Building success Brick by Brick

An interview with Ismael Micallef,
Proprietor of IM Contractors

IM Contractors have established themselves in a relatively short period of time as one of Malta’s most valid service providers for electrical, plumbing, mechanical and drainlaying installations; and for general turnkey contracting.

Ismael Micallef, the proud owner of – and force behind IM Contractors, is a testament to the staying power of ambition, self-belief, and hard work. At just 26 years old, he has already established himself as a highly reputable independent contractor within the construction industry, with a thriving business that has been operating for six successful years.

Ismael’s journey into entrepreneurship began at the tender age of 20. Prior to venturing out on his own, fresh out of senior school, he spent four years working in the construction field, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills under the employment of others.

Ismael’s drive, thirst for knowledge and his hands-on experience have served as his greatest teachers. “As soon as I had completed my scholastic education, I was eager to enter the workforce in the construction field. I just knew it was the way forward for me,” he explained.

Driven by ambition and a strong belief in his abilities, Ismael made the bold decision to start his own business. It was a leap of faith: one that was not meticulously planned but which was fuelled by his sheer determination and passion for build. Fortunately, he found unwavering support from his girlfriend and family, who stood by him as he embarked on this new chapter of his life. Today, his girlfriend has become his long-term partner, with whom he has a young child. As his relationships and his family continue to evolve, so does Ismael’s journey as a business owner.

Ismael’s journey into entrepreneurship began at the tender age of 20

IM Contractors specialises in a wide range of services, including turnkey solutions, tiling, plumbing, electrical work, and building alterations. Ismael prides himself on delivering high-quality workmanship and personalised service to every client. To ensure the success of each project, he collaborates with trusted subcontractors for specialised tasks, relying on their expertise to complement his own.

Despite the recent changes in the construction industry regulations, Ismael remains unfazed. “I always took my work seriously and wanted to do it as professionally as physically and humanly possible, so the regulations are just formalising what I always did. For this reason, they did not really impact my operations,” he explained.

IM Contractors has a wide and varied portfolio of clients, ranging from governmental to residential and commercial ones. Among the company’s most recent projects is the Tlettax ta’ Dicembru

Marsa Gardens – a large development carried out on behalf of the government, which included the creation of sleeves for electrical and plumbing services.

“the regulations are just formalising what I always did. For this reason, they did not really impact my operations”

Other recent projects headed by Ismael include a 25- apartment block in Sliema, facade restoration in Zabbar and Mgarr, works on gardens and outdoor areas involving lighting and the passage of water pipes and drains, and several apartment blocks in Malta and Gozo.

Additionally, 2024 is looking very good for IM Contractors, with a number of houses of character in the company’s project pipeline. “This year looks likeit’s going to bring on plenty of old-school traditional work, which can be more challenging in some ways,” Ismael stated. The line-up for 2025 will also see IM Contractors work on a boutique hotel in Mgarr, a villa in Marsascala, a hotel in Bormla and a government garden in Zebbug.

One of the biggest challenges Micallef faces is finding the right staff to support his company’s growth. As a hands-on leader who is involved in every aspect of the business, he sets high standards for his employees and subcontractors alike. However, he remains committed to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for professional development within his company. The company currently employs four full-timers, two plumbers and two electricians.

“IM Contractors is equipped to handle a wide range of tasks with the utmost of proffesionalism”

In addition to skilled manpower, Micallef invests in high quality equipment to ensure the efficiency and precision of his work andthereliability of his output performance. From coring tools to infrared cameras for detecting leaks, IM Contractors is equipped to handle a wide range of tasks with the utmost of professionalism.

“Transparency and customer satisfaction remain at the core of IM Contractors’ business philosophy,” Ismael stressed, adding that he believes in keeping his clients informed every step of the way, from providing detailed invoices to collaborating closely with their architects. By tailoring his approach to meet each client’s unique needs and preferences, Micallef has earned a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in the construction industry.

Clients appreciate both the price guarantee and the transparency

Aware of the unstable prices for construction materials,due to the global economic situation, Ismael keeps sufficient stock for the jobs he has committed to. “This means that if prices go up, between the job confirmation and the actual implementation, I am able to retain the originally quoted price for the client,” he explained, with satisfaction.

“Specifically for this I request a deposit for large jobs, as this enables me to buy the material immediately at the quoted price. I then pass on both the original invoice and the material, for the client to keep material until the works start,” he added, noting that clients appreciate both the price guarantee and the transparency.

As IM Contractors continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant: Ismael Micallef’s unwavering commitment to excellence. With his passion, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit, he is building a legacy that will stand the test of time, one brick at a time.