James Long

Managing Director

Founded CPM 2005

James Long

James has been a construction professional for over 20 years. As Managing Director of CPM, James provides overall direction for the business while also maintaining a direct personal link with all staff.

In founding CPM, he identified there was a need in the industry for flexible and high quality contract staff. Through his direction, CPM has ensured these standards are always maintained or exceeded.

What drew you to your career?

I was 16 when the movie “Top Gun” came out, and I decided I was going to be an Air Force pilot. I applied as soon as I was eligible.  I didn’t get in first round, and they said to come back after I finished year 12.

I come from a rural background in a town that did not have a school with year 11 and 12, so university wasn’t really promoted, and I had no knowledge of what university really was. Taking the advice of the RAAF I completed year 11 and 12 at boarding school.  

So at the end of year 12 I was filling in a QTAC form (for university entrance). I asked the guy sitting next to me “What are you putting down?” and he said, “Engineering”.  When I asked him “why?”, he said it was because he was good at maths and science. I thought “I’m better than him at maths and science”, so I put down Engineering. And that’s where it all started.

When I got into the course, I absolutely loved it and I gravitated towards project management and construction because I love the work. I like all aspects of construction – that it’s a defined timeline and tangible outcome. I really like the diversity of work and the talented people you meet on different projects.

What is your favourite part of your role?

The technical aspects of our work make it enjoyable, but my favourite thing is working with great people, both from a technical and personal point of view. Many of the people I worked with in the early days of my career, I still work with in CPM.  

What does unlocking hidden value mean to you?

For me, unlocking hidden value comes from finding really good, really smart people – those who at first glance might not fit the image of a role perfectly, but who definitely have the attitude and aptitude.  We nurture their talent to deliver great results for themselves, our clients and our business.

What is your proudest achievement, greatest learning?

I feel a real sense of responsibility for everyone that works for us, and for me the proudest achievement is that we’ve grown a sustainable business that provides for our people.

My greatest learning has been the importance of interpersonal skills.  Strong technical skills get you to the table but you also need well-developed interpersonal skills to be effective as a consultant.

What are your passions, hobbies, and interests outside of work?

As I have got older my “passions” have changed throughout my life.  As a younger person I was very focused on myself and my family and their success. Now that my kids are now nearly all adults I am getting very interested in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and more specifically Environment and Social. It is an area that Tracey (my wife) and I are passionate about.  I imagine it is a natural progression as you get older that you want to leave a better legacy for everybody, not just your own family.  We focus on small tangible results in our local community.

Regarding interests, I have recently discovered mountain biking as an activity. I enjoy the outdoor single trail riding at Hidden Vale Adventure Park.  I also enjoy watching basketball (and supporting local basketball) and we sponsor the local Ipswich Force NBL1 team. But my all-time favourite activity is mowing the lawn.  No interruptions and the satisfaction of having a beer and surveying my handy work afterward is very relaxing to me.