Building A Future

Latitude Homes licensees enjoy a rewarding lifestyle in a rewarding business

There’s something about Latitude Homes’ owner-operator business model that resonates with new home buyers.

‘The customer deals direct with the business owner, not with a large corporate,’ says Stuart Humphrey, the company’s General Manager. ‘That trust factor that comes from working with both an individual and a reputable brand definitely makes a difference. Clients learn to expect transparency, quality and affordability from us. They know we will listen to their needs and help turn their dreams and ideas into reality.’

And Latitude Homes enables its licensees to turn their own dreams into reality, too, says Stuart. ‘So if you have an association with the building or renovations industry and you want to build a business of your own, talk to us. We’re looking for people with a growth mindset; people with resilience, who truly want to be successful.

‘Once you plug into our training, marketing and support, you’ll quickly gain traction and learn not only how to run a Latitude Homes business successfully, but also liaise with customers and work through the whole sales and marketing process.’

Building the dream

Graham and Kate Wellington knew Latitude Homes ‘inside and out’ when they invested in the Taranaki and Manawatu licence. Graham is a qualified Master Builder who had already built Latitude homes for the previous licensee – including his own family home.

When the opportunity came up to buy the licence, Graham jumped at the chance to be his own boss, develop his management skills and secure his future financially. ‘There wasn’t a lot I didn’t already know about the business, but I knew sales would be the big learning curve for me,’ he admits. ‘After a bit of training, it turned out I actually love learning what people want and showing them how we can deliver.

‘I’ve also become an expert problem-solver,’ he says. ‘With the right systems in place and the rest of the group to share with, most problems can easily be solved.’

The couple manage the business together. Kate handles the admin side, using Latitude Homes’ proven processes, while Graham takes care of logistical issues, purchasing, quotes, sales and marketing. ‘It’s about running a business, not being on the tools – though I can still pick them up if the need arises,’ he smiles.

Their hard work has paid off with a number of awards, including Gold at the 2021 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards, and Latitude’s own Licensee of the Year title. But it’s paid off in another way, too – they have built a thriving and profitable business of their own.

Graham and Kate Wellington

Trust and integrity

Marc and Kelly Hunter founded Latitude Homes in 2007 on the key values of trustworthiness and integrity – something they call the ‘Latitude Attitude’. ‘That applies to our licensees, too,’ says Stuart. ‘What makes the company stand out is that Marc and Kelly have a genuine interest in helping their owner-operators not just succeed but create long-term wealth, by building not just a profitable company but a valuable asset for the future.

‘As a new licensee you’re hands-on with sales, presenting estimates and specifications, setting up contracts and pricing plans, as well as organising tradies. You’ll also project-manage the whole build from start to finish. You can do all that knowing you can stamp your own personality on the business while having the full backing of Latitude’s support office with one-on-one business mentoring.

‘There’s a real advantage being part of a top ten national group housing company. Along with national marketing exposure, including TV, there is also the priority of building supplies from our preferred suppliers.’

Latitude Homes' "Where Kiwis find comfort" TV campaign.

Regional growth opportunities

Latitude Homes currently have licences available in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Nelson, Blenheim and West Coast, as well as joint venture opportunities in Far North, Kerikeri, Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa.

‘Territories are priced from $150,000 +gst, which provides everything you need to get your business up and running, including all systems and processes, costing programs, plans and marketing,’ says Stuart.

‘Latitude Homes licensees are doing extremely well in New Zealand’s buoyant housing market. If you want a very rewarding lifestyle producing homes that people really love, contact us today.’

Advertiser Info

Latitude Homes

Contact Stuart Humphrey

M 021 28 69 007

stuart@latitudehomes.co.nz

www.latitudehomes.co.nz