Getting interested in glazing

“One thing that attracted me to glazing is that wherever you look – 360 degrees – there’s glass in every house and every building, and it breaks regularly,” says Wayne McGregor.

Wayne became interested in becoming a glazier while doing work experience at a glass company while in Fifth Form. Once a week he learned the basics of the trade and also something about the world of work. “Having the opportunity to do one day a week is a really good way to find out about what is expected of you in the workplace.”

Starting a business

When he was 21, Wayne moved to the UK and worked as a glazier for two years. He returned to New Zealand and worked various jobs before taking up his uncle’s advice and starting his own glazing business.

“My uncle told me to throw a drum of putty in the back of the ute and get out there. I did and haven’t looked back since.”

Sharing his knowledge with others

Wayne and his wife Janeen now run Mr Glass, in Petone, Wellington, and employ two glaziers and an apprentice. Wayne often looks for employees who have limited glazing experience but are good with their hands and eager to learn. “That way we can teach them the way to do things and they do not come with fixed ideas or bad habits.”

With any small business it’s important to have good people skills. Fortunately for Wayne it is an aspect of the job he particularly enjoys. “Communicating with clients and visiting people – that’s a huge thing for me. I love talking with people and seeing how much they appreciate a job well done.”