As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, we’re proud to share the ninth story in our series spotlighting some of Tamdown’s longest-serving colleagues.
This time, we hear from Marin Marku, a groundworker who has spent 26 years helping shape projects across the business, from his first days at Greenhithe through to mentoring the next generation of site operatives today.
From learning the ropes on site to passing on decades of experience, his journey shows why our people remain at the heart of our success after 50 years.
What is your earliest memory of being on a Tamdown site?
My first site job for Tamdown was at Greenhithe in Kent. I worked with Mick Clarke when he was Site Manager and alongside people like Tommy Gant, who has also been here a long time.
After about three years I moved to Stone Castle, and Eamon Mahon, the Contracts Manager used to send me to different sites to help with kerbing work. I built up my all round groundwork skills as I went along, learning from experienced people.
Did you imagine you’d still be here 26 years later?
Not really!
I’ve met a lot of good people over the years. What has kept me going is the people around me and the chance to pass on what I’ve learned.
I enjoy mentoring apprentices and sharing my knowledge. I’ve worked with some great foremen, including Alan Talbot, Danny Dacey, John Wilson and Lonny Spall. Having good people around you makes the job better.
What project stands out as especially meaningful?
Greenhithe will always stand out because it was where I started, but I also enjoyed working at Harold Wood.
To be honest, I’ve enjoyed most places I’ve worked because the teams were good. When I first started, everything was new to me. People like Shaun Moon, Lonny and John were there and helped me along the way.
Do you have any funny stories that have happened?
One that always makes me laugh happened at Greenhithe when we were pouring concrete.
I warned someone to watch the corner because the ground had started to cave in while we’d been digging there. He told me not to worry and said he’d do it himself. The next thing we knew, he suddenly disappeared waist-deep into the concrete! We had to pull him out. We were all laughing afterwards. It just proved that sometimes you should listen to the warning.
I’ve had loads of laughs over the years, especially working with the Irish lads. They were funny guys. I used to say to them you’re putting me under pressure and they would say “no, pressure is only for tyres!”
How have tools and techniques changed over the years?
Things are much better now.
Years ago, everything was much harder on your body. We used to do far more manual lifting, especially with kerbs. Now machinery does a lot of the heavy work for you, which is much better for your back.
Health and safety has improved a lot too. We know more about things like hand-arm vibration and reducing strain on the body. Battery-powered tools are quieter and easier to use. The only downside is you have to keep charging them, but when the battery runs out, it gives you a chance for a break!
Do you have a moment when teamwork made all the difference?
For me, teamwork is about people helping each other every day.
If somebody is having a bad day or feeling down, there’s always someone to talk to. People genuinely care about each other here, and that makes a difference.
What makes a good site culture?
A good foreman and good colleagues.
I’ve always enjoyed working in strong teams and everyone pulling in the same direction. Winning Site of the Month at Rayleigh and Dunton was a proud moment.
It’s also the little things. We’ve had free pizza lunches on site which gives everyone a chance to get together and talk. It’s nice when managers and the office show appreciation because it makes people feel valued.
What keeps you motivated through the toughest days on the ground?
Providing for my family.
I want to be a good example for my son and show him the value of working hard. Site work isn’t easy, especially with the extreme weather, but you keep going.
One moment I really appreciated was when Rob Kendal (Managing Director) and Barry Maile (Construction Director) came out to site with champagne when I reached my 25 year work anniversary – I appreciated that. I had actually worked with Barry at Stone Castle when he was an engineer years earlier, so it was nice to see him again.
When people take the time to come out and thank you personally, it means a lot.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Work safely. Learn your skills. Listen. Just keep going.
If you choose this industry, give it your best. Not everyone likes the job, but there’s a real sense of achievement when you finish something and someone says, “That’s a nice job.”
I’m quite fussy because I like things done properly. I remember working with one of our apprentices, who was laying edging. I told him it wasn’t quite straight and showed him how it should be done. We still laugh about it now. He knows I wasn’t being critical, I just wanted him to learn the right way. That’s how you improve.
If you start something, finish it properly and take pride in your work.