Jake Heffernan is one switched on young man.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At only 22 years old, Jake has taken the bold move of setting up his own electrical business, Get Switched Electrical, in the town in which he has grown up and lived virtually all his life.
For him, the decision to commit to a future in Bombala was an easy one.
He attended St Joseph's, Bombala Public and Bombala High schools, and later established his credentials as a qualified tradesman through his early career with electrician and electrical contractor John Ratcliffe.
Armed with qualifications as an electrician from the Canberra Institute of Technology, Jake worked for Mr Ratcliffe’s business until earlier this year when John announced he was retiring, thereby presenting Jake with the exciting opportunity to open his own business.
“I enjoyed working for John and would like to thank him for his guidance, support, patience and knowledge throughout the years,” Jake said.
“I wish John and Francis a happy and healthy retirement, and I would also like to congratulate Clay Patrice Clear on taking over 'Ratty’s' business and wish them all the very best in their new ventures,” he said.
Jake's association with John Ratcliffe dates back to 2008 when, as a Year 9 high school student, he wanted to buy a motorbike.
“I did not have enough money, so I knocked on John's door and asked if he had any work on weekends or during school holidays,” Jake said.
He started work the same week and by the end of the following school year was offered an apprenticeship.
It was not only Mr Ratcliffe who was instrumental in helping Jake turn his dreams into reality. Without a driver's licence for the first nine months, Jake's parents Shevaun and Phillip would take time off work to drive their son to Canberra to attend TAFE.
All that is history and today Jake is launching what he hopes will be a successful business venture in the town he loves.
At present he is content to work as a sole owner/operator, but does not rule out employing staff down the track.
“I'll look at how much work I've got in perhaps 6-12 months’ time,” he said.
Long hours and getting his head around the paperwork that is the trademark of all small businesses, is all part of Jake's determination to offer his customers a service that is based on being professional, reliable and punctual, and meeting the highest Australian standards for the industry relating to materials, safety and energy efficiency. His service includes smoke alarms and ovens, power points and hot water systems, re-wires and lighting, home maintenance, as well as wool presses, pumps and irrigation.