Motacus Builders Merchants (MBM) has become a trusted name in supplying quality construction materials, backed by experience, dedication, and a passion for helping projects succeed. At the heart of it is Silviu Motac, who grew up immersed in the construction industry and helped build MBM from the ground up. In this interview, Silviu shares his journey, lessons learned, and insights into the ever-evolving world of construction.
⸻
Q: Can you introduce yourself and share what led you into the construction industry?
I’m Silviu Motac, Manager at Motacus Builders Merchants. I grew up in my family’s construction company, helping out wherever I could from the age of around 14. When we decided to extend and diversify our business into the builders’ merchants sector, it felt natural for me to take on this challenge and help build this business from the ground up, alongside the support of the construction company and my family. I’ve always been fascinated by materials and logistics — the way the right choice can make a project stronger, and how good planning and coordination can ensure its successful delivery.
⸻
Q: What is the philosophy or mission that drives your company or your personal work?
At MBM, our mission is simple: to help clients bring their projects to life with the right materials and advice. We focus on trust, quality, and long-term relationships, because a well-built project is only as good as the people behind it.
⸻
Q: If someone had never heard of your company, how would you describe what you do in just one sentence?
We provide construction materials and expert guidance to make building projects safer, stronger, and easier to complete, while reducing costs wherever possible.
⸻
Q: What are some common myths or misconceptions people have about construction work?
Many people think construction is just heavy lifting, but a lot of it is actually problem-solving and planning. One fact: choosing the right materials can completely change how long a building lasts or how much it costs to maintain.
⸻
Q: How would you explain your job to a 10-year-old?
I help people choose the right materials to build or fix things — like houses or sheds — and make sure they get everything they need on time.
⸻
Q: What role do technology, sustainability, or innovation play in modern construction?
Technology and innovation make building faster and smarter, while sustainable practices help projects last longer and reduce their impact on the planet. Using eco-friendly materials isn’t just good for the environment — it often makes buildings stronger too.
⸻
Q: What current trends in construction should the general audience know about?
Right now, sustainable building is huge — using materials that are better for the environment. Modular construction is another big one: parts of a building are made off-site and assembled quickly, saving time and reducing waste. Smart home technology is also growing, making everyday life easier and more efficient.
⸻
Q: Can you share three practical insights or tips from your field that the audience could apply in everyday life — maybe even for DIY or home improvement?
Here are three tips I always share:
1. Plan before you start. Even a small DIY project goes smoother if you know what materials and tools you need.
2. Quality matters. Choosing the right material can save you time and money in the long run.
3. Measure twice, cut once. It sounds simple, but careful measuring is the key to avoiding mistakes and frustration.
⸻
Q: Have you had an “aha moment” or a turning point in your career that completely changed how you approach projects?
My “aha moment” came when I realised how much smoother projects run with clear communication and proper planning from the start. Choosing the right materials early on, being flexible when changes come up, and ordering ahead of time help make sure all materials are delivered when they are needed. This makes a huge difference, cutting costs on-site while also reducing unnecessary stress.
⸻
Q: Who or what inspires you the most in your work, and why?
I’m inspired by the great team I work with and the strong relationships we build with our clients. Having a supportive, reliable team makes every challenge easier to tackle, and seeing how our efforts help customers get the job done right is really motivating. Good teamwork and mutual respect make every day rewarding and drive me to keep improving.
⸻
Q: What has been your biggest challenge in the construction industry, and how did you overcome it?
One big challenge is managing unexpected problems — delays, supply issues, or changes mid-project. I’ve learned that staying flexible, keeping clear communication with clients, and having backup solutions are key to turning challenges into successes.
⸻
Q: If someone wanted to start a career in construction today, what advice would you give them?
Be curious, ask questions, and get hands-on experience whenever you can. That’s something I actually missed early on. Every project teaches you something new, and practical knowledge is just as important as theory.
⸻
Q: Looking back, is there a project or achievement that you’re most proud of?
Looking back, I’d say helping grow the business from scratch is my proudest achievement. We took on this challenge just before the pandemic, with limited stock and lots of uncertainty, so it was very tough. The first few years were difficult, but over the last six years, we’ve grown our stock and relationships with many suppliers and buying groups, acquired valuable know-how, improved processes and logistics, increased turnover, and strengthened relationships with our customers. This was all done with a small but driven team, and seeing how we pulled together, supported each other, and made all of this happen has been incredibly rewarding.
⸻
Q: How important are collaboration and community in your projects? Can you share an example?
Collaboration and community are really important to our builders’ merchant. A lot of our clients are from the Romanian community, and the business and recommendations we get from them have been amazing. Without that collaboration and sense of community, it would have been a very different story for our business.
⸻
Q: Since joining LinkedEvents, what has pleasantly surprised you or inspired new ideas?
It made me realise how important digital materials and online presence are. We need to develop more digital content and improve our marketing online and on social media.
⸻
Q: If you could leave the audience with one message about construction, building, or innovation, what would it be?
The right materials, careful planning, and teamwork can turn any project into something remarkable. Building isn’t just construction — it’s about creating spaces that last, work well, and bring people together.
⸻
Closing Thoughts
From his early start in his family’s construction business to managing a fast-growing builders’ merchant, Silviu Motac has shown that passion, planning, and teamwork can transform challenges into opportunities. Motacus Builders Merchants continues to build its reputation on reliability, quality, and a commitment to helping clients bring their visions to life — one project at a time.
