September 2025 Inspiration: Karl Humphreys

In celebration and memory of Karl from his loving family.

A Few Words about Karl.

Karl’s journey is an inspiration to anyone beginning their career. Leaving school at 16 with no GCSEs, he went straight into bricklaying, working side by side with our dad and older brother. From the very start, he brought with him an infectious passion for life and a love for his craft that never faded.

Though small in stature, Karl’s impact was anything but. Through dedication, hard work, and determination, he worked his way through just about every position in the family business, eventually stepping into a senior management role. He led not with words alone, but with example — showing that perseverance, pride in your work, and a positive spirit can take you further than you might ever imagine.

Karl loved reminding our apprentices of his early days, when he earned just £27.50 a week and still contributed rent and his share of the fare. It was his way of reminding them that the value of work isn’t just in the money, but in the skills you build, the pride you take, and the foundations you lay for the future.

Karl is sorely missed, but his legacy lives on — not only in the houses he helped build, which will stand the test of time, but also in the example he set for others. His memory reminds us all that with passion, resilience, and hard work, you can build something lasting — both in your career and in life.

Above all, he inspires us to BMK — Be More Karl.