Family members engaged in shared learning experience
In an unexpected twist of events, the duo – Sigurður Brynjar Pálsson, CEO of BYKO, and his son Sölvi Steinn Sigurðsson – have enrolled in a carpentry evening school at FB. This father-son combo's shared passion for craftsmanship has led them to plan the construction of a guesthouse at their summerhouse next year, making their classroom lessons come alive.
Sigurður, a man of many hats, felt the need to develop practical skills in maintenance and construction, especially since their family's summerhouse was located in the countryside. He reminisces about his teenage days working for a construction contractor but eventually took a different career path, landing him as the CEO of BYKO.
On the other hand, Sölvi, a 21-year-old business student at the University of Iceland, shares his father's interest in working with his hands. Initially hesitant about studying carpentry, he agreed to join his dad on a whim, viewing it as a chance to strengthen their bond.
As they navigate through this unconventional double-major, they discover that the combination of business acumen and carpentry skills is a powerful blend. "It's a good fit. It's enjoyable to take a break from the books and do something more physical, although it can be a bit stressful to manage the time," says Sölvi.
Their school journey together has been enriching, with both figures learning from each other. Though it's usually the parents who guide their children, in this case, Sigurður often seeks his son's opinion on assignments, turning the typical student-parent dynamic upside down.
Sigurður admits that the carpentry classes have been challenging, particularly the three-dimensional thinking and drawing requirements. However, he's found the experience incredibly rewarding, as it has opened up a whole new way of thinking about buildings.
Sölvi, being a young student, is positive about the long-term benefits of his carpentry studies. "This knowledge will undoubtedly be useful in my future, whether it be at work or during the construction of my own house. It could even lead to becoming a part of 'Fathers on tour' – an idea that popped up when we signed up for the program," he laughs.
As they approach graduation in the fall of 2023, both Sigurður and Sölvi are confident that their combined education will bring numerous benefits. For Sigurður, the newfound skills will enhance his understanding of BYKO's customers' challenges and improve his ability to assist them with their projects. In his personal life, he'll be better equipped to handle home maintenance and projects.
"Every education is beneficial to people. Learning new things and gaining a broader perspective are always assets," Sigurður asserts. From a business standpoint, he envisions himself pursuing a master’s degree, further strengthening his ability to manage his company and lead his team.
The journey of this father-son duo serves as a reminder that it's never too late or too unconventional to learn new skills. A blend of theoretical business knowledge and practical carpentry techniques provides a solid foundation for various career paths and personal growth.
In this unconventional learning journey, both Sigurður and Sölvi are discovering that their combined studies in business and carpentry are contributing to their personal growth and fostering a unique set of skills. Sigurður, understanding the value in learning new things for both his business and personal life, is confident that this education-and-self-development will enhance his understanding of customer challenges at BYKO and better equip him for home maintenance projects. On the other hand, Sölvi views his carpentry studies as essential for his future, whether it be contributing to his career, helping in the construction of his own home, or potentially participating in a program like 'Fathers on tour'. Their shared opinions on the benefits of continuous learning underscore the importance of personal-growth and learning in various aspects of life.
