Business South August 2020

| 55 Volume 29 | Issue 4 businesssouth New name, same quality PROPERTY » LJ Hooker Dunedin Frontline Roo ng and Maintenance is the new name and brand of the former long- established Dunedin branch of Edwards & Hardy. Frontline Roo ng and Maintenance co- director Bartley Thomas says the business originally started six decades ago in Christchurch and had grown to become a nationwide company due to its strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction. This focus created con dence in the company from the likes of local and regional authorities and real estate companies, as well as private contractors in both Otago and Southland to place work with the business. These include project management company Dunedin Housing Maintenance Contractors, L J Hooker, Southland District Council and Invercargill City Council. The wide range of residential and commercial work undertaken by Frontline Roo ng & Maintenance includes roof repairs and replacement, guttering repairs and replacement, moss and lichen removal and treatment, membrane roo ng, insulation and pest control. Brick and stone wall sealing using the WallGuard system is also a specialty. Changing the business model brings the company fully into the 21st century, Bartley says. “We thought it was time for a revamp and to freshen up the company name and brand and to reinforce our customer service.” The rebranding also means territory restrictions on some aspects of the business have been eliminated. Bartley and his wife Angela bought the business seven-and-a-half years ago and are its sole directors. Bartley is a builder by trade and having also come from a property development background the Thomas’ are well aware of the practical and customer service needs involved in the type of services they provide. This background also ensures a high standard of professionalism is maintained in all work undertaken by Frontline Roo ng and Maintenance’s 14 staff. The business originally provided mainly moss and silicon treatment and roof coating, but an opportunity to expand into reroo ng came through its national network. The revamp of the business goes much further than the rebranding; the implementation of new systems and audit processes internally will ensure Frontline Roo ng and Maintenance remains the premier roo ng maintenance contractor in Otago and Southland. Changes include improved training systems to ensure staff are up-to-date with their knowledge and that they keep abreast of new developments in materials and processes. Bartley says routine maintenance is always a good investment and repairs completed promptly minimises the possibility of further damage and potentially greater expense, especially important for investment properties such as those under L J Hooker’s management.