Luke Martin from JP Corry Dromore wins Rising Star Award at all-island builders merchants awards
Luke Martin from JP Corry Dromore is a rising star!
He has won the Rising Star Award in the 2024 all-island Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards, which acknowledges up-and-coming talent in the builders merchants industry.
The Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards ceremony was held on Thursday 17th October at a gala event in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin.
It 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.
Luke joined JP Corry in November 2023 as an apprentice through the Job Start Scheme.
Despite challenges, including an autism diagnosis and past bullying, Luke showed a remarkable transformation.
His enthusiasm and determination helped him quickly build strong relationships with staff and customers. After his nine-month tenure ended in July, he was offered a permanent position due 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.
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.”
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JP Corry Dromore are dedicated to proving the best customer service. Very much rooted within its local community, the branch offers an extensive product range to both trade customers and the public.
An on-site outdoor living area with dedicated staff on hand to offer solutions has proved 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.
Octabuild was established in 1984 and is unique among representative groups in the building and construction industry.
The objective of the group is to promote the benefits of high quality, Irish manufactured products. Each Octabuild company is committed to excellence in providing an efficient and reliable service to builders merchants.
Between them, the eight Octabuild companies make a significant contribution to the Irish building and construction industry.
Their manufacturing plants are spread throughout the country providing significant employment (2,000 employed directly) and contributing substantially to the economic well-being of their local communities.
Their combined product portfolio represents an impressive range of high quality Irish manufactured brands. The companies between them make 20,000+ quality products available every day.
This year builders merchants competed for five Individual Category Awards, four Regional Awards and a Rising Star Award, which acknowledged up-and-coming talent in the industry.
