54 | GK Fyfe The Master Painters CONTRACTING The finishing touch done perfectly Kelly Deeks G.K Fyfe Ltd has worked all over New Zealand, including on the Picton playground Award-winning Master Painter G.K Fyfe Ltd has been transforming and protecting residential and commercial properties throughout New Zealand for multiple generations, tackling jobs of any size from touching up a small windowsill through to providing commercial painting, plasterwork, and masonry services for some of the country’s largest construction firms. Gary Fyfe learned the painting trade and bought the family business more than 40 years ago from his father Dudley, who in turn learned his trade from Gary’s grandfather. Gary’s son Cameron is now project manager for G.K Fyfe Ltd and continuing the company’s reputation for trusted and comprehensive decorating with a competitive edge. “Dad always used to say ‘get a trade behind you, and then you can do anything you want’. That would also be my advice today. Get your trade, then go overseas or try another job and you can always come back to your trade.” Originally established in Blenheim, G.K Fyfe Ltd came to Christchurch after the earthquakes on the request of a Blenheim builder who was working as a main contractor for EQC. G.K Fyfe Ltd was soon approached by EQC to become a main contractor, and since completed more than 1000 residential EQC repairs. In the following years, G.K Fyfe Ltd established valuable relationships with many large construction companies, both in Christchurch and beyond. G.K Fyfe Ltd now operates out of both Blenheim and Christchurch with about 40 staff. “Another thing dad always said to me was just because you’ve gone from four staff to 40 staff doesn’t mean you’ll make more money. You can make as much with four staff as you do with 40. “In today’s business environment, you have to micromanage to make money. You need to be on site every day - even if you’ve got eight sites running, you need to pop your head in at least.” G.K Fyfe Ltd has worked all over New Zealand, but Christchurch is still Gary’s favourite city to work in. “It’s flat, and it’s not windy.” Gary says today’s customer is so busy, they want their job done yesterday, and they won’t hesitate to go for the cheapest price. “Back in the day, a cup of tea and a yarn was the largest part of my job. I really miss it, especially the scones and pikelets.” Snacks aside, Gary’s passion still lies in the job. A self-confessed workaholic, Gary puts in up to 70 hours each week to make sure G.K Fyfe Ltd’s reputation for making it happen is lived up to on every project. “When you need your project completed and need to know you can trust tradespeople with your greatest asset, your home or business, give us a call,” Gary says. “We’ll have it done right, the first time, no problem.”He is passionate about the industry too, and has had a stint as president of Canterbury Master Painters. While in this position, Gary was still making it happen, recharging the regional association’s benefits for members by establishing multiple networking events that allowed Canterbury Master Painters members to connect with each other. “You need to be on site every day - even if you’ve got eight sites running, you need to pop your head in at least.” St Mary’s church (below). Gary Fyfe Painters Gary - 021 329 881 gary@gkfyfeltd.co.nz Cam - 021 390 200 cameron@gkfyfeltd.co.nz Ph. - (03) 338 9886 oL1;Š]h==;Ѵ|7ĺ1oĺm PAINTING GIB STOPPING WALLPAPER HANGING H : Christchurch 027 275 0420 Blenheim 021 614 882 Proud to be a trusted supplier to GK Fyfe Painters PAINT PLUS www.rstradecentre.co.nz 0800 99 99 76 68 Montreal Street Sydenham 484 Papanui Road Papanui NUMBER ONE TRADE WAREHOUSE ECO-FRIENDLY HIGH PERFORMANCE PAINT
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