Reiss’s Story

Reiss's journey to be Young Builder of the Year is a tale of triumph over adversity. The loss of both of his parents hasn't prevented him shining as one his company's rising stars.

A caring son and brother

Before joining Barratt Developments Reiss was working full time at a specialist metal and plastics company in the West Midlands. He combined this with caring for his mother who was terminally ill with cancer. Sadly she died before Reiss’ 21st birthday. This tragedy was further compounded by the death of his father in 2022, also from cancer. Reiss is the only wage earner in the home and helps to support his younger sister who has a new baby and is currently not working

Trainee to Rising Star

Despite the challenges thrown at Reiss he has made incredible progress since starting with Barratt Developments in 2019, beginning as as Commercial Apprentice. Through hard work and dedication, combining work with study at Solihull College and University Centre, Reiss achieved a Level 4 qualification in Construction Surveying.

He hasn’t missed a day at work and his hard word work was recognised by promotion to Trainee Quantity Surveyor, Assistant QS and then to Quantity Surveyor.

Reiss is rightly proud about doing this while always being able to manage his work life balance. Throughout, he’s kept a brave face even though his home life was far from ideal.

He has become a highly respected and valuable member of the commercial team, is a Mental First Aider and an active member of the Diversity and Inclusion Team at Barratt Homes.

His potential has been recognised through participation in the Barratt Homes Rising Stars programme for future leaders of the organisation, chosen for their characteristics such as knowledge, caring attitude, understanding and ambition.

A Bright Future

Reis has his eyes set next on being a Senior QS and with further experience to then progress to more senior roles such as Commercial Manager and Group Surveying Manager.