Originally from outside Dungannon, Portadown businesswoman Janine Campbell has carved a unique path in her educational and professional journey.
Janine’s academic foundation began at St. Patrick’s Academy Dungannon, where she developed a passion for subjects like History and English.
These interests initially sparked her dream of becoming a teacher during her secondary school years.
However, as Janine navigated her educational journey, she realised that teaching wasn’t her true calling.
This revelation led her to pursue a degree in Business Management at Leeds Metropolitan University, developing her skills and knowledge in a field that truly resonated with her ambitions.
Janine’s educational journey didn’t stop there. She further expanded her horizons by studying at Armagh Technical College and later at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia.
Speaking to UrbanABC, Janine said, “I finalised my degree in 2007 and spent a summer in Universal Studios Orlando.
“From there, I went to New York for three months, and on my return to the area in early 2008, there were very few opportunities for me, so I moved back to Leeds, where I moved around various positions, which I think helped me gain some valuable customer service skills.
“By the time the earthquake hit Christ Church in 2011, I was working with a construction company and felt my skill set would be suited for the earthquake recovery, so my partner and I headed to New Zealand for a year on a working holiday visa where I worked directly with Fletcher EQR onboarding and assisting tradespeople with documentation and Health & Safety”.
Following their time in Perth, Janine and her family relocated to south-east coast of Australia setting up home in Sydney, where they would spend the next decade. During this period, Janine established herself in the civil construction industry, taking on a role as a Business Operations Manager.
Her responsibilities were vast and varied, encompassing all aspects of the business.
She managed human resources, implemented and maintained ISO standards across three different areas, coordinated bids, and handled general administration tasks.
Her dedication and expertise played a crucial role in the success of the operations.
Eventually, Janine and her husband decided it was time to return home, with their three small children in tow.
With the economy at home showing signs of recovery, they felt a strong pull to be closer to family. Janine’s story reflects a common experience for many who faced job scarcity after the Global Financial Crisis, as she navigated the challenges of forced immigration and the desire for stability and support from loved ones.
With over 10 years of experience as a Business Operations Manager in the construction industry, Janine has navigated the challenges of being a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Balancing a demanding career with the responsibilities of raising three small children, Janine recognised the need for a flexible work schedule that would benefit both her and her family.
“As a female in construction it’s hard to progress in your career especially as I have 3 small children.
“I decided having a flexible schedule was what I needed for me and my family and hence began consulting for private clients and mentoring on the Go Succeed program.
“I really enjoy mentoring small businesses who often struggle to stay on top of the necessary administration within their businesses which can, on occasion, have serious implications for a business”.
Through her mentorship, Janine is committed to empowering entrepreneurs to streamline their operations and focus on growth.
Janine’s experience in the construction industry, combined with her passion for helping others, makes her a valuable resource for small business owners looking to thrive in a competitive landscape through her Portadown based KCF Counsulting.
Recently, Janine has taken her commitment to the industry a step further by assisting a local construction company in gaining ISO certification.
She is also in the process of renewing her NEBOSH qualification, showcasing her dedication to maintaining high standards in health and safety.
Additionally, she is offering business mentoring for Invest NI through the Go Succeed program, helping others navigate the complexities of the business world.
As any consultant will agree, the biggest challenge is finding the next project or job. Transitioning from mainstream employment to consultancy work in the construction industry was a significant leap, but one that has proven fulfilling.
Offering advise to anyone considering moving into the realms of self employment Janine says; “You should always have at least 6 months guaranteed work ahead of you. If your projects are coming to an end, it’s time to start networking, marketing and maybe considering adding new skills to your business offerings.
“I would also say keep your mind open about work alongside other consultants who’s skill set compliment yours”.
In her spare time, Janine owns a Pilates studio based in Portadown, specialising in Reformer Pilates. She is also an active member of her local community, participating in football with a local G4MO team.
This involvement highlights her dedication not only to her professional growth but also to fostering community connections.