Foundations of a happy life

“I think four-year-old Serena probably wanted to be a tiger trainer,” the smiling 30-something said.

“I wanted to work with animals, I loved dogs and cats. I toyed with the idea of being a vet.

"Until I fell into the building industry, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I think a lot of kids face that problem coming out of high school.”

The eldest of four children — and part of a large family synonymous with business in Geraldton — Serena Giudice runs Geraldton Homes, the building company which once bore the name of her late father, Kevin Giudice.

She is passionate about seeing more women working in the building industry.

“Women are good at building relationships which is so important. They show attention to detail and have the ability to co-ordinate jobs," Ms Giudice said.

"Look at what the average mother achieves in a day, juggling children, work, housework, etc. That ability is a prime example of what we need in the industry.”

The former Nagle Catholic College student studied environmental science at university for a year before realising it wasn’t for her.

Returning to her hometown, she studied computer science and engineering at TAFE and worked part-time at a computer and electronics store.

“But it wasn’t something I could see myself doing permanently,” she said.

“I loved numbers, loved maths, so when dad offered me a position … he could see I wasn’t enjoying what I was doing.

"A position became available at his company for an estimator. A lot of it was maths, numbers, scheduling — it really appealed to me and from that moment, I haven’t looked back.

“I just love dealing with people from different walks of life. I think I’m a real people person so just developing relationships over the course of a build is really rewarding.

"Having them happy at the end of the day, you hand over the keys; it’s really satisfying, a really good feeling. It’s probably my favourite part of the job.”

From 2000 she worked alongside her father and later studied to become a builder.

The pair were close and it was a tremendous blow when her father passed away after being diagnosed with skin cancer in 2009.

“To lose him was huge. He was an amazing person and I do feel blessed that he was my dad," she said.

"A lot of people don’t get to have that experience or they might have had a difficult upbringing or not had a dad in their life.”

Family relationships are an important part of her life.

Nicknamed Aunty Rena by her nieces and nephews, Ms Giudice laments the fact sister Michelle and husband, Geelong Cats defender Harry Taylor, and their three children live so far away.

While she admits to having been unlucky in romantic relationships, Ms Giudice’s greatest love is a horse called Tully.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to have a horse. I’ve really enjoyed having him. Best thing I ever did. I come here after work every day,” she said, indicating the tranquil property where she agists the thoroughbred.

“I go for a ride or I look after him. It’s a great way to wind down. You don’t have to think. Picking up manure isn’t a job that requires a lot of intellectual thought, so it’s a really good way to separate yourself from the work world.”

Ms Giudice plays water polo, tennis and netball, and loves hanging out with friends.

Former housemate and “ultimate wing-woman”, Tahnee Smith, said Ms Giudice was a great friend who would “drop everything for you if you were in trouble”.

She described their wide circle of friends, many of whom play netball together, as loud and competitive, and said Ms Giudice was a witty and fun member of the group, who was well-known for having a distinctive laugh.

She said Ms Giudice was an immaculately dressed and “driven” worker who inspired her in her own business.

“Seeing the way Serena runs her business and how successful she is with it, is a huge motivator for me. I’m in similar situation, in a family business so she does inspire me, ” Ms Smith said.

Already an award-winning builder, Ms Giudice said being named national young builder of the year was an amazing experience of which she and her family was very proud.

“That was huge. I was the first female builder ever to win a national award,” she said.

“That’s crazy. The fact that it had ‘young’ in the title just made it the more sweeter. Whenever I’m up for awards, I think ‘oh my gosh, dad would be so proud of me’ and it just makes it even more special. And mum — it’s just gorgeous seeing the look on her face — she’s just so proud.”