Our gas engineer Stephen Jarvis was brimming with pride after being shortlisted for Screwfix’s Top Tradesperson Final 2021.
The two-day online final was a packed event with Screwfix and Google hosting sessions on how to build your customer base followed by an interview with industry-led experts and 2019 winner, Darren McGhee.
Stephen said: “It’s just nice to be recognised really more than anything. I’ve not entered this for myself, I’m doing it for a lot of reasons really - I’m older obviously, there is a prize, but I’m not worried about that.
“A couple of guys at work have been through a really rough time because of Covid, there is one young lad and I actually gave him a set of my tools because he didn’t have any. So, I’ve helped him out and I want to help him out a little bit more.”
Stephen, 46, took a job at LiveWest over four years ago despite having a successful self-employed business.
After searching around for something suitable for a year, Stephen applied to LiveWest.
Stephen added: “I was really impressed with LiveWest in what they do in terms of their ethics, and what they offer as a package and I thought now I want to go for that job, I'm really impressed with it.
“And one thing led to another and obviously, I got the position. So, I’m quite happy to be honest with you, I’m really enjoying my job.”
When he isn’t busy at work, Stephen has been fundraising for the NHS in the South West by running a marathon over the height of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, in distance both up and down his staircase. In under four and half hours, he raised over £2000 for the Royal Cornwall Hospital.
“During the Covid early stages, I had to shield so we weren’t even allowed out our front door which was mental because obviously I do a lot of training and I couldn't go to the track, said Stephen.
“I did some running up and down the staircase and some fitness stuff. Then one thing led to another and I thought, ‘do you know what I think I will do a marathon on my staircase’, but I’ve never done one in my life before.
“My wife and daughter thought I was absolutely mental, and the dog was looking at me like I was crazy coming down the stairs all morning.”
Despite being given such high praise for his work, Stephen, who lives near St Austell, is unsure who mentioned him for the achievement but is appreciative to whoever did.
With 30 years’ experience as a heating engineer, Stephen has been selected after demonstrating a real passion for the trade, showcasing his exceptional skills, drive, and determination to go above and beyond for his customers.
He has conquered the athletics world at the World Transplant Games 16 years’ ago, securing five gold medals and is a world record holder for 100m, 200m, 400m, high jump and part of the 4x 400m relay GB Team.
On top of this, he is also the first kidney transplant recipient to conquer an Ironman triathlon in the world and completed a degree since the transplant. He is now building upon his accolades in the world of work.
“I'm used to doing things in the limelight for my sport anyway, but it was nice to do it for my trade for a change,” Stephen said. “Because I never thought about it to be fair so if someone is going to recommend me for it, I thought I would do it. And then it's got me through to the final.”
The gas engineer missed out on the top prize in the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2021 but believes he is a winner for being shortlisted.
Simon Jackson, Customer and Digital Director at Screwfix, said: “We recognise the importance of supporting our nations tradespeople, and we want to reward them for their hard work and for continually supporting their customers and local communities.
“We have seen many, high quality entrants this year and our top ten finalists have done incredibly well to get this far.
“I’d like to congratulate Stephen for reaching the final.”