Prefer to read Episode 8? Here’s a clean write-up without timestamps.
What this episode is about
Jordan sits down with apprentices Marshall and Dawson to talk about why they chose carpentry, how they learn best, dealing with egos on jobsites, and what keeps them excited about the trade.
Marshall’s path
- Office life wasn’t for him; building things was. A supportive first boss on the Sunshine Coast matched the way he learns, which made all the difference.
- Physical work gives him real satisfaction and a clear endorphin boost.
- Stairs were a turning point: the math was intimidating (he’s a bit dyslexic), but breaking the problem into small steps turned a fear into a win.
- Early stereotypes about construction ego culture were intimidating, but good employers flipped that narrative. Shout-out to Oliver Daly at Daly Contracting.
- Biggest perk so far: real-world competence. From hanging things to tackling small fixes for friends, the skills transfer everywhere.
Dawson’s path
- It started with small wood projects for his girlfriend, guided by his uncle Max. Jordan noticed the spark and nudged him toward carpentry.
- He completed first-year pre-app, then worked with Jordan at 17–18. It felt overwhelming at first, so he left to try other jobs, learned what he didn’t want, and came back looking for a challenge.
- School highlights: building a small house, a generous instructor (Joe Blaine) who opened the shop on weekends, and even scratch-built guitars with classmates.
- He’s a strongly visual learner: needs to see the thing, not just hear instructions. Once he’s seen it, it sticks.
- After a year and a half doing the same routine elsewhere, he realized variety and growth matter. Carpentry gives both.
Giving apprentices their flowers
Jordan thanks the guys and every apprentice out there. Without people in the trenches, nothing gets built. Teaching and watching skills compound is the best part of his job.
How they like to learn on site
- Marshall: wants clarity on the tools he’ll use and a clear mental picture of the finished result. If he can visualize the end state, he can work backward and ask smart questions.
- Dawson: visual cues rule. Show it once, and he’s off to the races. Pure verbal instruction is easy to mishear in jobsite chaos.
A laugh along the way: everyone’s had that moment of sprinting to the trailer and forgetting what they went for. Technology might help; they joked about a tape that beams measurements straight to the cut station.
Egos in construction
Marshall expected ego and yelling. What he’s seen instead (with the right crews and trades) is patience and teaching. The industry feels like it’s trending better and is more accommodating to how different people learn.
Try a lot, then choose
Advice from the group: before you’re 25, try different industries and roles. Find out what fits. Even within construction there are many lanes: framing, finishing, estimating, sales, site coordination, film set builds, and more. Bodies change, interests evolve; stay open.
Why work with Buck
Both guys pointed to attitude and respect. Calm energy, clear expectations, room to learn, and encouragement to explore paths without judgment.
Want to get into the trades?
They’ll be bringing more apprentices onto the show. If you’re curious, reach out through the website and start a conversation.
Thanks for reading Episode 8 of Better Building with Buck. See you next time.
