84 | CONTRACTING Rouse Contracting Proud to Support Clyde Rouse Contracting NZ’SASSET FINANCE SPECIALISTS BRYAN LEA | 027 271 3579 | udc.co.nz T T Sue Russell Flexibility underpins firm’s growth Rouse Contracting specialises in a wide range of services, including rural earthworks, civil construction projects, subdivisions, general drainage, and house sites. “We’ve always maintained our business to operate very flexibly. We don’t stick to just one thing – our work tends to straddle residential, rural, and civil earthworks activities.” What started from “humble beginnings”, as owner Clyde Rouse describes it, has grown into a respected business known for delivering reliable, quality service across the South Waikato region. Established in 2014, Tokoroa-based Rouse Contracting Ltd now owns more than 30 pieces of plant equipment and employs a team of 12 staff – a size Clyde says works well for the scope and variety of projects the business undertakes. Rouse Contracting specialises in a wide range of services, including rural earthworks, civil construction projects, subdivisions, general drainage, and house sites. Under Clyde’s leadership, the business is very much family-oriented, with strong day-to-day involvement from family members. Son Keegan oversees the mechanical and building division, while daughter Hayley manages administration and marketing. Another son, Jaden, is a talented diesel mechanic, who maintains a close interest in the family business while working locally for Roundwood NZ. Behind the scenes, Clyde says wife Angela is his biggest supporter. More recently, the company welcomed project manager, Micky Aturiri, who brings many years of industry experience and now helps manage day-to-day operations on some of the company’s larger projects, supporting both clients and projects currently under construction. “When you have good people, it gives you the confidence to grow,” Clyde says. “We’ve always maintained our business to operate very flexibly. We don’t stick to just one thing – our work tends to straddle residential, rural, and civil earthworks activities.” A major focus for the business has been subdivision developments, which Clyde says the team particularly enjoys because of the broad range of work involved. “We’re involved in a large subdivision called Strathmore Park towards the southern end of Tokoroa.” The Strathmore Park development comprises more than 200 sections of varying sizes, and is expected to become a significant asset for the town and the wider South Waikato region. Clyde believes the level of subdivision activity in Tokoroa reflects a positive outlook from developers, and recognition of the town’s growth potential. “A local client approached me to do the work at Strathmore, which was wonderful. It’s been our main project this year and is expected to finish around July. “Because of this work, I’ve been able to invest in more equipment and employ more staff.” Clyde is particularly proud that his workforce is made up entirely of local people. “That’s important to support local as much as possible. It’s about demonstrating a commitment to seeing the town prosper over time. We also engage a full-time project manager, and two of my children work in the business as well.” Like many in the industry, Clyde says the past few years have presented challenges due to economic uncertainty. However, the majority of the company’s work continues to be focused around Tokoroa and the wider South Waikato region. He also takes pride in the fact that the Rouse name spans three generations in the town. “In smaller towns like Tokoroa, the history of a family business counts for something.” Clyde believes more should be done to encourage young people into the contracting industry, and is passionate about supporting the next generation. “At every opportunity, I’ll do my bit to help young people get into the industry. It’s a competitive space, but if you have the right attitude, pay attention to detail, and genuinely care about the quality of service you provide, you’ll go a long way.” He says versatility and reliability are key to building a strong reputation in the industry. “You’re only as good as your last job, and especially in a small town, maintaining standards, being available to clients and staying positive are all important.” Looking back on the journey so far, Clyde says he is proud of what has been achieved and especially pleased to see the next generation involved in the business. “I have plenty of support in the South Waikato. It’s a great region to live and work in.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=