Phillip MA
Founder & CEO
Phil started his construction career in 2008 while working on the start of what is now known as the New Acton precinct in Canberra.
He studied Building and Construction Management at the University of Canberra and completed his Bachelor Degree in 2010 including taking out several awards throughout his degree period.
Phil has been part of the construction management team on numerous award winning and iconic project within Canberra, including the New Acton Nishi Building which won International Building project of the year in London in 2015.
He has experience in all aspects of construction including commercial, residential and fit-out. Recently, Phil headed up the team that won Building Project of the Year at the Master Builders Association Building Excellence Awards in 2018.
Phil decided to break away from working with corporate builders and start his own company in 2018, as he felt the need to push the boundaries of standard construction projects that were being delivered in Canberra. Phil’s vision is unique and once you sit down with him and have a conversation, you will fully understand why he is one of Canberra’s top builders.
Mike Blacker
Maintenance Manager
Mike, our Maintenance Manager, brings over two decades of experience to his role, having navigated a diverse career path from roof plumbing to his current position. His journey reflects a remarkable blend of skills and adaptability, transitioning seamlessly into the multifaceted world of maintenance management. His expertise, honed in the fields of plumbing and roofing, now serves as a vital asset in his rewarding role, where he collaborates closely with Phil to ensure operational excellence.
Beyond his professional life, Mike is deeply passionate about beekeeping. This unique hobby showcases his dedication to nurturing and caring, qualities that he also exemplifies in his work environment. His hives are a testament to his patience and attention to detail, mirroring the precision he applies in his managerial duties.
Mike's enthusiasm for sports is another facet of his dynamic personality. As a level 2 trainer, he plays a pivotal role in mentoring and shaping young athletes. His commitment extends to local teams and the junior Raiders S.G side, where his guidance and expertise are invaluable, especially during the busy summer months.
In every aspect of his life, Mike demonstrates a remarkable ability to blend professional expertise with personal passions, making him a valuable and respected member of the team. His journey is not just about professional achievements but also about the diverse interests that define him.
Joey Brown
Maintenance Staff
Joey embarked on his journey in the construction field in 2017, starting as a labourer at a metal fabrication shop. This initial experience provided him with exposure to a diverse range of clients and set the foundation for his career in construction.
A specific event that ignited Joey's passion for construction was his involvement in the construction of a two-story building for Brindabella Christian College while working with Vamos Group Australia. The evolution of the structure into something magnificent left a profound and lasting impression on him.
Joey's commitment to excellence is not limited to his on-site experience; he also holds a certification in test and tag, which qualifies him to manage electrical compliance safety on construction sites. His practical knowledge has proven invaluable in ensuring safety and maintaining quality on various projects.
Every project Joey has worked on, no matter the size, has been instrumental in his professional development. He takes great pride in his ability to tackle complex issues with a tech-savvy, problem-solving mindset, often finding solutions that elude others.
Joey thrives in hands-on work and derives immense satisfaction from sharing best practices with his colleagues. He enjoys teaching and guiding others in the field, which he finds deeply rewarding.
In addition to his construction expertise, Joey is committed to continuous learning and is currently pursuing a Certificate IV in cyber security. This endeavor not only aligns with his tech-savvy approach but also enhances his contributions to the construction industry.
Family is central to Joey's life. He treasures the quality time spent with his loved ones, especially his daughter. His passion extends to cars; he is an enthusiast who enjoys upgrading and restyling his vehicle to give it a unique flair. When not engaged with cars, he builds gaming computers for himself and friends and is always ready for a good gaming session. Joey is also a regular attendee of Summernats, where he indulges in the thrill of roaring engines, the smell of burnt rubber, and the spectacle of burnouts.
Steve Haycroft
Maintenance Staff
Steve Haycroft's career in the construction industry began 25 years ago as a delivery driver and yardman for FAW Building Supplies. During his five-year tenure there, he met Rick Porreca, who would become a significant acquaintance in his professional life.
After his initial experience in construction, Steve seized an opportunity to enter the horse racing industry. He started as a stablehand, a role that involved preparing horses for trackwork, maintaining their living quarters, and assisting with their exercise routines, including walking and swimming. Steve's dedication and hard work saw him rise to the position of foreman, where he interacted with high-profile owners, trainers, and jockeys. He spent a fulfilling 15 years in the racing industry, cherishing every moment.
A call from his cousin, who owned a residential painting business, led to a career shift for Steve. Embracing change, he joined the painting business and lent his skills there for another 15 years. Beyond his professional endeavors, Steve is deeply involved in his community. He has coached his stepson's under-16 rugby league team, the Gungahlin Bulls, for six years and has recently taken on a role as a trainer with the Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews team, working alongside Rick and Mike.
Steve's passion extends beyond his career and community service; he is an avid outdoorsman who loves camping and fishing. He treasures the times he can escape to the south coast with his family. His multifaceted experiences and interests contribute to his dynamic character and the value he brings to any team.
Ricky Porreca
Site Manager
Ricky joined the Vamos family in May 2023 as one of our Site Managers and Forman for ACT projects.
He brings a wealth on knowledge and experience with over 2 decades of work under his belt in both the residential and commercial projects.
Ricky started his career in construction as a general labourer in 2003 with Prestige Building Services and had worked up the ranks within the same company for 20 years.
He is a well respected person within the Canberra construction industry and has been part of numerous and successful project deliveries over the year in both residential and commercial.
He has also taken on a leadership role within Vamos Group guiding and mentoring some of our younger and less experiences newer team members which highlights the caring nature of this superstar.
Ricky has also been part of the Canberra Raiders for over 16 years being highly involved with their junior development squads. Not only is he well respected in the construction industry but also the local and national Rugby League community.
Its a great privilege to have Ricky part of the team and being able to take him into his retirement in 5-6 years.
Willy Caranto
Project Manager
Willy, leveraging an extensive background and a proven history in construction project management, exhibits a meticulous focus on detail and an unwavering dedication to refining processes. Having refined his skills over several years while overseeing complex construction projects at several projects, Willy has cultivated a profound understanding of construction intricacies, encompassing processes, design principles, material selection, and project scheduling.
His proficiency extends beyond technical aspects to encompass effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, adept engagement with subcontractors, and the judicious management of project finances. With a commitment to upholding the highest standards, Willy ensures that every facet of a project adheres to superior quality. A self-starter who flourishes with minimal supervision, he anticipates and addresses potential challenges that may arise during the various phases of construction. In summary, Willy stands as a capable and dedicated professional, ready to positively contribute to any team with his wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to excellence in project management.
Joan Perez
Office Manager
Joan is a seasoned Virtual Assistant with a diverse background in various industries such as real estate, photography, property management, and construction, specializing in administration. Her academic journey in Psychology has provided her with a deep understanding of human behavior, enhancing her skills in client communication and problem-solving in her customer service roles. This combination of professional experience and psychological insight ensures that every client interaction is handled with empathy and professionalism.
Outside of her professional life, Joan is an avid sports enthusiast. She enjoys both watching and participating in sports, particularly those where athletes are recognized as the greatest in their fields. For Joan, observing these top-tier athletes is more than a pastime; it's a source of inspiration. She admires their work ethic, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, qualities she seeks to mirror in her own professional endeavors. These sports icons serve as role models for Joan, embodying the power of hard work and determination in achieving greatness, a philosophy she applies in her role as a Virtual Assistant.