In mid-2012, Joel began to realise his dream of creating a boutique construction company. By that stage he’d been in the industry for 12 years and he knew the model for his business and where he wanted to place it. Having worked for some of Newcastle’s premier building companies Joel developed Skelcon around transparency with clients and partners. Skelcon focuses on commercial and residential construction and development, but specialises in commercial and medical fit-out.

Joel’s career in construction started in 2000 when he was apprenticed as a carpenter. In the fourth year of his apprenticeship he returned to study. Juggling undergraduate commitments with full-time work was rewarded when he graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Building and Construction Management in 2008. He then had a successful five-year stint with Bolkm before leaving in mid-2012 to start Skelcon.

Joel’s personality, professionalism and skill ensure great relationships with a range of highly professional sub-contractors, and underpin Skelcon as a service-driven company committed to reliability and honesty. Some projects Joel has successfully managed in recent years include:
• Devonshire House – commercial refurbishment ($1.5m)
• Watt Street Boarding (Heritage) Development ($500k)
• NCIG industrial warehouse ($3m)
• NCIG coal loader amenities building ($420k)
• NCIG coal loader gatehouse building ($395k)
• Hunter Eye Surgeons (Belmont) – commercial fit-out ($300k)
• Hunter Mobility retail store and office ($150k)
• Hunter Valley Grammar Performing Arts Centre ($3.5m)
• Wickham Waterfront – commercial development ($6m)
• Hunter Business Centre, Raymond Terrace ($12m)
• Raymond Terrace Early Learning Centre ($1.3m)
• Commercial and Dental Development – Raymond Terrace ($1.2m)
• Newcastle Airport amenities upgrade ($800k)

Sam started at Skelcon in February 2014 having completed a building cadetship with Bolkm and a Bachelor of Construction Management at University of Newcastle (2012). Since teaming up with Joel at Skelcon, Sam’s roles and responsibilities have increased in line with his capabilities and include tendering, estimating, procurement, quality assurance, forecasting, progress claims, management of sub-contractors and trades, site management and environmental, health and safety systems and procedures.

Away from project management and construction, Sam is the Merewether Carlton Rugby Club and 1st XV captain and a member of the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union representative squad. His Skelcon projects include:
• Watt Street student accommodation – fit-out ($500k)
• Hunter Eye Surgeons (Belmont) – commercial fit-out ($400k)
• LJ Hooker ( Warners Bay) – fit-out ($400k)
• Lake Macquarie Dental Practice – ($400K)
• Hunter Street, Toronto residence – ($450k)
• Bruce Street, Cooks Hill residence – ($400k)
• Residential subdivision Merewether – ($300k)
Sam was Bolkm site engineer for projects including Medowie Woolworths ($12m), Newcastle Port Corporation pilot station ($4m), a Merewether residence ($1m) and a Dudley residence ($400k).

Having completed a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at the University of Newcastle in 2012, Luke started his working career in civil and structural design before moving into project management. Over the past two years he has delivered some very complex projects for Skelcon and has received excellent feedback. Many comment on his great attention to detail and affable nature.
Luke has developed a keen understanding of the design process but also brings practical solutions to the project delivery team. He is a motivated member of the Skelcon team and works hard to uphold the company’s philosophy.
Some projects for which Luke has successfully acted as project engineer in recent years include:
• Devonshire House – commercial refurbishment ($1.5m)
• NCIG industrial warehouse ($3m)
• NCIG coal loader amenities building ($420k)
• NCIG coal loader gatehouse building ($395k)
• Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club – office fit-out ($55k)
• McCullough Robertson – office fit-out ($35k)
• St Kevin’s Church – architectural heritage awning structure ($50k)