27/11/2024
At Associated Iron and Steel, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Today, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on our two outstanding Estimators who exemplify dedication and talent.
Our AI&S Estimators play a critical role in our company, acting as the bridge between our client's vision and ex*****on. Their expertise ensures accurate cost assessments, resource allocation, and project feasibility, setting the foundation for achieving efficiency and profitability.
Most of you have met these two fine gentlemen either in person or at least at the end of an email.
We recently sat down with them and asked the hard hitting questions...........
Name: Mark
When did you start with AI&S? January 2024
What inspired you to pursue this role, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Having owned and operating my own steel fabrication business for over 20 years as a sole proprietor, you learn all aspects of the fabrication business. I especially took a liking to estimating, I find analysing drawings very interesting and enjoy the challenge on bigger more complex projects. I also enjoy the personal contact and negotiating with clients and suppliers.
Can you share a recent project or accomplishment that you're particularly proud of?
Most recent & current would be VTS Truck Deck, lot of time, analysis and effort went into the estimating process. Also, stainless steel Heat Exchanger & Water Box was great to work on. To analyse a complex drawing and convert that information into fabrication detail. To be involved seeing a project transforming from paper to its real form is a great feeling and accomplishment.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Communication, listen, be fair, accommodating and just with everyone you come in contact with. Take responsibility for your actions, right or wrong. Courtesy and politeness have no price but huge value.
How does the company’s values align with your own?
With respect, teamwork and a common goal, we will accomplish almost everything.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Whether we go to beach for a surf, camping or kids sport, its spending time with family and friends
What advice would you give to someone considering a role in Estimating?
Learn the trade you want to estimate in. Know what you talking about. Ask if you don’t know something, no such thing as a stupid question.
Do you have any funny stories of anything happening in your career?
None that I can think of.
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Name: Alex
When did you start with AI&S? February 2024
What inspired you to pursue this role, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Always wanted to do something within engineering, but obviously it is a very broad area and most job roles will go down a very precise path. Where as estimating on engineering project you can dip your fingers into a little bit of everything because you can get involved with so many different customers that are in different sectors. I have always liked knowing how things work and what goes into them, so I find it interesting seeing what customers want us to do and sometimes seeing the end product.
Can you share a recent project or accomplishment that you're particularly proud of?
All the different bracket designs we have recently done for a Laundry Systems Business, most people will see it as mundane and just a random bit of metal. But, I know that while I was travelling Australia, I used some of this company’s machines in hostels and hotels. So now if I stay at these places, I can point at part of that machine and say, ‘I did that’.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Teamwork is key. You may think you know the best way to do something, but other people’s knowledge or even just different way of thinking can lead to you thinking outside the box and bettering yourself.
How does the company’s values align with your own?
Respect and help others. This can lead to so many positive things in the future.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy doing anything out in nature, from hiking to a waterfall, to kayaking and snorkeling out on a reef. I’ll give anything a crack if its with mates and a couple beers.
What advice would you give to someone considering a role in Estimating?
Be as organised and descriptive as you can be, from paperwork, file naming, to job notes. It will make life a lot easier for others, and for yourself as you juggle different jobs. Even in the future if a job repeats and you or others may not remember every detail from last time.
Do you have any funny stories of anything happening in your career?
At my last estimating role, I was given a client to look after and to try organise our assembly area in the process. We saw maybe 1-2 aluminium assemblies from this customer every month. We started doing some random extra R&D assemblies for them, which was basically just different sizes of the same assembly, this saw us do a few extra parts per month but nothing crazy. It typically took about 6-8 weeks from the order coming in, to a finished assembly after material, machining, plating and assembly has been complete. Then out of the blue, they dropped 50-200 off assemblies of each key size. The look on everyone’s faces in the office as they saw the email and collectively went ‘oh s***’ at the pure scale of work involved. Was very satisfying ordering and sorting everything, seeing pallets upon pallets of material and parts, and seeing it through to completion.
