70 | Award recognises drive, determination Sue Russell The Drainage Department’s Sam and Zennor Arundel with the 2022 New Zealand Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer of the Year award. To succeed in any business requires a broad sweep of skills and traits and probably top of the list is drive and determination, especially in the early, pioneering years. Sam Arundel, of Mt Maunganui-based The Drainage Department Ltd has those two qualities in bucket-loads. For proof, one need only look at what he and wife Zennor have accomplished since establishing the business in 2018, growing it from a one digger, one operator company to a team of six, including aspiring apprentices and with leading-edge equipment. According to Zennor, Sam has always aspired to work as a plumber and drainlayer and to achieve this he not only completed an apprenticeship in plumbing first but then committed four more years to become a certified drainlayer. “I really admire the way Sam set himself these goals, working during the day while completing his studies at night. He is a very determined person who sets himself goals and gets on achieving them,” says Zennor. This year, not surprisingly, Sam’s grit and achievements to date have been recognised within the industry. He’s been named the 2022 New Zealand Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer of the Year at the annual awards held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on June 17. “I think it is really great that he gets this accolade from his peers. It reflects on the team as well and I hope it will inspire our apprentices to achieve great things.” When the couple started The Drainage Department Ltd they had nothing. Zennor says she remembers just how proactive Sam was in seeking out guidance and doing everything he could to build the business, whose reputation has grown through word-of-mouth and by delivering top quality service. Prior to starting the business then Sam had worked in various drainage roles. Zennor remembers when Sam realised that he could go out on his own, given these experiences. “Starting your own business takes a leap of faith because you have responsibilities to bring in income for your family and to create enough work to take on more staff over time.” “I think it is really great that he gets this accolade from his peers. It reflects on the team as well and I hope it will inspire our apprentices to achieve great things.” Sam’s vision for the business was to firstly provide a fantastic service and to also change people’s perception of Drainlaying as a trade and service. “One of the things about drainlaying and plumbing is that people don’t see the work once it is covered up so its hard to show in the public arena just how skilful the work is. I know that Sam ensures every job he and the team do is performed to the highest possible standards; it’s important to him that happens on every job.” There’s also a stigma associated with drainlaying in particular as an occupation Zennor says and one of their aims is to modernise the look and feel by presenting a youthful image and approach. “Sam is constantly contributing his energy to mentoring and guiding his team. Through his hard work and dedication he has created a business that offers a platform for employees to learn, aspire and hone their drainlaying skills.” With her graphic design/social media background Zennor is able to contribute her skills and energy, while looking after a young family, into branding and messaging around the values and professionalism of the business. “We’ve looked carefully at branding, engaging in social media to put our values and service offering out to the public. Sam wanted the business to showcase modern drainlaying and encourage a change of perception,” Zennor explains. Having received this high recognition from the industry Zennor says Sam is still committed to constantly up-skilling and researching new equipment. “He’s always encouraging his staff and thinks about them as individuals and what he can offer them.” CONTRACTING The Drainage Department Ltd DO IT ONCE, DO IT RIGHT Buy Marley OPTIM® DWV pipe and fittings from Zip Plumbing Plus Mt Maunganui Transform your dreams into reality High quality building projects in the Bay of Plenty 0274 692 357 info@transformconstruction.co.nz www.transformconstruction.co.nz
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