Phil Hodgson joined Japanese Knotweed Ltd five years ago. He is a key team member, supervising invasive weed excavations on large commercial sites across the south of England. Find out how meeting a guy who knew a guy landed him a career with us!
Explain your job, but to a 5-year-old. | |
I work on building sites and dig big holes and play with big diggers. | |
What three words would you use to describe your role? | |
Intense, exciting & enjoyable | |
You have quite a few qualifications. What do they all mean and how do they help you? | |
Over my 5 years in the industry I surprise myself everyday at what I’ve learnt and knowledge I can pass on to others | |
How long have you been in the Invasive Weed/Construction industry? | |
5 years. | |
What led you to this career? | |
By accident, I met a guy who new a guy and from there I began a new career. | |
What does a typical day look like for you? | |
Travel, site set up, client meetings, cat scan, plant delivery, paperwork, mark out, excavation, haulage, backfill. | |
What are you currently working on? | |
Asbestos operator course & excavations across the country. | |
What has been your favourite project at Japanese Knotweed Ltd, and why? | |
 | Japanese knotweed excavation in Leicester against a canal. Two weeks of intense pressure and stress but the overall finish detail was immaculate. Our client was extremely happy and I overcame a difficult job. |
What did you do before joining this industry? | |
Civilian bomb disposal | |
What is on your wish list for the next five years at Japanese Knotweed Ltd? | |
To become a Site Manager | |
What’s one thing that surprised you about working at Japanese Knotweed Ltd? | |
Every day is completely different. | |
What has been your biggest professional challenges? | |
Working in a minefield in Afghanistan | |
What do you like most about your job? | |
The variety of work and challenges it brings. | |
What’s your “go-to” productivity tip? | |
 | ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM!! |
What’s the question you’re asked most, whilst on-site? | |
What time do we finish?? | |
What do you like to do in your spare time? | |
 | Watch Harlow Town FC |
Can you share a random fact about yourself? | |
 | I spent 8 years in the British Army Royal Engineers specialising in bomb disposal |
