Building franchise named state’s best

FOR the seventh time in ten years, G.J. Gardner Homes Ballarat has won the brand’s Victorian Franchise of the Year award.

Managing director Rob McMaster attributed the success to his team of staff, the trades, sub-contractors, and suppliers they work with, and a combined local focus.

“We’ve got 20 staff in the office here and most of them have client contact, so there are a lot of touch points,” he said.

“For us to be able to achieve the positive survey results we do, every person in a small or large way contributes to that final outcome.

“It’s a reflection of the consistency of our staff, many of which have been with us long-term… and the effort we all put in to provide our customers with a good experience.

“They take a lot of pride in what they do. It’s awesome.”

Co-owners Wayne Jones and Mr McMaster are a former bricklayer and carpenter respectively, and the latter said the pair are in business in a community they love to live in and they understand.

“Part of what makes our business successful is our local knowledge,” he said.

“We come from a trade background, and worked on the tools in the mud and slush for over 25 years, so we know what goes into building a house, and the effort everyone puts in.

“It’s great to think Ballarat has such a strong building base, with good trades, suppliers, and community. We’re proud that we can win the award on behalf of the city, and that we’re part of the business community.”

Mr McMaster acknowledged that some negativity surrounds the building industry in the current climate, but their business remains strong.

“We have happy clients, and when we hand over a home, we strive for it to be a good experience,” he said.

“Our motto is, ‘feel the joy of building,’ and we love that it can be a joyful experience.”