46 | Leading the way in plumbing in the Bay Part of the nationwide O’Briens network, which has expanded from 7 to 14 branches in the past decade, O’Briens Hawke’s Bay operates as an independent local business O’Briens Plumbing & Bathroomware Hastings T T Kelly Deeks CONTRACTING A commitment to customer care, technical expertise, and competitive pricing has set O’Briens Plumbing and Bathroomware Hastings apart as one of Hawke’s Bay’s most trusted plumbing and bathroom specialists. Co-owners Mark Liley and Alister Poulgrain have built their business around service, reliability, and value, combining trade expertise with a design-focused retail showroom that caters to both professionals and homeowners. E leven years after opening their Hastings branch, the pair continues to grow their team, expand services, and lead the way in delivering practical, stylish, and affordable plumbing solutions. Part of the nationwide O’Briens network, which has expanded from 7 to 14 branches in the past decade, O’Briens Hawke’s Bay operates as an independent local business. This gives Mark and Alister the flexibility to make decisions that benefit their customers — from maintaining competitive pricing to investing in new technology and design trends. “We’ve built our business on looking after our customers and making sure we provide value,” Mark says. “Being part of a franchise gives us buying power, but we operate like a local business — we can make decisions that directly benefit our customers here in Hawke’s Bay.” Mark says the business’s strength lies in its ability to serve both the plumbing trade and retail market under one roof. Plumbers remain the main customer base, supported by a well-equipped showroom offering a full range of bathroom, kitchen, and laundry products for both trade and retail customers. “Our plumbers are the backbone of our business,” he says. “But our showroom also gives us a way to reach homeowners and retail customers, which keeps things interesting and helps us stay connected to the community.” The Hastings showroom has become known for its knowledgeable staff and personalised service. Managed by Maria Harlan, who has more than 20 years of industry experience, the four-person showroom team brings over 60 years of combined knowledge in plumbing and interiors. They provide free in-store consultations to help customers plan, check fittings, and refine designs — from small renovations to full new builds. Mark says the team can guide customers on everything from layouts to product choice. “Our staff have the experience to make any project run smoothly. Whether it’s a small bathroom or a full home renovation, we can give customers the confidence to get it right the first time.” To better support trade customers, the business has invested heavily in technology, upgrading systems to integrate with software such as Simpro and Fergus. “Trade customers need speed and accuracy,” Mark says. “Our systems make ordering simple and ensure everyone gets exactly what they need, when they need it.” Alongside its trade supply, the Hastings showroom displays a wide selection of bathroom furniture and fittings from Plumbline, Corona, St. Michel, Robertson, and Aqva. Mark says coloured tapware, brushed metals, and timber finishes are in high demand. “People want options and individuality in their homes now, and we make sure we can provide it — without breaking the budget, “Mark says. “Our focus has always been consistency, experience, and loyalty. We’ll keep adapting to meet the needs of our customers while staying affordable and high quality.” “Our focus has always been consistency, experience, and loyalty. We’ll keep adapting to meet the needs of our customers while staying affordable and high quality.” STEP INTO AN WITH ATLANTIS Find us in store at or visit us online –
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