How I Got Started
Making things runs in the family. My old man and my grandfather were both builders, so I grew up hanging around job sites - helping out where I could and soaking it all in. Half the time I didn’t even realise I was learning; it just got into my blood.
Later on, I went to tech school in regional Victoria. I didn’t always fit the mould, but there was one teacher who really backed me - my woodworking mentor. He encouraged me to push myself, think differently, and see what I could create if I just had a go. That stuck with me.
A Career... in Butchering?
At 16, I was bored, restless, and keen to work with my hands - so when the chance came up to start a butcher’s apprenticeship, I took it. That kicked off a 12-year run in the meat industry, learning the craft and the grind that comes with it.
Eventually, I stepped into the dairy world, working as a culture specialist for a big-name manufacturer. The work was solid, but the long hours and constant shift changes made it tough to keep any kind of balance. Another decade flew by, and somewhere along the way, I realised I was burnt out - and miles away from anything that made me feel creative.
Chasing a Dream
Not long after I married my wife, I took on a big project - stripping down and rebuilding a vintage caravan so we could hit the road and chase a bit of adventure. That build lit the spark again. It reminded me how much I love working with my hands, solving problems, and bringing something old back to life.
When the van was finished, we decided it was time for a fresh start. We packed up, left the east coast behind, and hit the road in search of a slower, more balanced way of living.
Eight months later, we landed on the Southern Coast of Western Australia - and haven’t looked back since. But after years of working at a hard and fast pace, slowing down didn’t come easy. It took time to settle in and let the quiet shape the way forward.
Deano Builds
Two years into our new life out here on 6.5 acres of Aussie bush, I’d finally slowed down. I was breathing easier, living simpler - but something still felt like it was missing.
That’s when Deano Builds was born.
Starting the YouTube channel gave me a fresh sense of purpose. It brought me back to the things I’ve loved since I was a kid - making stuff, thinking outside the box, and sharing the ride with anyone keen to follow along. These days, I’m all about seeing what’s possible. I’ve got no shortage of wild ideas, and I’m always dreaming up the next build. I’m stoked you’re here for the journey - thanks for hanging out.
For me, building isn’t about perfection - it’s about showing up, having a go, and letting the process shape the outcome. I don’t hide the knots, the cracks, or the quirks. I lean into them. Because the best builds, like the best people, are a little rough around the edges - and better for it.
Whether I’m shaping timber, solving problems, or learning on the fly, I try to keep it honest. Let the materials speak. Trust the process. And keep chasing the spark that got me started in the first place.
Deano Builds is about more than just making stuff. It’s about slowing down, backing yourself, and finding meaning in the mess.
