5 minute read
Succeeding in Business is All About Connection
GREG SPURLING SPURLING ELECTRICAL
Greg Spurling started Spurling electrical in 2000. For the first two years, Greg worked on his own, building the business until employing a second tradesperson. As the business progressed, he started an apprentice and has now just employed their tenth apprentice. “One of the advantages of being selfemployed is the reward for your own effort, even though this is not always easy. As the owner operator, I liaise and quote with customers large and small, plan and supervise jobs, manage all facets of the business administration and support tradespeople and apprentices.” “I’ve been fortunate to have my sons Josh and Tom complete their apprenticeships with me and work as tradespeople and supervisors within the company. Josh has now relocated and is establishing himself as a contractor. Watching apprentices grow into successful tradespeople and adults, including spending time with my sons every day from leaving school through to their late twenties, has been a real highlight.” “I’ve also enjoyed spending time socially with other contractors at supplier events in Australia and overseas.”
The majority of Spurling electrical’s work is in the aged care sector, providing services to residential care centres and independent living centres. “We built our business through involvement in local football and surf lifesaving clubs over the years. For new contractors, it’s worth looking at ways to become involved in your local community through your family, schools and sporting clubs. This approach has helped us build a presence within our local area.” “For contractors planning to take their business to the next level, I also suggest they employ administrative assistance, whether this be through a partner or an additional employee.” Greg is now 58, and although he cannot see himself retiring anytime soon, he is helping the business move into its next phase of ownership. He can see himself continuing in a supporting role to help the team continue Spurling electrical and build on its success.
SUCCEEDING IN BUSINESS IS ALL ABOUT CONNECTION
WHILe THe eLeCTROTeCHnOLOGY InDuSTRY HAS A DIVeRSe RAnGe OF SeCTORS AnD OPPORTunITIeS, MAnY COnTRACTInG BuSIneSSeS FOLLOW A SIMILAR GROWTH SeQuenCe. BuSIneSS OWneRS START OuT, OFTen AS SOLe OPeRATORS, THen PROGReSS TO eMPLOYInG APPRenTICeS AnD TRADeSPeOPLe, GROWInG THeIR BuSIneSS TO A SIZe THAT SuITS THeIR GOALS. AS THeIR BuSIneSS MATuReS, OWneRS START LOOKInG TO THe FuTuRe, WHICH OFTen InVOLVeS DISCuSSIOnS ABOuT TRAnSITIOnInG THeIR BuSIneSS InTO neW HAnDS.
We interviewed three business owners at the start up, growth and transition stages who shared their experiences and valuable insights. One of the consistent messages was the important role relationships play in running a business. While contracting businesses often start out with a single person, they definitely don’t operate in isolation.
RICK NEGRIESKI KALIBRE ELECTRICS
Since Rick started Kalibre electrics, his business has gone from strength to strength, providing a range of electrical, communication, phone and maintenance works. He’s valued the opportunities that come with being your own boss. “Some of my business highlights include being able to have more of a work-life balance and flexibility in the days and hours I work. I have also enjoyed the networks and relationships I’ve been able to develop with builders and clients. I wouldn’t have been able to do this before.”
“I love knowing that the effort I put into my work shows in the output and results. Knowing I am personally able to achieve what I want to achieve is satisfying. All the hard work I’m doing is for me and my family and it makes it worth it.”
MATT GOUNDREY TECHWORKS GROUP
“Our first big break was working with a facility management company that managed Telstra assets. They were new to WA and we were their first electrician,” said Matt. “Our businesses grew together, with Techworks increasing to six people. Since then, we’ve continued to expand our team.” Having built their experience, Techworks approached commercial builders, building relationships that expanded the project side of the business. But during a difficult year that saw two project clients go into liquidation, the business made a strategic decision to concentrate on service contracts. Today, servicing and maintenance makes up 70% of Techworks’ business. Matt greatly values the people he’s worked with and the culture they’ve developed as a team. “The people we have are some of the best I’ve ever worked with,” said Matt. “As individuals they are fantastic and collectively, what they achieve is incredible. This is the key thing that sets Techworks apart. Our team has a collaborative approach to everything we do. We meet regularly to work through and improve every aspect of the business.” “For contractors looking to grow, my advice is to surround yourself with a great group of people and give them the resources and autonomy to do everything they can to achieve your business goals.” Techworks’ current focus is on developing its health, safety and wellness culture. They recently launched their SafeWorks initiative, which has become the business’s driving force. Matt and his team are now focussed on embedding SafeWorks and bringing everyone on board. They are structuring the business for continued growth and creating a workplace where people want to be. “We want to create a place where team members feel happy, healthy and supported,” said Matt. “We believe growth for the business and individual team members will stem from there.”
Building on his successes to date, Rick is positioning Kalibre electrics for future growth. To support his business activities, Rick believes developing good systems and using software is critical. “I’m concentrating on creating more efficiencies in my office work. I’m looking into new systems and software to minimise my hours in the office and allow more time on the tools. My advice for other contractors is - don’t hesitate to invest in tools and software to make your life easier. It will be worth it and you’ll have more downtime to focus on family.” Rick currently operates as a sole operator, but has plans for expansion. The next stage will involve hiring another employee, investing in another vehicle and expanding his workshop. “This will enable me to take on more work. Another focus is continuing to build my brand and network. Communication is the key to keeping strong and open relationships with our clients.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
Over time, businesses evolve and change, but regardless of what point they’re at, relationships are consistently a key business driver. Clients, suppliers, employees, families and the broader community all play an important role in contractors’ sense of personal and business success. As Richard Branson once said, “succeeding in business is all about making connections.”
