From Groundworker to Excavator Operator and Social Media Star: The Inspiring Journey of Blerim Romaku

Blerim Romaku’s story is one of passion, dedication and loyalty. Originally from Kosovo, Blerim moved to the UK in 2008 where he attended Kingston College, before beginning his career as a Groundworker. Today, he operates some of the most advanced machinery in the field with MIDA Civils, all while growing a substantial presence on social media.

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Expertise

Blerim’s journey began with no formal experience in plant operations. Over time, he capitalised on training and opportunities to hone his skills, and has grown into a highly skilled plant operator. He now has over a decade of experience operating machines, from Komatsu and JCB through to Hitachi and Volvo – with a special fondness for the GPS-equipped equipment he has used over the last five years.

“I love driving a machine,” he shares, his passion still evident after 14 years in the industry. Having worked with only three companies during his career, Blerim’s loyalty and work ethic are clear. His latest role at MIDA came through his long-standing relationship with Fatmir Hafuzi, a Senior Contracts Manager at MIDA. “I’ve worked alongside Fatmir for many years,” Blerim explains, a testament to his dedication to the people and projects that have shaped his career.

Currently, Blerim operates the brand new Hitachi ZX135US-7-MN Medium Excavator for MIDA, where he finds immense satisfaction in his work. Despite the inherent dangers of plant operation, particularly when dealing with excavation, Blerim emphasises the importance of trust and safety on the job. “You need to be gentle and have trust in the people around you on site,” he notes, underscoring the collaborative and precise nature of his role.

A Day in the Life of a Machine Operator

Blerim’s workday begins early – his alarm going off at 5.00am to ensure he arrives on-site by 7.00am. His meticulous nature is reflected in how he maintains his machine, spending time cleaning and preparing it for work.

While operating heavy machinery is physically demanding, Blerim doesn’t see an end in sight for his career. “Forever,” he says when asked how long he plans to continue as a machine operator. His passion for his work is enduring, fueled by both his love for machines and the satisfaction of completing jobs to a high-standard.

Building a Social Media Following

Beyond his day job, Blerim has built an impressive online following, with over 30,000 followers across multiple platforms. He began growing his following in 2021, and his content quickly gained traction when Hitachi Construction Machinery and Earthmovers Magazine began liking and sharing his posts.

Blerim posts once a week and frequently updates his Instagram stories, engaging his audience with behind-the-scenes content from project sites. He finds social media enjoyable rather than demanding, viewing it as a creative outlet to share his work. “I enjoy taking photos,” he emphasises.

Blerim has even received gifts from construction-related brands and has been approached for potential paid partnerships. However, Blerim prefers to keep things light and enjoyable – choosing unpaid collaborations to maintain an honest and genuine outlook from his social media posts.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

Blerim’s growing presence on social media is proof of the power of niche influencers. He encourages his colleagues to join in and share their work online, noting that several of his friends in the industry also post regularly. With a steadily growing audience and a genuine love for his work and online content creation, Blerim is setting an example of how professionals in any industry can excel at their job and help to enhance their own, and their company’s brand.