🐾 Pack Mentality Blog: Spotlight on George Merry of GBM Carpentry 🐾

 

Welcome to Pack Mentality, our weekly blog feature that celebrates the incredible members of The Pack. At Jackal Workwear, we believe in building a community that supports, inspires, and connects tradespeople from all walks of life. Each week, we shine a spotlight on one member’s story, highlighting their journey, insights, and contributions to the industry.

 

This week, we’re thrilled to introduce George Merry, the man behind GBM Carpentry. From his rugby days to becoming a carpenter and advocating for change in the construction industry, George’s story is one of grit, humour, and passion.

 

Why Did You Join The Pack?

"Honestly, at first, the logo caught my eye. Then I saw more tradesmen posting about it, looked into it more, and saw what it was for—giving back to the right causes. That made me want to join."

 

What Made You Get Into the Trade?

"While playing rugby, my captain—who owned a construction company—asked if I wanted to do a real job as I was working at GAME 😂. He put me with his chippy team, and my teammate became my mentor. After a year, I left to get my Level 2 qualification with Berkeley Homes."

 

What’s the Weirdest Thing That’s Ever Happened to You On-Site?

"Working on a timber frame site with two Welsh guys—one an ex-rugby player built like a brick shithouse and the other an ex-Royal Marine Commando—I shot myself in the palm with a pneumatic coil nailer. Instead of helping or grabbing a first aid kit, they decided it was worth taking pictures of me instead of being concerned 😂."

 

If You Were a Tool, What Would You Be and Why?

"A Paslode nail gun—key component to a job, powerful, durable but temperamental 😂."

 

What Jackal Design Do You Want to See Next and Why?

"A trade-specific design—for me as a carpenter, one wearing my rig with braces and a nail gun hanging off the back while building a hut for The Pack to sleep in 😏🫡."

 

Your Question for the Next Pack Member

"If you could change the industry and the way things are run, what would you change?"

 

Industry Insights with George Merry

 

Mental Health in Construction

"Mental health has had a massive impact on me at times—feeling low and negative when working with certain people or not enjoying things because the fun has been sucked out of it. 

 

People need to talk more—we don’t have to be these big hard men scared of nothing. Talking helps. If you want to cry about it, cry about it. You won’t be judged for saying how you feel."

 

Tool Theft

"I’ve had my site broken into five times—they were successful three times and took my entire Dewalt second fix kit. My van’s been done twice—they got away with half of what I’d just replaced from my site. 

 

I reported it to the police with CCTV evidence showing faces, cars, and registration plates—absolutely nothing was done. 

 

Harsher sentences need to be given; make an example out of someone. You wouldn’t want to steal if you knew you’d get 15-20 years for it. Vans need to be stronger, and more needs to be done to stop stolen tools being sold at boot sales or online marketplaces like Facebook."

 

Final Word

George’s story embodies what Pack Mentality is all about: grafting hard, supporting others in the trade community, and pushing for real change in an industry that faces unique struggles. From his humour-filled anecdotes to his advocacy for mental health awareness and action against tool theft, George is an inspiration.

 

Thank you for sharing your story with us, George—you’re an integral part of The Pack! 🦊 

#PackMentality #JackalPack #WorkwearRevolution #MentalHealthMatters #StopToolTheft #TradesUnited