For William “JoJo” Fray, building Bermuda has always been a family affair.
Growing up on Cedar Hill in Warwick, Mr Fray recalls admiring his father and uncle’s work throughout his childhood.
These men were strong influences on young JoJo, instilling a drive to succeed that became a key building block in his rewarding career in the construction industry.
It all started quite close to home.
“My career started in my backyard. At age 15, I made stepping stones with my father and brother, Warren ‘Johnnie’ Fray. Depending on the season and weather, we would get up early mornings before school and make 10 to 20 stepping stones a day.
“Initially, we didn’t have a concrete mixer, so we mixed the concrete in a wheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow would make two stones, so we had to do five patches of concrete in the morning before I went to school.
“After school, I would strip the stones to make more when my father came home from work. We were pushing out 20 stones a day.”
Laying the foundations
On weekends, the brothers would visit construction sites to help their father lay those stones at places such as hospital and Landmark Condos in Whale Bay.
“In addition, I started working summers with my father at Burland, Conyers and Marirea. That was over 44 years ago. I ended up working for them for three consecutive summers, and three full years when I graduated from high school.”
Having completed Warwick Secondary School with designs on becoming an accountant, the world was at young William’s feet – but there’s an undeniable pull for some people, and building was definitely in this young man’s blood!
“I was born and raised in the industry,” he said. “My father was a foreman for BCM for years. Watching him work and seeing the projects he helped come to life inspired me. I originally wanted to be an accountant, but quickly realised the office world is not for me. I am more a hands-on guy who loves to bring people’s dreams to fruition.”
Honing a craft
Mr Fray returned to the family calling, where he would master the art of masonry.
“At 21, after leaving BCM, I started working with my Uncle Jimmy Fray. He had a small construction company called J&J Construction. It was under his tutelage and guidance, that I mastered my trade. For example, he taught me how to build Bermuda’s unique fireplaces, the art of plastering, how to install windows and doors, how to pitch a roof, and much more.”
As his experience gathered, his wings would eventually start to develop as well:
“Later, I worked for Bermuda Tech, Terry Griffiths, for a few years, to put my acquired skills into practice on a variety of small to large projects.
“With the confidence and skills I gained from these experiences, I decided to start my own business. A business that I have successfully sustained for over 20 years.”
Family firm
Now 58, Mr Fray beams with pride when he talks about his family construction firm, W Fray Construction.
“W Fray Construction is a small family operated firm that specialises in residential work, new builds, or renovations. We have also done commercial work. We have been in business for over 20 years. We pride ourselves in providing our customers with top class work. My father always said to us ‘If you are not going to do it right, leave it alone’. I have carried that motto throughout my entire career.”
Discipline, work ethic, pride and world-class skill – these are the hallmarks of Bermudian builders. William ‘JoJo’ Fray has these qualities in spades, and he also keeps humility in his tool bag too!
“Having the opportunity to develop and enhance the Bermuda landscape means a lot to me. Bermuda has a traditional way of building that is unique to our country only.
“Our buildings are built with a form and function that serve a purpose. Not only are they capable of withstanding storms, but our white roofs also collect the water we need to survive. Very few places in the world have buildings as colorful as ours that successfully serve these functions.”
There’s a love for Bermuda’s endemic architectural heritage here, and an awareness that our skills are rare in the construction world. The Fray family story makes a lot of sense in this context, where the construction standards are unique and traditions are passed down through the generations.
Building a legacy
If it’s up to JoJo, the Fray name will be relevant in Bermuda’s construction industry for many centuries to come.
“As long as I’m able to work, the future for W Fray Construction is to continue to provide good service and excellent work for our clients. Last summer I had my 15-year-old nephew, Chase Morton, working with me – he is interested in learning the trade. Hopefully, the legacy continues.”
Hope for the future is an indelible product of pride in the past. Mr Fray’s pride in helping create several Bermudian landmarks is almost palpable.
“During my time working for BCM as a labourer, I helped build The Imperial Building and Westmeath.
“In addition, I have also worked on projects with D&J Construction. Under them, I worked on Victoria Place and Point House, to name a few. When needed, they often call me in to ply my trade.”
These are instantly recognisable landmarks for most Bermudians, and a rightful source of pride and inspiration for JoJo, and the Fray family.
Mr Fray values family highly and acknowledges their role in his development as a Bermudian builder at every turn.
“Construction has been good to me,” he said. “Over the years, I have learned from the best: names such as my father, William ‘Big Red’ Fray, and my uncle James ‘Jimmy’ Fray. I say thank you to them for inspiring me to continue to develop my craft, and for instilling in me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone 20 years ago to start my own business.”
