For Gregory Gallagher-Nunn, starting a small business has been about much more than creating his own employment. It has provided an opportunity to draw on years of practical experience, rebuild his confidence and create a stronger future through self-employment.
A trade-qualified carpenter with skills spanning welding, fabrication, carpentry, joinery and construction, Greg had the practical expertise to offer customers a diverse range of services. Today, through Midgard Mobile Welding, he provides tailored solutions ranging from welding and custom metal fabrication to timber work, repairs, renovations, bespoke furniture and residential construction projects.
But the pathway to establishing the business was far from straightforward.
A few years ago, Greg was experiencing a particularly difficult period in his life, including homelessness and challenges securing and maintaining employment. Despite these circumstances, he recognised that the skills and experience he had developed throughout his working life could provide another pathway forward.
Rather than allowing those skills to go unused, Greg decided to build something of his own.
“I had the trade skills and experience, but I realised that if I wanted to change my circumstances and create a better future, I needed to take a different path.”
That path led to Midgard Mobile Welding and to Self-Employment Assistance, delivered by Businessplex.
Turning practical skills into a business
Through Self-Employment Assistance, Greg received training and mentoring to help transform his extensive trade experience into a more structured business.
The support introduced him to important aspects of business ownership including market research, business planning, financial planning and the practical responsibilities involved in operating a small business. Greg developed his own business and financial plans and successfully completed a Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business. Success Story-Gregory Gallagher.
For someone who already knew how to build, fabricate and create, this business knowledge provided another important set of tools.
Midgard Mobile Welding now brings Greg’s diverse capabilities together under one business, offering practical and customised solutions across multiple trades.
Building a stronger future
The impact of self-employment has extended beyond establishing the business.
Greg says running Midgard Mobile Welding has given him greater confidence, independence and purpose, while encouraging him to concentrate on his own progress and continue developing his skills.
His focus now is on building the business steadily, developing a strong reputation for quality workmanship and creating something that can grow over time.
“My goal is to continue growing Midgard Mobile Welding, maintain a strong reputation for quality workmanship and eventually create opportunities for others to contribute their skills and ideas as the business grows.”
Greg’s journey demonstrates how self-employment can provide a pathway for people to turn existing skills and experience into new opportunities.
For Greg, that has meant taking skills built over many years, adding the knowledge and confidence needed to run a business, and using them to create something of his own, with a clear focus on building a stronger future.
