| 97 T T Sue Russell Opportunity knocks Todd Grey Builders has delivered numerous high-end projects. Todd Grey Builders BUILDING Todd Grey still recalls how fortunate he was to be the recipient of a ‘Master Builders’ apprenticeship as a trial scheme to get more apprentices into the building industry, without employers having to guarantee continuous work for 3-4 years. That opportunity meant that as he was honing his own building skills he had the experience of working with lots of Master Builders members, working across all forms of construction. “I had so many chances to learn from different experienced builders and I know it gave me a really rich learning environment,” Todd says. The Mount Maunganui-based builder stepped out fairly young to establish his own company at age 22, with a good mate doing labour only builds. Over time, the business evolved and today Todd has a team of 8 working with him. The focus is on very high-end residential builds which can extend over several years. “We’ve been at this size team for a while now and its a good number as we can split off into teams on different sites or come together if the work demands.” Asked what impact, if any, the last few years has had, as market forces play through the residential building sector, Todd says he hasn’t been impacted at all. He puts this down to the fact that he does concentrate on the higher-end projects. He decided about 15 years ago to concentrate on just two major builds at any one time. “I don’t want to be running around all over the place to several sites and because our builds are usually quite large in nature, then just having two works well.” And having that number of projects underway means Todd has plenty of time to look ahead and procure the next build, with longer lead in times and engagement with architects and designers from the outset. “Our work comes mainly from word of mouth from previous clients or from architects we have a history with. We don’t typically go through a tender process.” Currently Todd Grey Builders has three apprentices on the books, two in their last year of training, and one heading towards the end of his first year. He also plans to take on another apprentice, his son, soon. Josh intends to be an architect and Todd suggested to him that having a practical buildng background will really add value to his professional life as an architect when qualified. Todd says when he looks back on his building career he puts his longevity and success down to putting himself out there. “Getting out of my comfort zone and taking calculated risks.” When projects are of the larger-scale, which is typical, Todd sets up an onsite office. Such is demand for his building services that for the last eight years or so, Todd and the team have been concentrating solely on Mt Maunganui beachfront residences, along Ocean Beach Road. Todd is also a firm advocate for the Master Builders Association, having just recently stepped down as Tauranga Branch President, a role he held for four years. “I think Master Builders does really good work, helping to keep members informed. I see it as a great platform to find out what is going on in the building sector and with business support.” Members have the opportunity to mix with other builders at seminars and Complete online courses within the Master builders Website portal “Elevate” t 07 574 4527 e info@tkb.co.nz w www.tkb.co.nz a 36b MacDonald St, Mt Maunganui 3116 I am so sorry, this completely slipped my mind last week!! Please change image to attached. Make top white area with logo, NKBA and inspire.deisgn.craft. slightly smaller to allow a bigger picture please. Thank you and again apologies about not coming back to you sooner! WINDOWS & DOORS Mt Maunganui | 07 575 5074 • Aluminum windows & doors • Replacement joinery • Free quoting service • Metro Series • Architectural Series • Thermal Heart Email: sales@epicwindows.co.nz 45 Newton Street I M i | • l i ium windows & d ors • l t j i r • r ti s r i • tr S ri s • r it t r l ri s • r l art ail: sales e ic in o s.co.nz 45 Newton Stree
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