42 | Skilled team offers support and advice The Trade division is a hive of activity, as trade customers access the products and support they need in their specific building discipline. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mitre 10 Waiuku T T Sue Russell Trade manager Craig Chambers has been associated with Mitre 10 Waiuku coming up 10 years, during a period when the company has continued to grow in scale under the leadership of owners Phil and Narissa Baird. Craig understands that the products, services and depth of advice he and the team offer customers is important in contributing to the overall development of the town and surrounding districts, and it’s a responsibility he takes seriously. The Trade division is a hive of activity, as trade customers access the products and support they need in their specific building discipline. “It’s the best way for tradies to organise what they need,” says Craig. “We supply everything from concrete slabs, to your letterbox, backed up with all the advice on specifications provided by our suppliers. Our team are also continually training up on new product technologies, because we want to see our customers well supported, walking out the door with exactly what they want and knowing how to use it.” He says the Trade division caters just as much for renovations as it does for new builds, and he gives the kitchen and bathroom design services as examples of supporting homeowners to find renovation solutions to fit their lifestyle and budget. “The DIY market is thriving, especially we’ve noticed since Covid years, where people looked towards improving their own patch and way of life.” Mitre 10 Waiuku also offers customers in lifestyle and rural situations a pole/farm shed design and supply service. “We’ll work up a no-nonsense, really practical design absolutely suited to your unique situation, adding real value for our farming and rural customers,” says Craig. There are about 10 staff members engaged in the Trade division at Mitre 10 Waiuku. “We’re fortunate to have some very experienced, skilled staff, and when new products arrive from our suppliers we always provide training on their uses, so that our team can offer the advice and support our reputation has been built on.” Part of that capability is to pitch information to customers at the appropriate level, backed up, more often than not, with the more detailed written information suppliers provide. Mitre 10 Waiuku is part of a co-operative of individually owned-and-operated businesses that have strong collective buying capability – benefits that are passed on directly to their customers. Craig can’t stress enough that it’s the ‘cando’ attitude that he seeks in his team. “If you want to learn, you can really succeed in this company as further opportunities open up.” He’s also proud of the longevity of many in the company citing one employee, who has been with Mitre 10 Waiuku 13 years. “It comes down to the working environment and the culture the owners have created. We’re like a family. As a manager, if we want to talk to the owner about an idea, he is very open and accessible, being on-site. “Trade is a very important part of our business and one we all work hard to ensure is always operating at the highest level.” And as the end of year approaches, the longer days with better weather are keeping the crew at Mitre 10 Waiuku busy. “We love this time of the year as customers, both trade and non-trade, come in to pick up the products they need to see those projects come to life,” says Craig. “We also deliver for our trade customers onsite, or have orders all ready for them to pick up when they arrive.” Mitre 10 Waiuku’s contribution to the wider community can be seen in its community group initiatives, such as the familiar on-site sausage sizzles. “We like to do our bit as a major business in the community to help groups thrive,” says Craig. 0800 224 759 | sales@bbi.net.nz | www.bbi.net.nz Plywood Timber Proudly supporting Mitre 10 - Waiuku kiwilumber.co.nz Kiwi Lumber Ohinewai produce over 6000 different timber products in support of timber merchants throughout the country and are proud to supply Mitre 10 - Waiuku with quality timber products. Wholesale Suppliers to the Timber Industry Fencing | Decking | Retaining | SG8 verified framing F7 framing for export and special profiles
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