 While studying to obtain the necessary qualifications at TAFE, Mick used the aid of someone “signing” at the front of the classroom while the teacher delivered each subject to the rest of the class.
Completing his carpentry licence in 1985, and later his Certificate in Building Supervision, Mick took a job with the then NSW Department of Public Works and Sydney Grammar School where his responsibilities included construction, refurbishments, extensions, fit-outs and improvements.
By 1996 he decided to start his own construction company, Conroy Developments Pty Ltd. “Having been a carpenter all my life, I decided I wanted to work in my own business,” he says.
After subcontracting for various builders and developers in the first few years, Mick started to take on work for which he was solely responsible.
New homes, extensions and travelling throughout NSW refurbishing and renovating stores for Paul’s Warehouse kept him busy for some time. And when the boom period in NSW started to slow, the time to expand business further and create more opportunities arose.
Conroy Developments joined the Jim’s Group and took on the Jim’s Building Maintenance (Caringbah) Franchise in 2005. “Joining Jim’s allowed me to put some structure into my business. I had the trade skills but needed more education on how to run my business more effectively. Jim’s provides me with this”, Mick explains.
With my wife also being hearing impaired, I was able to utilise the Jim’s Regional Office and Call Centre to assist with my phone calls and appointments. I also have a team around me to call on for help. The Jim’s branding and logo has also opened more doors for me, along with the support.
While I have always been able to communicate face-to-face, one-on-one, I had some difficulties answering my mobile. Jim’s helps me with this. Being hearing impaired actually helped with my trade and hand/eye co-ordination skills.
Meeting different people, the different locations and variety of work keeps Mick jumping out of bed every morning. He enjoys drawing inspiration from those who own and successfully operate their businesses.
At Jim’s, Mick has taken on a training role as well as operating his business, where he helps new franchisees with their trade skills if they need it. He has also spent some time teaching other hearing impaired people about how he has enjoyed success and how they can overcome their situation.
Working hard, completing the job properly and improving customer relations by ensuring that customers fully understand the nature of the job, is something that he lives by.
Spending his entire life in the Shire, and living close to the beach, he enjoys the surf and takes his kids there on most weekends. In his younger years Mick spent time playing Rugby Union and Rugby League and represented his country in the Australian Deaf Rugby League team.
As an ex-footballer, Mick tries to keep himself active when he is not working which includes time with the family. Recent advances in technology have helped Mick with his business with the addition of a new hearing aid that allows him to phone customers from his office.
 Overall, the partnership for Mick and Jim’s has been a successful one. Mick’s expertise and experience in the trade and the Jim’s Groups’ trusted name and branding has reaped rewards for both.
Jim’s Building Maintenance (Caringbah)
1 Gardere Place Caringbah 2229
Dean loves living in the Sutherland Shire. In fact he was born, raised and schooled in the Shire and currently lives with his young family at Engadine. In his younger days he was an accomplished sportsperson and is still actively involved in local amateur sports administration. Dean operates his own business in the area and is keen to support and promote the wider community in any way he can with his new role. | 
