MARK Lawlor has tried his hand at a few things in his 23 years.

After a boiler maker apprenticeship three years ago and a managerial position at CG welding, he is now three months into his latest career venture.

Mr Lawlor, along with his new wife Megan, has taken over Warwick Awnings and Blinds on Palmerin St with business partner Justin Free.

The pair bought it from previous owners Barry and Ruth Hunt and Mr Lawlor said so far, the business was doing well.

"It's busy enough for me," he said.

"It was a bit quiet in the first month but it's going alright now."

Constructing patios, installing vertical blinds, putting in security for windows and doors, along with various awnings, are among the services the business offers.

Mr Lawlor does "a bit of installing" himself on the patios and employs three people.

"I've got a fitter for all the patios and I've got a bloke in the shed and Sharon in the office for administrative things," he said.

"When we do patios, I go with the fitter and help him with that.

"The patio stuff is pretty straightforward and I've done building before - I'm more familiar with that than the blinds side of things."

His wife Megan, who is an English and Japanese teacher at Warwick State High School, also pops into the business after work to "answer the phone".

With the days getting warmer, Mr Lawlor said bookings for patios were on the rise.

"We've had a lot more quotes for patio jobs, they're a big thing in the summer," he said. "Once the days start getting longer and people aren't getting home in the dark, they want to sit outside for a while.

Then in winter that's basically the quieter side of things, because no-one likes being outside in the cold."

The other service Mr Lawlor has found to be popular is security windows and doors. Security is a big thing at the moment," he said.

"People want to leave their windows open and not worry (about break ins). We install security screens and doors."

Mr Lawlor said he has a strong work ethos when it comes to running his own business.

"You've got to be prompt and you can't leave people hanging around," he said. "It's got to be good service. If you can't get somewhere, tell the customer.

People are pretty understanding and (it's better) to tell them you can't get there, instead of not going at all."

Warwick Awnings and Blinds, at 94 Palmerin St, is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Anyone wanting a quote can call the office on 4661 1897.