Celebrating the Families Building Canberra

One of the defining features of our local building and construction industry is that it is comprised of many, in fact thousands, of small and family businesses. In this edition of Canberra Builder, we are showcasing the MBA Members who have multiple generations in their businesses.

On the cover we have the Leemhuis family who now have four generations working at A+P Leemhuis, with Brodie (the youngest generation) starting his carpentry apprentice training with MBA Group Training this year. The Leemhuis’ are a great example of a quality local builder. You can read more about their family on page 8.

Bink Cement Pavers has been in operation since 1961 and they have also had four generations work in the business over the years. On page 72, we find out more about the company’s history and where David and John Bink will be leading the business over the next few years.

One of the more recent trends in our local businesses are the increasing number of women who are at the forefront of the day-to-day business operations. The Pod Canberra is a business created by Jacqueline and her father Rob, where innovation and respect for experience come together to produce outstanding homes. You can read more about their business on page 28. We also feature former MBA ACT President and National Board Member, Graciete Ferreira, and the successful businesses she has created with her husband Fernando. Her sons have followed in her footsteps and taken over the family businesses, which you can find out more about on page 32.

The substantial number of multi-generational businesses in the industry tells a story of children who saw their parents lead with passion and intelligence and wanted to follow in their footsteps. Meike Pichelmann from Pichelmann Custom Building Services is a great example of this. Meike’s parents ran a successful plumbing business, which led Meike to becoming a Master Plumber. You can read more about this on page 48.

My brother and I are proud to be second-generation builders; my father was a bricklayer who then became a builder. He founded Benchmark Projects with my mother back in 1991 and now my brother Nick and I proudly continue their legacy by building beautiful homes for Canberrans.

We are also sadly farewelling MBA Life Member, John Hailey, in this edition. John founded Manteena with his wife, Jill, in 1979, and he created a company culture of upskilling and investing in the development of staff members. John was passionate about the construction industry, volunteering his time to judge the Excellence Awards and being a proud member of the MBA Alumni Committee. John will be greatly missed but we will continue to be thankful for his valuable contribution to our industry.

When I hear stories about our members’ history in Canberra and I think back to my own father’s work, I remember that we are truly standing on the shoulders of giants. I am proud to lead our organisation into the future, with a deep respect for what we have already achieved over our 98 years of operation.

25 Years

Manufacturers of Precast

Water Tanks and Wine Cellars

HOPKINS