Two family members engage in academic pursuit, working side by side to expand their knowledge and skills.
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Two buddies, Sigurður Brynjar Pálsson and Sölvi Steinn Sigurðsson, are crafting woodworking skills at FB's evening school. Their shared class time has been a blast, and they've got plans to construct a guesthouse at their family's summerhouse next summer.
The Father Is No Ordinary CEO
"I've always yearned to handle tasks myself, whether at home or at our summerhouse, so I'm constantly crafting away. It's refreshing to switch gears from my usual CEO role at BYKO. Craftsmanship and creativity have always appealed to me," reveals Sigurður, who, during his high school years, worked as a laborer for a construction company. Yet, he took a detour in life and is now leading his company.
The Son Shares the DIY Gene
Sölvi, who is 21, is studying business at the University of Iceland. He shares his father's enthusiasm for hands-on creation. "I've always been compelled by building things and working with my hands. While it wasn't initially on my radar to become a carpenter, when Dad suggested we sign up together for the classes, I couldn't resist. I saw it as time well spent with my old man," Sölvi remarks, acknowledging the merits of education.
What's It Like to Wield a Ruler and a Calculator at the Same Time?
"It's a powerful blend – one moment I'm immersed in numbers and spreadsheets, and the next, I'm diving into a practical project. Juggling the time can be a bit hectic, but a positive mindset helps," says Sölvi.
Sigurður and Sölvi find the hands-on education deeply rewarding. mbl.is/Árni Sæberg
Sharing the Classroom with Dad, and Vice Versa
"It's pretty special, but we're having a grand old time," Sölvi laughs. Their father agrees, adding, "We've always been close, and this shared learning experience has been a pleasure. Normally, parents are the ones imparting advice, but in our case, roles often reverse in school. I often run my ideas by my son, and we review assignments together to arrive at a mutual solution."
Never Too Old to Learn New Tricks
Sigurður confesses that the coursework has been a challenge, especially grapping three-dimensional thinking. "Abstract drawing courses have been tough, requiring us to be able to visualize shapes from every angle and understand real-world dimensions. Yet, it's enriching, as it's opened up a whole new way of thinking about buildings."
Surprises and New Horizons
"The variety of tasks and the program's adaptability to all sorts of people was a surprise. I came in with minimal knowledge, but the supportive team helped construct a summerhouse that winter," Sölvi marvels.
Sigurður and Sölvi are graduating in the fall of 2023. Sigurður aims to secure his bachelor's degree and pondering a Master's program. This education will enhance his career at BYKO by promoting a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by their customers managing construction projects.
In his personal life, the newfound carpentry skills could prove useful, allowing him to maintain their summerhouse and tackle upcoming projects with self-sufficiency. mbl.is/Árni Sæberg
"Learning fresh skills or subjects is always beneficial for individuals. I'm an advocate for lifelong learning and expanding one's perspective. This carpentry training will undoubtedly aid me professionally by giving me a better grasp of our customers' demands and aspirations. It's crucial that our clients are successful in their projects. For myself, the hands-on learning experience has been a blast, and I've made some fantastic new friends along the way," says Sigurður.
Sölvi, despite his young age, sees the chisels and hammers as tools that will come in handy in his future endeavors, whether at work or during home building projects. "I don't know what the future holds, but I might start a 'Fathers on Tour' business, who knows!" he chuckles.
- Sigurður, despite his role as a CEO at BYKO, finds joy in crafting away, drawing from his experiences as a laborer during his high school years.
- Sołvi, during his studies at the University of Iceland, shares his father's passion for creating and building things, and sees the value in the practical education through carpentry classes.
- Sharing a class with his father has been an enriching experience for Sołvi, as he often seeks his advice and reviews assignments with him to arrive at a mutual solution.
- Upon graduation, Sołvi envisions using his carpentry skills in his future endeavors, whether at work or potentially starting a business titled 'Fathers on Tour.'
