Forged in the Field: Aaron Hanmore’s Transition from Tradesman to Engineer
Aaron Hanmore isn’t the type to chase accolades or thrive under spotlights. His hands have always been at work, from the moment he stepped into the trade as a plumbing apprentice, wrench in hand and ambition tempered by the grit of the job. But if you ask him, it’s the dirt, the copper pipes, and the tangibility of labor that hooked him—not the titles that followed.
His story, like many who work quietly behind the scenes, is one of craft, evolution, and a small nudge from a mentor that set him on a course from laying pipes to engineering them. Kyle Johnson, a figure both influential and understated in Aaron’s career, saw potential in him early on. “Kyle had this way of making you see the bigger picture, even when you’re knee-deep in a trench,” Aaron recalls, a smile flickering across his face.
Aaron’s leap from plumbing to hydraulic engineering wasn’t an easy one. Transitioning from the known comfort of tangible work to the abstract complexities of engineering was daunting. “There’s a moment where you question if you can make that leap,” he says, pausing briefly as if reliving that moment. Yet, Aaron’s practicality—rooted in the real-world problem-solving of plumbing—gave him an edge. He knew the pitfalls and the solutions, not from books, but from dirt-under-the-fingernails experience.
His work at Goldfish & Bay is etched across a variety of projects: Oxford Street in Epping, Talavera Road in Macquarie Park, The Meat & Wine Co, Light Horse Business Hub—each bearing his quiet signature. But it’s a heritage restoration in Narellan, from his earlier days as a plumber, that still brings a glint to his eye. “No power tools, no modern tricks—just the methods of the 1890s,” he says, with the satisfaction of someone who’s bent copper piping with precision and soldered gutters by hand. That project didn’t just test his skills, it deepened his appreciation for craftsmanship. “I think about that job every time I approach something new.”
What has kept Aaron grounded through these transitions? Joseph Kong, his mentor at Goldfish & Bay, has had a profound impact on how Aaron navigates challenges. “Joseph has this way of guiding you—he gives you space, but somehow always knows when you need that bit of advice,” Aaron reflects, his tone somewhere between admiration and respect. “It’s the kind of leadership that makes you want to push yourself harder, not for recognition, but because you see what’s possible.”
Aaron’s journey is a reminder of the quiet dedication that powers great work. At Goldfish & Bay, we are fortunate to have team members whose skills and commitment push us all forward. His story, shaped by mentors and the steady pursuit of excellence, is one we’re proud to share.
From all of us, THANK YOU for the impact you've made and continue to make. We look forward to seeing where your talent and drive will take us next.
