Discover how Big B used his Navy discipline to build a top rendering business, providing quality work and honest pricing for every client.
Transitioning from a career as a Navy Chief Officer to the construction industry might not seem like the most obvious path, but for Big B of Big B Construction, it was a move sparked by necessity and shaped by destiny. Based in Australia, Big B has spent the last 12 years establishing himself as a trusted name in rendering, leveraging a unique background of global experience and military discipline to deliver high-quality results.
After retiring from the Navy, Big B found that his extensive sea experience didn't immediately translate into local job opportunities. Rather than being deterred, he pivoted, completing a solid plaster course and gaining hands-on experience with a reputable company. Three years later, he launched Big B Construction. Today, the business is a family affair, with his two sons often joining him on-site during weekends and holidays.
His time in the Navy proved to be an unexpected asset in the world of small business. Having travelled the world and befriended people from all walks of life, Big B developed a knack for connecting with a wide range of clients. "I utilised that skill to connect with clients," he shares. "My training and discipline helped me to win the job. It was fun and a joy to speak with clients, help and educate the clients with my rendering skills so that they can get their project done with quality of work, along with being on budget."
Building a business hasn't been without its hurdles. Early on, Big B faced a significant setback when a client took advantage of his newness to the industry. After signing a contract with hidden clauses, he completed a $150,000 project, only to be left $75,000 out of pocket. "After that, I learned the legal system so that I can recognise these kinds of people and stay safe," he explains. He has since implemented his own firm terms and conditions to protect the business.
When it comes to finding new work, ServiceSeeking.com.au plays a practical role in his daily operations. While he has permanent clients who focus on new builds, those projects don't always provide the day-to-day consistency needed to keep a crew moving. Big B relies on the platform to fill those gaps, noting that he is "still working because of ServiceSeeking leads." He finds the app’s clear and easy format helps him manage these enquiries efficiently.
These days, motivation comes from something simpler. "Keeping the client happy so that we can get recommendations and reviews, and those reviews motivate us," he says. For Big B, rendering is more than just a trade; it’s about applying the same integrity he held in the Navy to every wall he finishes.
