Gary Laird
Writing this bio has given me the opportunity to reflected on my time in this industry. Upon leaving school in 2000, I quickly started an apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery NVQ level 3, which took 3 years to complete.
In 2003 I joined a national preservation company as an onsite Joiner and here I am now celebrating my 20th year in our wonderful industry.
In 2010 I was asked if I would like to train to be a qualified surveyor. Although it was daunting at the time, I really enjoyed learning the qualifications and settled into the role as a regional surveyor covering North Yorkshire and Teesside
I loved my role as surveyor. I had the opportunity to meet new people and really enjoyed identifying and resolving damp, wood boring insect attack or fungal decay issues in both domestic and commercial properties.
In 2011 I was awarded the Student of the Year award for my Certified Surveyor of Remedial Treatments exam. This was the first time my then employer had a winner in the category.
In 2012 I had the opportunity to manage my own branch in Yorkshire where I quickly learned the responsibilities of management. With an excellent team, we were able to grow the branch back into profit and the Yorkshire branch quickly became one of the top branches within the organisation.
In 2014 the business was sold to a multinational organisation. As part of the merger, I was promoted to a national waterproofing manager which allowed me the opportunity to work closely with new colleagues and clients, on the design and installation of some very interesting structural waterproofing projects nationally, such as Piece Hall, Halifax and St Martins Place Hotel, London, to mention just two.
In 2016 I became Commercial Manager where I was responsible for all commercial operations within the organisation.
I joined PTL as Commercial Director in 2018. It was initially a difficult decision to leave behind valued and loved colleagues, but I felt it was the time for me to move on and broaden my experience. The last four years have been very satisfying, even during very difficult times globally.
Whilst change can be daunting, I joined a team of highly dedicated and experienced professionals, but also, importantly, excellent people. Together we have steered PTL through difficult global factors, such as Covid 19 and inflation which I believe has brought us closer and set a foundation for many successful years together.
I feel blessed to work here with some of the industry’s most experienced and talented colleagues.