The CS Roofing operations manager had been nominated as a finalist to receive the national roofing industry’s prestigious excellence award.
Mr Harris said despite knowing he had been nominated for the award, he refused to be "cocky" about the possibility of winning it.
But he was "over the moon" when he heard his name announced.
The half-hour Zoom interview with the two judges was the most gruelling part of the process.
"I’m not good with that sort of stuff. I haven’t had a job interview in 22 years."
Mr Harris joined the industry at 17 years old and became a business partner of CS Roofing Southland in 2022.
He felt the award was good recognition for the passion and dedication he had for the job.
"It’s a job that I’ve always liked. I’ve never not liked coming to work, so to get recognised for excellence in the industry in a job you enjoy being in means quite a lot."
He understood it was a close finish for the three finalists but it was the interview that pushed him over the finish line.
Judges announced Mr Harris had a lot to be proud of in the 22 years he had been in the industry.
Some of the criteria checked by awards judges included quality of workmanship, leadership and character.
He had earned a reputation for being a modest person and one who got on with what needed to be done, without feeling the need to "blow his own trumpet".
"His work ethic... coupled with his vast knowledge of roofing make him an ideal role model for our younger installers and trainers," the judges said.
It was the first time the award had come to a Southland business.
- By Toni McDonald
