Housing Sector chairperson Steven Peluso has been pragmatic in his life and career. As managing director of Peluso Woods Group and Master Menders, he works closely alongside his business partner Peter Woods. Under the Master Menders banner they provide building services to bodies corporate, commercial and industrial facilities managers and corporate insurers. Master Menders specialises in builder liquation, defect and incomplete works. They also build new homes, industrial, commercial fit-outs and renovations, small bathrooms to large renovations, land subdivisions, and commercial and domestic unit developments.

Steven started working in the building industry at a very young age doing framing but when work dried up, he took a job in car repairs. He later returned to working in the building industry, getting a carpentry apprenticeship working with some of Australia’s largest domestic builders as part of a framing crew for Henley Homes, Simonds and AV Jennings, just to name a few.

After a scaffolding accident Steven decided he wanted to “get off the tools” and explore work in property management and development.

Steven has been self employed since 1991 and over the past 22 years has developed both residential and commercial projects, mainly in Melbourne’s south east and broadened to insurance rectification works.

“By trying other avenues in my career, it’s given me great broad industry knowledge, and it’s made me who I am,” Steven says.

Master Menders have been members of Master Builders since 1994. Steven’s work with Master Builders as a committee and board member has allowed him to make connections and further develop his understanding of all facets of the building industry.

“Being on the committee has given me an insight into building legislation changes and now being a board member provides me with an opportunity to be an advocate on the proposed industry changes on an intermediate level, promoting a more consistent and regulated industry that will continue to prosper,” Steven explains.

“It has given me a great, broad picture of the industry and allows me to meet builders and personalities I wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to meet.”

Steven served as a judge on the Master Builder awards committee for 10 years, resigning from the panel at the end of last year due to work commitments. He is also an active member of the Australian Waterproofing Association committee and is on the Board for the St Kilda Community Housing for the Homeless.