Money and Metal

Lesson

A few years ago, my two brothers were spotting some excavation work near a live service on our farm. The operator sent the boys to investigate a pipe and wire that was sticking out of the ground, during maintenance operations.  What did the operator hit? How deep down had he dug?  Underground power lines can be unforgiving. Two barbecued brothers… would not have been the sight anyone in the family wanted to return to on that day faithful day. A lucky escape…

Lesson Learned

Working with Cormac Catterson for Catterson Pty on the Pilbara taught me a lot about the measures taken to avoid such uncertainty and promote safety above all else when working with live services. The elimination of the above-mentioned risk on tier one jobs for our mining client taught me a lot. Furthermore, Cormac’s approach to his new business venture reminded me that I’m more interested in people than machines or mega billion corporations. Here are some great strengths from Cormac and his business.

Mindset towards life

When we look back of life all we remember are the people we meet and the places we go, ‘the rest is just money and metal’ after all Australian currency is plastic.  It’s important to enjoy what you do and Cormac undoubtedly applies a Growth Mindset; to all of the trials and tests he has encountered thus far in his life.

Versatility and humor

Cormac is a fine operator and according to himself he can drive almost any machine except a roller. I promised that I would teach him some day. However, after years either behind the wheel or on the levers and pedals, he loves down on the ground working with Ivy digging non-invasively in search of buried services.

Innovation

Cormac’s forward thinking and observations of the various environments in Western Australia ensured that buying Ivy meant he will reach places that most trucks cannot. Ivy is the first of her kind in Australia. Either using water or compressed air Ivy burrows deep into the soil to vacuum loose debris. Whether working in one of the harshest work environments on the planet, the Pilbara or on the sandy plains of Perth.

Be brave but research

As a young man starting off, securing finance for such a complex piece of machinery took a lot of courage and grit. Cormac embodies both attributes. Phone calls, hard work, long hours research, and logistics beyond my comprehension has put him on this path. Self-belief and calmness conquer all.

Actionable acceptance

In life things don’t always go to plan. When you have machines, you will encounter hardship and difficulties on steroids. It’s how one faces these challenges that counts. Cormac knows this and when there is a challenge, he gets on with it. He highlights the futility of blame or complaint.

Solid

Like the iron rich ground, we worked on Cormac has a strong support base and he displays a wealth of experience from his time in the trenches working jobs in construction, civil and mining since a young age. There is no substitute for time and experience and I was lucky to get to be the first man to work with him on his new business venture.

He is saving lives!