My Brilliant Career Website brings together homeowners and builders
Brett Emmerson is the director and founder of Building Service Advisor
Tell me about the Building Service Advisor and how you came to develop it.
I was listening to the radio one day and a woman called in and asked the presenter where she could find a decent plumber. That switched on a light for me.
People were always asking me: “Do you know a good plumber or carpenter or tiler or painter?”
I went home, racked my brain and came up with the concept of the Building Service Advisor as a home directory that everyone can use to find rated tradespeople.
I did a lot of research to establish if there were other people doing what I had envisioned and then had to identify what problem BSA was going to solve. From there, I did a viability study on the feasibility of the plan.
We started small and worked from a home office. The development of the site was exciting and at times trying. We went through three developers before reaching the stage where we are at now.
What I have learnt so far is that you need to be incredibly flexible and always market responsive.
Outline a scenario where BSA would be used.
The BSA website is the perfect solution for homeowners looking for anything in home improvement, whether it be an emergency or planning to build a new home from A to Z.
How does your background as a cabinet maker help you in this particular venture?
The process of learning to make something by bringing different parts together, as you do in cabinet making, essentially led me to my career and interest in construction. That is now my go-to resource for looking for other tradesmen, suppliers and subcontractors for my developments. I use it daily.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
An astronomer. I have always had a fascination with the stars and planets.
What do you find most meaningful in the work you do?
I love innovation and building things. BSA for me is not only about offering a solution but a platform that contributes to the South African economy by creating a space for small- to medium-sized businesses.
BSA is a marketplace that is inclusive and innovative.
I am inspired to create a platform that generates opportunities for all our artisans, tradespeople and suppliers.
What work would you do if you couldn’t do what you do now?
I would be on my farm. I absolutely love the lifestyle and connecting to nature. I am passionate about my farm and wildlife. I am totally working towards getting off the grid and starting to farm sustainably.
What advice would you give to young people wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Find your passion, do what you love. If you have an idea, follow through with it, don’t be fearful.