Business North May 2021

100 | Striking the right balance Sue Russell Ninety45’s latest new build was this striking black and white minimalist inspired Auckland home. Ninety45 Construction “I’ve got a great team with huge skills and capabilities, so I can concentrate on adding value to the business, engaging with new clients and project management.” BUILDING S cott Thrupp established his residential building company Ninety45 Construc- tion nine years ago but had been in the industry many years prior focusing mainly on the commercial sector. Starting small, with just one other on the team; a staff member who is still with Scott to this day, Ninety45 Construction has grown to 18 builders and office staff. “Commercial was a little bit mundane at times and I realised how important it was to me to be building someone’s home. There’s a whole lot more emotion involved,” says Scott. His building company concentrates on the higher-end residential market and today, Scott is totally off the tools, spending time working on the business and overseeing projects rath- er than on the ground. “I’ve got a great team with huge skills and capabilities, so I can concentrate on adding value to the business, engaging with new clients and project management.” Last year Ninety45 Construction featured twice in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Top 100 group, with a pavilion-style 4 bedroom entertainer’s delight and a faithfully restored and rejuvenated late 1800’s home in one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs. “These builds were completely different from each other and were a treat to be involved with. It gave the team opportunities to really show-case the detail and standard of work Ninety45 Construction is known for.” Because Scott concentrates his residential building projects in Auckland’s historic sub- urbs, 80% of the projects are renovations. Taking on apprentices is an ongoing aspect to business life and Scott says he’s just seen three become qualified in the early part of this year. “We’ve just started another two apprentices. I think it’s really important that well-estab- lished building companies continue to employ and support apprentices coming on through.” Asked what he looks for in apprentices Scott’s answer is simple: “You just need to see that they want to be builders, that they’re not there by default but have a real passion to build. This is essential.” One thing Scott is also keen to see is greater support through the apprenticeship pathway in business mentoring, so that when apprentices become qualified they have also got requisite business skills to give their own company’s the best chance of surviving in a really competitive industry. He’s also clear on the distinction between a carpenter and a builder. “One is a tradesman, while the other brings a whole house together requiring many other skills and capabilities.” And with a nod to the future, Scott says the company is now branching out into building swimming pools and focusing on land-scaping work, along with interiors, kitchen, bathrooms and small jobs as well as complete builds. Looking back on his years leading the company Scott says the jobs have slowly got bigger, as his reputation has. “You have to earn your stripes in residential work, that’s for sure!” Ninety45’s latest new build, completed almost a year ago, was a striking black and white minimalist inspired home in an estab- lished Auckland suburb. The garage mirrors in shape the main house, with a high pitched symmetrical roof line in black, with a corridor connection to the main home. Ninety45 took care of all the landscaping which was carefully chosen to reflect the sim- ple clear shapes of the dwelling. “This was a great build for the guys with really keen, engaging clients,” Scott says. Ahead this year lie a handful of swimming pool projects, along with strong enquiries for builds. “We weren’t really sure how it was all going to be post-Covid lockdown and it’s been heart- ening to see so much enquiry.” Scott says he’s learnt too that what really matters for clients is real value for money in terms of budget and outcome. “People don’t want the cheapest price but a great result for a fair price. I’m always up front with clients right from the start about what a job will cost and the standard of build they can expect from my team.” Installation | Repairs | Maintenance | Manufacturing Full service offer | Locally owned | Independent Family operated | Trusted for over 10 years www.acespouting.co.nz Why Ace: Make your dream pool a reality. Talk to the experts. l li . Specialists in Concrete Pool Construction & Refurbishments in New Zealand 09 294 7572 info@aucklandpools.co.nz www.aucklandpools.co.nz