A passion for learning, endless enthusiasm and a firm believer in hard work - these are just a few of the qualities that contributed to Michael Guli winning the 2016 Industry Rising Star Award.
Since completing his Certificate III in air conditioning and refrigeration in 2012, Guli has been busy building his own business empire as the managing director of Intrust Energy Solutions.
His electrical and refrigeration contracting business began in a backyard shed.
Today the 25-year-old owns a 380m2 industrial warehouse with four full-time employees.
His business is now expanding into plumbing and solar installations.
“I love learning and once my electrical apprenticeship was over I moved into HVACR,” he said.
“My goal is to eventually provide professional services for the entire domestic construction industry, hopefully by 2020.
“In life we just go about doing what we love, we keep our head down and work extremely hard to get ahead, and if we are lucky enough to be noticed by others and pick up an award on the way that is great.”
Guli said he is extremely fortunate because he has a strong support network in difficult times.
“Without a supportive family and partner I wouldn't be in the position I am today. Every day I am grateful,” he said.
Guli believes the HVACR industry is undergoing significant change in a number of different areas.
“I think as an industry we are starting to realise that HVACR in the home or office should be aesthetically beautiful; like what Steve Jobs did for the desktop computer,” he said.
“Just look at how much product designs have improved over the last decade, air conditioning units are no longer just a box on a wall.”
Guli said another are of growth is automation pointing out that every aspect of climate control in a building can be controlled.
When asked about the qualities of a rising star, Guli said it is a person who pushes the walls of change. “Somebody who doesn't settle for how things are, or how things have been done in the past,” he said.
“They push themselves and those around them to achieve, even pushing past the boundaries of what they may consider to be impossible.”
A keen reader Guli enjoys books on self-improvement as well as biographies on high achievers and people in business.
“I like to fill my mind with positive thoughts and to share what I have learned with those around me,” he said.