| 55 T T Rosa Watson A combination of passions Most of the company’s work is outdoor renovations and landscaping projects. Sole Landscapes CONTRACTING Starting a landscaping business was a combination of passions for Jono Sole – a love of the outdoors and desire to help people. He started Sole Landscapes in 2015 after having grown up in the industry. His Dad had owned a landscaping company for nearly 20 years. “I did quite a lot of school holiday work. At that time, I never wanted to be a landscaper.” However, after completing some landscaping projects for mates in his adult years, he decided it was a good option. “It evolved from that to where it is now,” he told Business Central. And where it is now is a large company that covers the wider Wellington and Wairarapa regions with up to 24 staff. “Landscaping was probably just a by-product of something I knew, and I had a bit of a passion for landscaping and the natural environment.” The company’s services cover construction, outdoor extensions, earthworks, restricted access solutions and soft landscaping. They have built poolside areas, retaining walls, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor entertaining spaces. While 95 per cent of the company’s work was in residential properties, they had also completed playgrounds and school landscaping projects, Jono said. They were currently looking more at commercial opportunities, exploring council-based projects such as developing public spaces and playgrounds, Jono said. “The size of our team, we’ve probably got the ability to juggle a few things.” He said landscaping had evolved significantly since the early days of the company, with more of a focus on natural materials. “People want to have more of a sanctuary at home, rather than a quick fix. There’s far more consideration in what they want their landscaping to be. “Seventy-five per cent of people really want to have a nice garden, but they don’t want to spend all their time in there. That definitely lends to more native-themed planting solutions.” Environment, terrain and “lay of the land” were all factors in landscape design, Jono said. This was particularly true in the Wellington region. “You have to be pretty flexible with things because they don’t always plan out like they were meant to.” He said the key was making sure everyone was on the same page from a budget perspective. “It’s about being realistic and upfront with clients before starting.” Most of the company’s work was in existing outdoor renovations, however in the Wairarapa they were seeing more landscaping projects on the back of new house builds and had developed connections with established building companies. They also work with a pool installation company based in Lower Hutt. Jono said landscaping fitted with his passion for helping people. “For me it was always about finding an avenue in which I can help people.” This included his staff, and he was always looking to grow the business and provide staff with a variety of opportunities. “If there’s an opportunity in which we can create more opportunities for those guys then we are open to exploring it. “I don’t want to sit still and not have opportunities for the next person, which in turn leads them to putting their best foot forward. “We pride ourselves in having a good culture and looking after the people we employ.” The company mostly hired people new to the industry and allowed them to grow from there. “We have a bottom-up mentality. We’re trying to bring people through who are willing to learn and go through the stages. “We haven’t brought many people into the business at a senior level. It’s not something we intended to do, but as a consequence works out really well.” He is on the board of Registered Master Landscapers NZ that has been looking into creating pathways into the industry. He said having a recognised qualification that was respected and better recognised across New Zealand would be beneficial for the industry and the consumer. Landscapers had a wide set of abilities, with skills in plumbing, horticulture, building and masonry. “Landscaping seems to touch across all those things.” It was that variety that made the industry great to work in. “Not every job is the same and you get to do a whole lot of things. I think it does make the job really interesting.” Your Local Wellington Registered Electricians Heatpumps & Central Heating | Testing & Tagging End to end Electrical work | Maintenance, Servicing & Repairs EV Charger Installations | CCTV & Security Systems | TV / Data 027 565 8389 duncan@elliottelectrical.co.nz www.elliottelectrical.co.nz Proudly Supporting Sole Landscapes With over 25 years experience in the brick and block laying trade, we provide workmanship second-to-none. Proud to work alongside Sole Landscapes 021 944 256 | foundationbricksandblocks@gmail.com Thanks for your email.... So sorry I thought I had replied... But message was in draft emails. I think the majority of ad content coul be taken fr m our website. https://www.ministryofplumbing.co.nz/ Key points I would like to see in our ad would be, shield logo 0800 number Areas serviced (can just be Servicing greater wellington area) Maybe No Cowboys logo is space permits? With green in as much of ad as possible, to t with website, and tag line "If water runs through it, we can do it!" Water is an essential service to your home. We bring water to your house and move wastewater and stormwater away. We protect your home from damage from the elements, and by fixing drips, leaks, and floods. Call us about water heating or if you want a new kitchen, bathroom or laundry renovation upgrade so you can enjoy your home more. Servicing the greater Wellington area including Porirua and the Hutt Valley for all plumbing emergencies, renovations, repairs and maintenance and more. IFWATER RUNS THROUGH IT, WE CAN DO IT! Proudly supporting Sole Landscapes 0800 MINISTRY (0800 64 64 78) | www.ministryofplumbing.co.nz
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