Savvy Ric New Medal Winner
From left to right: Rob Spadaccini (inugural Ric New Medalist) with
Ryan Cole (2010 Ric New Medalist) and Marylyn New (daughter of Ric New)
The founder and Director of Savvy Construction, Ryan Cole, is this year’s Ric New Medal winner.
Ryan beat a field of four other finalists for the prestigious award which was presented on 22 October at the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards at the Esplanade Hotel Fremanlte.
Named after the founder of Midland Brick and a person whose success was achieved largely through entrepreneurial flair and innovativeness, the Ric New Medal for Excellence is focused on the same personal characteristics.
The Medal recognises innovation, creativity and achievement of a young person (aged 35 years and under) in the context of their current and potential contribution to the building and construction industry in Western Australia. Emphasis is given to the person’s practical applied achievements, focusing on their creativity and innovativeness, rather than academic achievements.
Since completing his carpentry and joinery apprenticeship in less than three years and winning several apprentice awards, Ryan Cole has worked for both residential and commercial building companies in various roles in WA and with a large commercial company in the UK. After studying full time to gain his builders’ registration at the age of 32 whilst working full time as a senior estimator, he established his own business, Savvy Construction, 12 months ago after meticulous planning and selling his family home to obtain a $200,000 overdraft.
The contractual value of Savvy projects after the first year of trading exceeded $1.2m without any advertising. Ryan is now working on his website to market his business.
According to MBA Director Michael McLean, Ryan Cole is a very worthy recipient of the Ric New Medal.
“One of Ryan’s many stand-out qualities has been his work ethic and attention to detail in planning the success of his building business”, said Mr McLean.
“Ryan was prepared to back his own judgement and leave a secure, high-paying job and sell his family home to establish his own building company, whilst helping to raise a young family”.
“It hasn’t all been smooth sailing as Ryan has had to overcome some health issues to work “hands on” in running his business”, Mr McLean said.
Ryan takes responsibility for all his company's sales leads and design co-ordination; with strong focus on creating a design brief to fit the clients' budget. All budgeting, estimating, ordering, cash flow and on-site management including health and safety are also Ryan's responsibility.
Motivating Ryan’s success has been his desire to be financially independent.
Ryan was the unanimous choice of the judging panel which comprised Esplanade Hotel Fremantle Managing Director Marylyn New, 2005 inaugural Ric New Medalist, Robert Spadaccini and MBA Director Michael McLean. Apart from the Ric New Medal, Ryan receives a return trip to London, $2,000 in expenses and a nomination for the 2011 WA Business News 40under40 Awards.
The other finalists for the 2010 Ric New Medal were:
· Trent Pitter (33), Building Manager, Novus Homes
· Ben Mcarthur (32), Director, Element Construction
· Adam Butcher (29), Senior Designer/Project Leader, Morley Davis Architects
· Joshua Robinson (26), Managing Director, Attix Pty Ltd
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