From his routes as a resourceful, street-smart boy who offered to wash Jan Mølby’s car in return for a signed photo, to the prestigious role as Managing Director of Trustland Construction, the Sixth Form was privileged to hear and learn of Mr. Bagley’s experience and understand how uncertainty in one’s career path is not always a hindrance.
By M Cowan, Upper Sixth student
A dedicated family man, Jonathan Bagley’s journey has been punctuated with perseverance, optimism and a strong sense of determination, as his notable traits, such as ingenuity, were evidenced through his uncanny ability to earn his own way, even commenting he “took every opportunity to earn rather than learn”. From his first car to the ownership of Trustland, Mr. Bagley’s keen business acumen, through his ownership of a Haynes Manual to the refurbishment of the Trustland offices, former Club Captain and Chairman, and current management committee member of Championship Rugby side Caldy, has always been fervent to optimise productivity through all his ventures.
After finishing his A Levels at Calday Grammar School, but clueless to his future path, Jonathan undertook a brief role in the banking industry on Dale Road, Liverpool, before transitioning to a more hands on Job as a Trench Digger, although he began by accidentally refilling the trench he was digging. However, he was still unsure of where he was heading. Jonathan soon progressed through the ranks alongside furthering himself by attending Birkenhead Tech college in the evenings, where his preferred subject was Criminal Law. Following his success at Birkenhead Tech, Mr. Bagley proceeded to further his Legal Studies at University.
Despite this, Mr. Bagley still had great uncertainties surrounding his future, so he returned to his work in construction in order to support his new family. At last, at the age of 32, Jonathan had finally decided that his path was laid in construction management. In the years that followed, Jonathan was involved in the Construction of the Imperial War Museum in Liverpool, the refurbishment of John Lennon Airport, and with Uni Lever refurbishments. In 2018, alongside his business partner Dave Leatt, out of a desire to save Trustland, Jonathan acquired full control of the business and became a 50% shareholder.
Mr. Bagley continued to build an evolved and modern Trustland through 3 key pillars: Inspiration, Dedication and Responsibility. In his role as Managing Director, Jonathan has supported Local charities through fundraising and devotion with Trustland offering inspiration to local children and has helped grow their understanding of Biodiversity and sustainable practices. Mr. Bagley taught us not to be afraid of our uncertainties, that apart from committing to a life of crime, not deciding at all is the worst thing for our futures, and that to reach our goals work and dedication to those goals is crucial. Jonathan Bagley’s journey truly shows how “a Stumbling Block to a Pessimist is a Stepping Stone to an Optimist” (Elenor Roosevelt). So, we must always try to “be the Person you would want to do business with!”