A Believer.
A Builder.
A Helper.

Who Am I

A Husband, Father, Builder — and Someone Who’s Been Through It

My name is Brendan McCauley. I was born on 3rd February 1973 in Craigavon, Co. Armagh. I’m a loving husband and a father who loves to spend time with family and get lost in music — you’ll often find me playing drums in a band or behind the decks as a DJ.

I’ve been in the construction business for most of my professional life, currently working in the power and utilities sector. I’m a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Building. And I’ve been through many ups and downs — professionally, financially, personally — and I’ve never stopped growing because of them. I’ve grown because of them.

That experience — all of it — is what drives me to help others find their own version of forward.

The Early Years

Started With a Football, a Fishing Rod, and a Lot of Energy

I started at St. Malachy’s Primary School, where I was part of the most successful school football team in Northern Ireland in 1984. We won everything that year — good early lesson in what a strong team can achieve.

I went on to Coleraine Academical Institution from 1984 to 1991, where rugby became my sport. We made it to the Schools’ Medallion Cup Final at Ravenhill, Belfast — lost by three points to our great rivals, Method. Still stings. But it taught me about competition, preparation, and how to lose well.

My first paid job was selling the local newspaper, The Chronicle, outside the shops every Thursday from the age of 12. My first major purchase with the proceeds? A fishing rod for £20. Financial independence, even then, mattered to me.

I studied Information Management at Queen’s University Belfast from 1991 to 1994 — IT, Business, Project Management and Systems. That foundation in how organisations actually work has been valuable ever since.

The Turning Point

I Left Ireland for a Year and Came Back a Different Person

From September 1997 to August 1998, I travelled. Different countries, different people, different ways of seeing the world. It changed me permanently. I discovered that talking to strangers is not a risk — it’s one of the most valuable things you can do. I came back knowing that the career path ahead wasn’t just about earning. It had to mean something.

In September 1998 I started my career in a construction company. I moved to Dublin in 2000, then to a smaller company in 2002 where I saw real growth potential. By June 2004 I was a senior manager. Six-figure salary. Five-figure bonuses. Everything the system tells you to aim for.

“I was earning well and spending freely — but I was giving more of my time to work than to the people who actually mattered.”

When It All Changed

The Recession Hit. Then Dubai. Then Bankruptcy.

2008 changed everything. The economic recession hit construction hardest. I had a mortgage, three kids, school fees, loans and debts. I found a job in Dubai — but the recession followed me there too. Back in Ireland with no job, I started my own limited company and at peak employed 50 staff on multiple construction projects. But clients couldn’t pay. The recession ground on. More debt.

Eventually I was working for an Irish company based in the UK, living away from home, long hours, no rest. Legacy debts still following me. Creditors calling. I was technically doing fine on paper. I was burning out in reality.

I remembered what actually mattered. I was missing my wife Tamara and my three daughters. I was missing life.

“Hard work does not always equate to success. I had worked hard for years and was still in the same spot — except more tired.”

I spoke to my employer. I asked for remote working. They agreed. That single conversation was a pivotal moment — it reminded me that asking for what you need is not weakness. Within two weeks, we moved home. And everything started to shift.

Shortly after, I filed for bankruptcy. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done — and one of the most freeing. It forced me to start again properly. To rebuild — not just financially, but as a person.

The Real Brendan

Beyond the CV

The Journey Continues

Personal Development Changed Everything

After the reset, I threw myself into personal development with renewed purpose. Training, reading, coaching, reflecting. I started applying new thinking to my work — and seeing real results. I realised the thing I was best at, and cared most about, was helping others grow.

That realisation became YouVersion2 — a platform and community built for people like me. Construction and infrastructure professionals who’ve given years to the job, but somewhere along the way lost touch with what makes them tick. People who are ready for their next version.

“The crux of my story is this: if you trust yourself and believe in yourself, you can overcome whatever has been holding you back. I never gave up. And I won’t ever.”

I’ve learned too many lessons not to share them. I might have some answers to your questions. I definitely have some of the same questions you’re asking right now.

Let’s learn together. Become You, Version 2.