| 67 CONTRACTING Queenstown Civil Contracting Concreting specialist a true one-stop-shop Queenstown Civil Contracting has now done all the concrete work for several subdivisions, turning a bare patch of gravel into a network of driveways, car parks and footpaths. T T Virginia Wright Having had 10 years’ experience working with concrete, when Stratford Sturgeon moved to Queenstown from Auckland eight years ago with his wife Shaneel and their three young children, they saw a niche opportunity for civil concrete works on new subdivisions, of which Queenstown has a steady supply. After working as a project manager in landscaping, and establishing a working relationship with another local concreter, Stratford, together with Shaneel, set up Queenstown Civil Contracting in 2019. Stratford soon had his first job after approaching the company that started the Hanley’s Farm subdivision, which was finished by Benchmark Construction. “I approached them about work and they already had their own crew they were loyal to, but they said I could work side by side with them and I ended up winning that work,” Stratford says. “What we specialise in is the form work and the boxing, as well as the concrete itself. So we take care of all of that side of things, which is what a lot of customers like.” Queenstown Civil Contracting’s plan was to fill a gap they saw in the market, namely to be the contractor that could do large-scale commercial concrete work as a one-stop-shop, he explains. “Because we filled that gap, we got word of mouth pointed towards other tier 1 companies down here also doing subdivision and commercial work. So I’ve ended up working for different contractors, all doing similar development work in the region, whether it’s Hanley’s Farm in Queenstown or Northlake in Wanaka.” Stratford believes in specialising in one thing and doing it well, although he will build a timber retaining wall if the job calls for it. “We aim to stay doing the one thing, keep the quality and the standards high, and keep the customers happy by delivering on time, which we’re committed to doing,” he says. Being a local company that always delivers has worked for them, and Queenstown Civil Contracting has grown to have three full-time employees, including Stratford who, as the company director, is big on quality control, regardless of the size of the job. He is also a firm believer in the need for open communication at all times, which he never delegates. It’s a small team that works well together, and Stratford believes that the employers knowing who’s going to turn up on-site also contributes to their steady stream of contracts. It’s always Stratford on the end of the phone, and he does all the initial consultation and pricing, with Shaneel helping with the company admin. As they are generally doing similar jobs for the same group of companies, the quoting is straightforward, fast, fair and reasonable, according to Stratford, which must also help keep the work flowing. “If they want a quote promptly to get back to their client, that’s what I’ll do, I’ll get it back to them promptly. “We do enough work with our regular companies that there are swings and roundabouts, which works both ways. I enjoy not only the work itself, but I enjoy having those strong working relationships with people as well,” he explains. Queenstown Civil Contracting has now done all the concrete work for several subdivisions, turning a bare patch of gravel into a network of driveways, car parks, footpaths, and occasionally the road itself, as was the case in the Wooing Tree subdivision in Cromwell. There’s a strong sense of satisfaction for Stratford and Shaneel when they go for a family drive around Central Otago, where they can see their work set against the beautiful backdrop of the snowcapped Remarkables. “What we specialise in is the form work and the boxing, as well as the concrete itself. So we take care of all of that side of things, which is what a lot of customers like.” We’ll Pump It ! FREE QUOTES PH 027 208 8674 or 027 475 9620 CALL US NOW! • Commercial • Domestic • Floors • Blockwalls • Driveways • Foundations FOR ALL YOUR CONCRETE PUMPING NEEDS MARK KELLY: 027 438 2365 | mark@kerbcentral.co.nz CENTRAL ON TIME & IN BUDGET For all your commercial & residential kerbing needs in the Central Otago area. Specialists in driveways, footpaths & patios.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=