74 | Contracting a ‘trade in its own right’ Three Rivers Contracting’s Jeff Robinson and Johhny McEwan say there are plenty of opportunities for people wanting to make a full-time career out of contracting. Kelly Deeks With two future-focused young owners who are continuing to tailor their services and develop their off-season operation, growing Southland contracting firm Three Rivers Contracting is offering long-term career opportunities with real potential for progression. Operating out of two yards in Wyndham and Spar Bush, Three Rivers Contracting has been owned and operated by locals Jeff Robinson and Johnny McEwan since 2018, and has earned a strong reputation as one contractor for all agricultural needs. Both Jeff and Johnny got their love of machinery from growing up on Southland farms, and while Johnny worked for Three Rivers Contracting under its former name of Sinclair Contracting for several years prior to purchasing it, Jeff at the time was only six months out of completing his agribusiness degree at Lincoln University. Still today, Johnny enjoys the hands-on focus he has on Three Rivers Contracting while Jeff loves working on operations. Taking over from the previous owners, Jeff and Johnny set about ramping up Three Rivers Contracting, upgrading and modernising their equipment, offering a few more services, and doing the best job they possibly could for every client. “Our clients and community saw that, and we are grateful they gave us the support we needed to justify the investments we were making,” Jeff says. Last year, Three Rivers Contracting acquired two more local businesses and further propelled its growth. This year, Three Rivers Contracting peaked at about 26 employees, but next year will be more like 30. Three Rivers Contracting carries about 15 staff through the winter and has grown strategically to allow for more off-season opportunities. “There is a common misconception that contracting is only a summer job, however we struggle to fill our winter/full time positions more than the seasonal roles. There are definitely opportunities for people wanting to make a full-time career out of contracting.” Any mechanically minded staff could easily find themselves in the workshop over winter, preparing RURAL SERVICES » Three Rivers Contracting the gear for the next season. Having a versatile fleet means that most machines can be used for a range of different services, creating more opportunities to keep staff busy during the quieter times of year. The company also runs a quarry and works on cow lane maintenance through the winter while the cows aren’t milking. Jeff and Johnny want people to know they can create a successful career pathway in the contracting industry, just like they can by working for a builder or mechanic. “Kids are being told to be successful they need get a trade or an apprenticeship, but contracting is a trade in its own right,” Jeff says. “We do struggle to offer actual qualifications, but a piece of paper doesn’t make you any better at your role. We offer training on the job, and some of our young employees are already making more money than many of their mates in trades or recent tertiary graduates. Manufacturers of Fert Spreader Bins & Hedge Cutters | Specialists in Hydraulics, High Strength Welding | General Engineering Phone: 03 206 6650 Email: admin@beckengineering.co.nz 35 Seaward Road, EDENDALE 9825 George Wilson Sales Ltd. Proud to supply Three Rivers Contracting 145 North Road (03) 215 9039 We keep you growing PROUD TO SUPPORT THE TEAM AT THREE RIVERS CONTRACTING. 145 North Road Invercargill (03) 215 9039 We are wanting to bring people in and look after them so they will stay long-term.” For those with executive aspirations, Jeff and Johnny are also seeking to extend their training and middle management as Three Rivers Contracting continues to grow. “For an owner operator, there are only so many hours in the day. We need good management who can get across everything and keep our team culture on the right track.”
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