Steve Gray
🐾 Pack Mentality Spotlight: Steve Gray) 🐾
This month, we’re excited to feature Steve Gray-a gas heating engineer, business owner, and community champion with nearly four decades of experience in the trade. Steve’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the value of working together as a Pack
Why did you join The Pack?
To be classed as a member of the Pack means a lot more than being just a member of another group to be seen to belong to. The Pack Mentality is strong! And the ethos is to work together to make daily life more successful, enjoyable and beneficial for all."
What made you get into the trade?
Left school at 16 which is now 37 years ago! Wasn't sure what to do if honest but my Dad encouraged me to get an apprenticeship. Back then it was a lot easier than it seems to be these days. I applied for apprenticeships to be an Electrician, carpenter and gas heating engineer/pipe fitter. I was fortunate to be offered all 3 but decided on joining the superior trade and entered the world of gas heating engineer/pipe fitter (bring on the boos from all sparks ...lol)
I have gone from being on the tools for 18 years to then going into management for 15 years to now being back on the tools for last 4 years and have never been happier 😊
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on-site?
Have so so many but... I once entered a flat to carry out a repair. I honestly had no idea at all when I entered but it soon became apparent the flat was a brothel! There was some arguments being had in a language I definitely couldn't speak between the 'staff' and the 'person' who actually let me in... They all soon realised I was there to fix the boiler - no pun intended. I never did get to fix the boiler and left the flat then only to be confronted by other not so happy residents of same block about being a wrongen for visiting such an establishment - all true I promise - one even shouted.. I have your Registration number and will give it to the police!
If you were a tool, what would you be and why?
A clamp!! I like to pull things together including people and like a clamp provide support but long term not just short term :)"
What Jackal design do you want to see next and why?
Maybe trade specific designs! Saw for a carpenter, Stiltons for a plumber and a hoover for a sparks.... ;)
What question would you ask the next Pack member?
f you could transfer the level of skill, experience and knowledge that you have gained across and switch to a different trade then what would you pick and why?
Industry Insights
Mental health in construction:
The awareness of mental health in the construction industry is at an all time high! So much is being done by so many good people and organisations such as Lighthouse charity, Fix Radio and Jackal. The tough just get on with it stereotypical image of tradies is slowly being broken down and we are now more aware of say the ones that are quiet and maybe struggling.
Tool theft:
I'm extremely fortunate that personally I have not experienced tool theft but it's a major worry for me constantly if honest. I fully support the recent campaign to get tougher sentences for perpetrators & to stop the sale of mass tools at boot sales. I'm proud that I was able to join the huge parliament square protest in February. The government must do more to stamp out this sickening crime.
Summary
Steve’s story is a reminder of the value of experience, the importance of community, and the need to keep pushing for positive change in the industry. Whether it’s supporting mental health, fighting for tougher laws on tool theft, or just sharing a laugh about the weirdest days on-site, Steve embodies what The Pack is all about.
To find out more about Steve, visit his website at stevegraygasservices.co.uk
