With decades of experience across electrical, construction and large-scale commercial projects, FWSR Group Projects Estimator Jason Thomas brings a wealth of industry knowledge, strong relationships and practical project experience to the team.

Since joining FWSR Group, Jason has been helping drive growth across the business’ projects and installations space, supporting tenders, upgrades and developments across regional Victoria and beyond.

A career built in construction

Jason began his electrical apprenticeship in Shepparton in the late 1990s with Watters Electrical before relocating to Bendigo in 2007 to help establish a new branch in the region.

After several years in the industry, Jason went on to help form Eascom Bendigo, growing the business across service, commercial, industrial and large-scale construction projects over a 14-year period.

During that time, the business expanded to more than 90 employees and delivered works across several major regional Victorian projects, including the Bendigo GovHub, Bendigo Law Courts, Kangan TAFE expansion and Ballarat GovHub.

For Jason, the appeal of construction and projects has always been about seeing tangible results and being part of something long after the work is complete.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, being outdoors and working in a team environment,” Jason said.

“I also saw a lot of opportunity in the trade and construction industries. What I really enjoy about projects is seeing something start from the ground up and watching it come together.

“Even years later, you can drive past a project and remember being part of it.”

Seeing opportunity in fire protection

Before joining FWSR Group, Jason had worked alongside the business through subcontracted dry fire works and had seen first-hand the growing demand within the fire protection industry.

“As an electrical contractor, we often worked alongside dry fire specialists and it became clear there was huge opportunity for growth in this space,” he said.

“I could see FWSR Group building something really strong regionally and becoming a major player across projects and installations.”

Jason said the business culture and long-term vision also stood out.

“The conversations around workplace support, work-life balance and opportunity really appealed to me. There’s also a strong focus across the fire industry now around compliance, integrated services and professionalism, which makes it an exciting industry to be part of.”

Supporting projects across Victoria

As Projects Estimator, Jason’s role varies day-to-day and includes reviewing drawings and specifications, completing site visits, preparing tenders and quotations, coordinating supplier pricing and supporting project delivery teams throughout the process.

For Jason, one of the most rewarding parts of the role is building relationships and securing projects from concept through to completion.

“The relationships you form through projects and the process of winning work is something I really enjoy,” he said.

The advantage of integrated services

Jason believes one of FWSR Group’s biggest strengths is its ability to deliver multiple services in-house across wet fire, dry fire, height safety, training and Essential Safety Measures (ESM).

“Clients want simplicity and reliability,” he said.

“If they can work with one business across multiple services and disciplines, it makes life easier for them and gives them confidence in the outcome.

“That integrated approach is becoming more and more valuable across projects and ongoing compliance.”

Jason also sees significant opportunity for continued growth in the regional projects market, particularly as more businesses seek specialist fire protection providers rather than relying on general electrical contractors or metropolitan-based companies travelling into regional areas.

Looking ahead to Geelong

Jason is also preparing for an exciting move to Geelong - a region he sees as a major growth area for both development and fire compliance services over the coming decade.

“Geelong is growing rapidly and there’s huge investment planned across the region,” he said.

“There’s also strong opportunity within Essential Safety Measures and fire compliance services, which makes it an exciting area for FWSR Group moving forward.”

For Jason, relationships and local presence remain central to success in the industry.

“In this industry, trust and relationships are everything,” he said.

“Clients want to know you’ll deliver what’s needed, be there when required and provide value. Having a strong local presence plays a big part in building that trust.”

As FWSR Group continues expanding its project and installation capabilities across Victoria, Jason is looking forward to helping support that growth while continuing to build strong relationships throughout the industry.

“I’m excited to continue learning more across the fire industry, building relationships and helping grow the business across the state.”