Jarrod and Melanie Macredie run a busy and growing building company based in Napier, but servicing the greater Hawke’s Bay region.
While Jarrod has been building for many years, his decision to step out into business ownership in 2013 caused the couple to set new goals, build a team around them, and mark their brand.
“Before starting Build Mac Jarrod had been in a business partnership arrangement for a couple of years. He came to the place where he felt able to take on control of his own company,” says Melanie.
“Those early days presented with a massive learning curve,” says Melanie, whose responsibilities to their business involve doing all the administration, compliance and all-important behind-thescenes activities that keep the business ticking over.
“It’s very important that Jarrod concentrates on the sourcing of new work, pricing and building processes, so it works well that I can do all the ongoing tasks.”
With Melanie coming into the business some 18 months ago, capacity has expanded to the point that the businesses turnover has trebled.
The building team now consists of Jarrod, three qualified carpenters and two apprentices. It means that, given a higher demand for Build Mac’s services, the team can split in two.
“At the moment we have three builds going. Our two apprentices are separated on two different sites, which gives them individual supervision and lots of opportunities to grow their skills further.”
When asked about goals ahead Melanie says the challenges that come with renovations and extensions have been enjoyed, however the more kit-set nature of their new builds is something they intend to shift away from in time. “We have an architecturally designed build coming up and we’re looking forward to this.
“We are also passionate about moving into building more eco-friendly designed homes” One of Melanie’s current tasks is to research the array of project management software available, with the aim to enhance project efficiency.
They have also established a working relationship with Greg McKenzie from CM Design. Commercial work has also featured in the projects Build Mac has taken on.
A new kindergarten in Kennedy Road, Napier, completed December 2017, was a great build. Melanie describes as really fabulous decking and playground spaces.
For many years the couple lived in Sydney and Australian Melanie says its been a very positive decision to return in 2006 to Jarrod’s home. Building a separate office space behind the family home has made it possible for work and family life to be comfortably separated, something Melanie says makes a big difference for her.
“It means I can go into the office, write my list of jobs to do that day, and set about crossing those tasks off.”
Growth in demand for the array of services Build Mac offers has been really satisfying Melanie says and there are certainly goals ahead to grow to the next level of activity, though this will be handled in carefully measured steps.
Jarrod is a registered Licensed Building Practitioner and Build Mac is a member of NZ Certified Builders Association.
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A new kindergarten in Kennedy Road, Napier, completed December 2017, was a great project for Build Mac.
