EOW has seen a lot of changes in the last year, but one of the more exciting changes has been the addition of an official Workshop Manager – the one and only, JJ. In his first week he secured two new fancy bits of kit (wall saw & drum sander), did a complete makeover of our reception area, and set up an in-house EOW sheet material store from MGM Timber.

We have high expectations for week 2.

Now, enjoy learning for yourselves a bit more about the man with all the plans.

What did you do before EOW?
I worked for Big House Events – building scenery for theatre and live events – remember them?! Before that I toured as a Stage Supervisor, looking after scenery on shows, and I was the Head of Stage at the Traverse Theatre for 5 years. Anything before that is a university based blurr sponsored by blue WKD and SnakeBite.

What is the best thing you have ever made, or been a part of making?
I worked very closely with a very talented designer (Charlotte Lane) on a touring production of Ulysses for the Tron Theatre, Glasgow. Every venue we went to was awe-struck by its aesthetic and the way it clicked together during the Fit-Up. I had the assembly of it down to a fine art and when I look back on it now, I can’t imagine ever being that creative in construction again.

Any rookie ‘makers’ mistakes that you are willing to own up to, that you could help others avoid?Shoved my thumb in a router table cutter. That sucked.

What is your hidden talent?
I’m a dog whisperer. Not officially, but they know it. I make a pretty good bowl of Nachos too…

When not at EOW, what is your favourite place to be?
My partner will question this, because I get quite stressed out preparing for the journey and it takes some time to get relaxed but I absolutely love sitting by a fire outside my campervan (which I converted) in Glencoe after a couple of pints at the Clachaig bar.

What do you like most about being part of EOW?
The core team are people I’ve worked with for years, in various capacities. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs but the vision of EOW has created a new fire in our creative bellies and that’s a nice feeling. Meeting new makers of all levels allows me to grow and hone my own skills, but also support those who I advance in experience.

What are you most keen to help folks with?
I like it when people come in with an idea, and we have a tool that speeds their job up 10 fold or when someone is clearly having a rubbish time of it and I can alleviate a bit of pressure by offering a helping hand, be that unloading a truck or freeing up some time to deliver something.