Two generations learning side by side
Two Generations, One Workshop: A Carpentry Adventure
Dad and lad, Sigurður Brynjar and Sölvi Steinn, are embarking on a carpentry journey together at the local evening school. This summer, they're planning to put their newfound skills to the test by building a charming guesthouse at the family's countryside retreat.
The CEO with an itch for carpentry hammers away at BYKO
"When it comes to tinkering around the house or at our summer cottage, I'm all in. My day job as CEO at BYKO might be a world apart from carpentry, but there's something about working with my hands and getting creative that brings me immense joy," says Sigurður, who once worked in construction during his high school years but chose a different path to lead BYKO.
The young business major discovers his passion for construction
Sölvi, a 21-year-old university student majoring in business, shares his father's enthusiasm for the creativity and manual labor involved in carpentry. "While I had never considered studying to become a carpenter, the opportunity to learn beside my dad piqued my interest. After a brief hesitation, I decided to jump on board."
What's it like to juggle business administration and carpentry studies?
"It's a winning combination—a welcome escape from papers and numbers. Balancing both can be a challenge time-wise, but with good planning and a positive mindset, it's manageable," says Sölvi.
Both father and son are reveling in their new learning experience.
How was schooling with your old man?
"It's special but a blast. We have a great time, and I get to see a different side of my father. It's quality time that I cherish," says Sölvi, with Sigurður nodding in agreement.
"We've always been close and good friends. Sharing this experience in school has been a pleasure. Typically, parents guide their children, but in our case, the roles often reversed. Having Sölvi by my side has been incredibly rewarding, as we work together to solve problems and arrive at solutions," says Sigurður.
Learning new tricks of the trade
Sigurður found challenges in delving into three-dimensional thinking, but the experience has opened up a new way of thinking about buildings for him.
What has been the most surprising aspect of the coursework?
"The variety! This is a comprehensive program that welcomes everyone, regardless of prior knowledge. Even with limited experience, I managed to build a summer house with a skilled team the previous winter," says Sölvi.
Expecting diplomas in the fall of 2023, Dad aims to finish his undergraduate studies and possibly pursue a Master's degree. Aside from improving construction work, this education will also aid him in his current role at BYKO.
Education isn't just about improving professional abilities—it benefits us all in various aspects of life.
"Being open to learning new things broadens our horizons and equips us with a more holistic perspective. I believe the skills acquired in the carpentry workshop—and my continued education—will undoubtedly benefit me in my work at BYKO as I better understand the challenges our customers face. That, in turn, supports our mission to ensure their projects are successful. On a personal level, these new skills will enable me to maintain and tackle projects at home with confidence," says Sigurður.
As a young scholar, Sölvi echoes his father's enthusiasm: "These new skills will be invaluable in my future endeavors, be it in the workforce or when it's my time to build my own home. I'm not planning on a career in construction right now, but who knows what my future holds? Maybe one day, 'Fathers on Tour' will take flight!" says Sölvi, smiling.
- Sigurður, who once worked as a carpenter during his high school years, now shares his passion for the craft with his son Sołvi, a university student majoring in business.
- Despite having limited experience, Sołvi found the carpentry coursework at the local evening school to be comprehensive and welcoming, even to those with minimal prior knowledge.
- With good planning and a positive mindset, Sołvi manages to juggle both business administration and carpentry studies, finding it to be a combination that offers a welcome escape from papers and numbers.
- Sigurður sees the benefits of his continued education in carpentry extending beyond his work at BYKO, appreciating how it will broaden his horizons and improve his understanding of the challenges faced by customers, which will support the company's mission to ensure their projects are successful.
