78 | Variety keeps team engaged Based in Hamilton, Leading Edge Electrical operates in all sectors, concentrating mainly on residential new builds and renovations. Leading Edge Electrical T T Sue Russell CONTRACTING Hamilton electrician Brad Martin qualified in 2004 and promptly went overseas to gain experience in the industry, first working in Australia, then London, and eventually South Africa, before returning home. The proudly Waikato man decided in 2008 it was time to set up his own company, and bought a vehicle. He remembers how pivotal it was, five years later, to gain the support from a business mentor. “It really helped expand and improve my business, and then opportunities came along. I employed my first apprentice, Jesse, who is still with me today. I’ve had more on board, but I’m happy with the team of 10 that I have. Currently, Brad has one apprentice. Apprentices come through engagement with Wintec pre-trade students. Brad says this is a good way to acquire apprentices, because he knows they are committed to the trade through enrolling at Wintec. “They come and work with us on a Friday to get a taste of working in a team environment on a whole range of jobs we take on. I “ soon get a sense of how they’re doing, and whether they have the qualities I’m looking for to become part of the team and undertake their apprenticeship.” Leading Edge Electrical operates in all sectors, bar industrial, concentrating mainly on residential new builds and renovations, along with commercial work, so there’s plenty of variety for the team. “I would say at this stage we’re doing slightly more residential work, though that sector is a little quieter lately. It’s good to work in both markets. Often, when one is quieter, there’s enough work in the other to keep the team engaged.” Brad says he has the skills and experience to undertake complete electrical designs for new homes, including complete project management. Complementing this work, Leading Edge Electrical has the expertise to advise on and install SmartVent ventilation systems and heat pumps. “We’ve been very busy in the last 18 months on ventilation systems installation. We’ve gone with SmartVent because they’re the best in the business, and offer the best warranty,” says Brad. The three home ventilation systems SmartVent offers include SmartVent Positive Pressure, SmartVent Evolve and Synergy Energy Recovery. Of late, Brad says he has had some interesting projects spread around parts of the Waikato. “We’re just wrapping up a great project for the new St John Ambulance centre in Waihi. That’s gone very well.” Other projects include being part of the exciting developments happening at Hopuhopu north of Ngaruawahia for land owners, Tainui Holdings. “They’ve got a big development spanning 170 hectares, and encompassing an innovation hub and a residential precinct. We’ve done work on the amenities building, amongst other projects at the site. It’s been great to be involved in a project that will have far-reaching benefits for Tainui business and its people in time.” And in another impactful project, Leading Edge Electrical has just placed solar panels on Hamilton’s historic Meteor Theatre, at the southern end of the city’s main street. “So you can see we have plenty of variety to keep the team busy and engaged.” Brad says its important to find opportunities with the hard-working team to celebrate achievement and spend quality time together, so he makes a point of finding a range of exhilarating experiences for the team to enjoy. “We work hard, so it’s important to find ways every so often to do something together that’s challenging and fun.” All in all, Brad says he’s pleased with where the company is positioned at this time and to see the team evolve in skills and experiences over time.
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