82 | BUILDING Smith & Sons - Mount Maunganui/Papamoa “When they are investing sometimes quite sizeable funds into a project you feel a strong commitment to deliver excellent service.” Giving clients certainty Covid spurred a period of frenzied activity as people chose to use any disposable income to modernise their dwellings. T T Sue Russell Tom Heenan owns and operates Smith & Sons Ltd Mt Maunganui/Papamoa. His business is part of a nation-wide franchise and Tom says the structure works very well. “We have very good support and systems in place which derisk our projects. We deal with renovations, extensions and offer a full design and build service,” Tom says. By following a clear logical set of processes benefits both Tom and the team but especially gives clients the certainty that what has been agreed to, in terms of design and build schedule will be delivered, barring unforeseen circumstances beyond the company’s control. And by concentrating solely in the renovation and extension market, Tom says, the business has gained a reputation for tackling projects of all forms and complexities. “Word does get about when you are delivering to customers a great project experience and outcome.” In face Tom says looking ahead there’s work booked up for the next 2+ years. Covid spurred a period of frenzied activity as people chose to use any disposable income to modernise their dwellings. Tom says another factor impacting on demand is that the new build market has become so competitive. Smith & Sons Ltd has two full-time carpenters along with a strong core of sub-contractors across a wide range of trades. This blend works well, given the company isn’t carrying responsibility around employment of specialised tradespeople and just as importantly Tom is in a positio to support these other businesses. The Greater Bay of Plenty area is actually serviced by two Smith & Sons Ltd businesses. Tom’s geographic for work runs from Wellcome Bay are South. Asked whether he is still swinging a hammer these days Tom says it works better for him to concentrate on engaging with clients, procurring future work and ensuring the team on sites are well supported so that projects run according to schedule. Tom moved from Queenstown in 2019, working for another building company before the opportunity to establish a Smith & Sons Ltd business presented. When first presented with the opportunity Tom admits he wasn’t convinced the franchise model was for him, however he soon discovered that with the backing of head-office and the start-up mentoring that took place, he had the bones of a very good business to build up. “My philosophy is pretty simple really, when it comes to what is important to do well. A business has to make money and to do that you have to have happy customers. When they are investing sometimes quite sizeable funds into a project you feel a strong commitment to deliver excellent service and this creates more business. Tom’s view on builders undercutting each other to deliver unrealistically low-priced builds is full of risk and does nothing to serve the sector. “A race to the bottom doesn’t work for anyone in terms of saving costs.” By concentrating on quality, secure project delivery and delivering builds on time and to budget, Tom says his quoting won’t necessarily be the lowest. “Cost is only one consideration those considering a renovation or extension take into account. They also want to know the project will deliver a positive experience, be secure from start to finish and provide high quality workmanship.” KITCHEN MANUFACTURER & INSTALLER BESPOKE KITCHENS & CABINETRY DESIGNED, CRAFTED AND INSTALLED WITH SKILL & PASSION… The highly skilled cabinet makers at FD Kitchens design, manufacture and install high-end, custom kitchens Bespoke joinery and cabinetry. We service Tauranga, Papamoa, Mt Maunganui, Te Puke and other areas throughout the Bay of Plenty. Our experienced kitchen design team will listen to your requirement and will design your dream custom kitchen accordingly. www.fdkitchens.co.nz (07) 573 4170 | info@fdkitchens.co.nz Providing plumbing and drainage maintenance services to the greater Tauranga area for over 14 years. PrimePlumbing GREAT SERVICE. QUALITY WORK. TRUSTED TEAM Plumbing Repairs Home Renovations Drainage Work Shower Installations Roof / Spouting Repairs Hot Water Cylinder upgrades
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