is really rewarding.

If there is something you could remove from your job, what would it be?

Having to chase outstanding payments. As a small business, it is really hard when you’re held up by clients or other builders not paying. It is a constant in our industry. However, I have learnt to adapt over the past ten years and manage these issues when they arise.

If you could only have one tool for the rest of your life, what would you pick?
Tape measure - as a tradie, you can’t live without it. You can use other tools as a hammer or make do without having some, but without the tape measure, there would be a lot of guesswork and would lead to some really interesting buildings being constructed.

What's the weirdest thing you've seen on-site?
The guy who cleaned the portaloo… eating a sandwich whilst he cleaned it. I’ve seen an array of weird and wonderful things on job sites over the years, but besides a bricklayer turning up in a dress due to a bet he lost on the weekend, I’d have to say that one takes the cake.

If you went back in time to visit your old self at the beginning of your career, what advice would you tell yourself?

Better to keep your mouth shut and have people think you’re an idiot than open your mouth and prove them right.

I was that annoying kid who had too much to say and thought everyone wanted to hear my opinion. I learnt quickly that if I wanted to become a successful builder one day, I really needed to keep my mouth shut and listen.

What is your favourite Syzmik garment? How does it serve your job?

My rain jacket - keeps me dry during the lovely Sydney weather.

Yes, I’m that boss who doesn’t believe in going home if it’s raining! We all know that running a business means no days off so if it looks like rain, on goes the rain jacket and we keep going.

What do you like to do out of work?
I’m lucky enough to live close to the beach so I usually spend my days attempting to surf. Maybe one day I’ll go pro and quit my career as a builder… unlikely, but I can still dream!

Other than that, I love to travel and make the most of any opportunity to get out and explore. Whether it’s cruising our beautiful country or navigating the bustling streets of Cape Town, I’ll always have wanderlust.

What's one thing about you that would surprise other people?

I started my trade as a bricklayer. People find it hilarious when I tell them I used to be a bricky. The first thing they ask is if I can lay bricks still, to which my response is, “If you’re happy to render it.”

I will have a crack at most things, but it really is an art and a tough job. Let’s just say I’m glad I went in a different direction!

What's your favourite sitcom?

Family guy - I’m a tradie so this appeals to my sense of humour perfectly. I think most people that know me will agree!

It's your lunch break, every fast-food restaurant is within 500m, what are you choosing?
If the munch truck hasn’t turned up (the tradie equivalent of meals on wheels) I would say Guzman y Gomez. I can’t go past a good Mexican restaurant and a cheeky taco or seven.

What is one phrase tradies say on-site that no one else would understand?

“What’s 10mm between mates” is a phrase that gets used all the time. It’s said as a joke - we always strive for perfection. When you use this one around people who haven’t heard it, you get some interesting looks.

Your boss finally gives you Saturday off, what are you doing?

I am the boss; I don’t work Saturdays! You’re lucky if I turn up for the full five days. I realised a long time ago work life balance is crucial and time with family and friends is essential.

If you’re always working, you’re missing out on the things that really matter. You can always make more money but you can’t make more time.

We loved chatting with Andrew – his witty humour and ability to not take life (or himself!) so seriously is something everyone needs on their worksite. To stay up to date with Andrew and his stories from the site, follow him on his TikTok.