Business North March 2021

70 | Young firm forges top reputation T Sue Russell Emcon Resdiential has made a name for itself with its stylish renovation work. BUILDING Emcon Residential I n 2018, Matt Emerson felt it was the right time, following advice from his business mentor, to rebrand his building company and Emcon Residential was born. Based on Auckland’s North Shore, the ma- jority of the work Matt and his team takes on is north of the bridge, along with projects in the central city. “One of the best things that happened was that my wife Shannon joined the company full- time in 2018, bringing her great design and colour skills on board, to assist clients with all the decisions they need to make around fitting out their home to be perfect for them,” Matt says. Today, the team extends to fifteen people on the tools, plus project management, design consultant and quantity surveying roles and Matt says he’s very happy with the outstand- ing quality of work the collection of trade-qual- ified and qualifying builders produce. “I currently have six apprentices on board. It’s most important for the building sector to be encouraging new ones to gain their qual- ifications and it’s a responsibility I take very seriously.” Matt says its also really gratifying to see staff he has supported through their qualifi- cation phase remain and take on more senior roles in the company. “My Project Manager started with me seven years ago.” Renovations have been the main-stay of activity in recent times, with interest rates fuelling a buying and building market. “We’ve noticed a lot of interest from owners and investors to upgrade their properties given this and renovations and alterations are something we really enjoy taking on.” When Business North spoke with Matt de- mand for his services were running high, with 2021 work booking out fast for the year. Last year, Emcon Residential’s work was recognised in a Gold Award at the Registered Master Builders’ Auckland-regional competi- tion for a renovation and upgrade of a bach, including construction of a large outdoor alfresco dining area, new kitchen and bath- rooms. Looking forward into what will be a very busy year, with a high-end apartment project in Remuera and a substantial renovation in St Mary’s Bay, Matt is also really looking forward to another business-arm in his life, making a major impact on the building sector. Biowrap™, a completely landfill biodegrad- able shrink wrap and plastic technology is about to be launched on the local market. “I have partnered up with another person from overseas and this product will really have huge environmental gains, particularly in our landfills, where most of our existing shrink-wrap material ends up. “Biowrap™ ‘attracts’ microbes that eat the plastic reducing our plastic footprint for future generations. Matt says the timing is perfect to introduce this new technology, which can be used in a multitude of ways, including wrapping pallets, shrink wrap, timber wrap and agricultural wrap. “There is so much new building work going on, driven by the economy, that this new op- tion for builders will create a really worthwhile option for the wider construction sector to consider.” Matt also puts his success down to a select group of subbies he engages on most of his projects, saying their workmanship and at- tention to detail equates with what he and his team at Emcon Residential deliver to clients. “It’s so important to gather a group of like-minded trade experts around a project and I have huge professional respect for the work these company’s do on site.” He also believes in supporting the commu- nity, as a regular sponsor of ‘Race for Life’, a charitable organisation which raises funds to support those with life limiting illnesses. Manufacturers of kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes and all other cabinetry, from concept to completion. 09 424 1042 sales@kitchensbyjp.co.nz www.kitchensbyjp.co.nz North Shore Based Certifying Plumbers, Gas-Fitters and Drain-layers Commercial and Residential Projects Maintenance & Renovations Contact Us Call 0800 277 566 Affordable Plumbing Solutions are proud to be supporting Emcon AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SOLUTIONS