Carpentry trainer Kerry Theuerkauf has been a valuable part of many footy teams over the years, and it’s his willingness to embrace the team spirit that has made him so successful within Blue Dog Training. Ipswich born and bred, both Kerry’s mother and father came from a farming background.
“Mum was from a dairy farm. Dad’s was a big property, they grew veggies,” he said. They instilled in us a pretty good work ethic I suppose.”
Throughout school, Kerry’s story was a familiar one. He was focused on footy and put his academic work on the back burner.
“In high school I was interested in rugby league. I probably should have done a lot better at school, but I was focused on other things.”
His drive and determination to succeed as a footy player paid off, as not long after finishing school he was contracted to the Brisbane Broncos. After playing in reserve grade for the Broncos, Kerry went on to build a successful Queensland Cup career with Souths Magpies, Easts Tigers, and finally home at the Ipswich Jets. Kerry said football was able to teach many skills to be used later in life.
“Any team sport is great to be involved with; you get to meet such a big, diverse range of people. You’ve got the bankers; you’ve got the tradesmen, all different walks of life. But with the footy, it brings you together. You get to learn about their lives and associate with them.”
Kerry found the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds to be important at Blue Dog, as the company employs design and website development staff, as well as qualified tradespeople. While playing football, Kerry was working in the construction industry, mostly on housing and high-rise work.
“I was playing footy, and one of the local builders knew that I wanted to get a trade behind me, so he rang me and I started my apprenticeship. Like a lot of blokes, I’d done plenty of renovation work with my father growing up, building fences and that sort of thing. I wanted to get into a trade, and the builder gave me that chance.”
After finishing his apprenticeship and working with the local builder for a number of years, Kerry began subcontracting and completing his own work. He said his transition to Blue Dog Training was motivated by a desire to help others achieve their potential within the industry.
“I’ve always thought I’ve managed to strike up a decent relationship with most people I get talking to. It’s good to be able to help someone achieve what they want to achieve.”
His many years of experience within the industry have allowed him to gain some wisdom, which he hopes to pass on to the next generation of tradespeople.
“You learn from your mistakes, so if you can pass on some of your own knowledge and the lessons you’ve learnt, whether it’s with work or life experience or ways to handle different situations, then that’s a good thing.”
Outside of work, Kerry is a devoted family man.
“What’s the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me? Seeing both my children born mate. Friends and family are very important to me.”
He’s also a keen reader, and is right on the Game of Thrones bandwagon.
“My favourite character is probably Arya Stark or John Snow. Arya’s a bit of a rebel.”
With the end of the NRL season in sight, Kerry said his tipping season had left a lot to be desired. When asked whether he can still win the competition, he didn’t count himself out.
“But I’m also a realist, so probably not this year mate.”
