A valued member of the team at JP Corry in Dromore, Co. Down stole the show at the 2024 Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards when he won the coveted Rising Star Award, which acknowledges up-and-coming talent in the industry.
Luke Martin joined JP Corry in November 2023 as an apprentice through the Job Start Scheme. Despite challenges, including an autism diagnosis and past bullying, the 21-year-old’s transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. His enthusiasm and determination helped him to quickly build strong relationships with staff and customers. After his nine-month tenure ended in July, Luke was offered a permanent position thanks to his outstanding performance and positive impact.
Luke’s journey with JP Corry is a powerful example of how providing the right support and opportunities can enable individuals to overcome challenges and thrive. His story is one of resilience, growth and the profound impact that a supportive workplace can have on personal development.
“We are so proud of Luke and of how far he has come. He has really flourished in the time he has been with us. There’s a different ‘buzz’ about the place which has been remarked upon by senior management,” JP Corry Dromore branch manager Stephen Gibson enthuses.
“In just one week after starting with us, Luke’s mother Jo-Ann called, overwhelmed with emotion, to share how he had blossomed into a confident and outgoing young man. This dramatic change in Luke has been a source of immense pride for everyone at JP Corry.
“Customer feedback about Luke has been overwhelmingly positive. Daily comments highlight the excellent service he provides, his courteous demeanour, and how he has become an invaluable asset to our yard. These commendations from customers are a testament to Luke’s dedication and the high standards he upholds in his work.
“Despite having no prior experience in the industry, Luke has shown remarkable progress over a short period. His eagerness to learn and adapt has been evident from the start, and we are excited about his future development. He has obtained his forklift licence and is now in full-time employment with us.
“Beyond his professional life, Luke is a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests. He assists his father on their farm and is an active member of his church community. Additionally, he has a passion for Koi carp, maintaining a pond in his garden where he cares for his large collection of these beautiful fish.
“We at JP Corry are incredibly proud of Luke’s achievements and are excited to continue supporting him as he advances in his career with us. Luke’s future is undoubtedly bright, and we look forward to witnessing his continued success and contributions to the construction industry.”
Luke’s mother Jo-Ann is glowing in her praise of his work colleagues.
“From the first day he walked in through the door, he was welcomed and accepted for who he was,” she says.
“The employees embraced Luke and were keen to learn about autism and implement any necessary changes to accommodate challenges Luke may have. Luke quickly gained in confidence as he was nurtured by work colleagues and felt valued and an integral part of the team.
“His self-esteem has greatly improved as work colleagues take the time to show him how to carry out his tasks competently. Their patience, encouragement and compassion have been life-changing for Luke. In his own words, for the first time in his life, he feels normal.”
The Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards ceremony was held on Thursday, October 17 last at a gala event in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin. The all-island event was attended by over 250 guests, including shortlisted merchants and representatives of the builders’ merchant trade from across the country. The event was hosted by the eight Octabuild members: Dulux, Etex, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation and Wavin.
Octabuild chairperson Declan Conlon said: “It’s important for Octabuild that the Awards highlight the excellence of Irish builders’ merchants to the building and construction industry amidst its ever-changing landscape.
“Congratulations to all finalists and winners from all over the country who represented absolute excellence in the industry.”
Commenting on the quality of the entries, the judges said in a joint statement: “It is evident that the industry is evolving at a rapid pace with merchants across the country leading the way in the continuously changing landscape.
“The competition is fierce as merchants have embraced the opportunities in staff training, stock portfolio, premises, customer service, promotion, ecommerce and sustainability to develop their businesses.”
JP Corry Dromore is one of Northern Ireland’s leading suppliers of building materials and timber products with 17 branches, including one in the Isle of Man. With over 200 years’ experience supplying quality building materials to the industry, JP Corry prides itself on supplying everything from core building essentials right through to the latest product innovations from leading suppliers.
Renowned as ‘The Complete Building Supplier’, JP Corry supplies everything from foundations to the finishing touches of a construction project, including timber, building materials, drylining and insulation, doors, flooring, roofing, drainage systems, hardware, painting and decorating, and civils products. In addition, JP Corry boasts several outdoor living centres, an inspiration studio and architectural product showrooms, to help customers transform their building project both inside and out.
Winner of the prestigious Northern Ireland Responsible Company of the Year Award for 2024, JP Corry’s friendly and professional staff are committed to providing the highest levels of customer service by offering expert, tailored advice to each and every customer.
Employing 13 people and very much rooted within its local community, the Dromore branch stocks a wide range of building materials, equipment, tools and timber, and is dedicated to providing the best customer service. An on-site living area with dedicated staff on hand to offer solutions has proven to be a great success.
Company values of decency, pride and passion are evident in how the branch interacts with customers, colleagues, supply partners and the local community. JP Corry Dromore was also shortlisted for the Octabuild Northern Ireland Regional Award which was won by its sister branch in Springfield Road, Antrim.
JP Corry Dromore
Quillyburn Industrial Estate,
Banbridge,
Dromore,
BT251BY.
Telephone: +44 (0) 28 92692342
Web: www.jpcorry.com
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, February, Vol 11 No 2
