“I have spent a lifetime in the building industry and had the good fortune to judge the House of the Year Competition for 5 years and the New Zealand Institute of Building Awards for another 5 years. You often think that having acquired a lot of knowledge over the years, what good is that knowledge if you can’t share it and help others to grow as you have grown. As we all have limitations on time, we must be selective on who we share the knowledge with in respect to getting the greatest return for the future and development of the industry.
I first meet Hamish Inch and Matt Stephen’s when the Licensed Building Practitioners scheme came in. I was not only impressed with their knowledge and well-rounded country lad work ethic but also their passion for the industry and desire to get better at executing their craft. Not only was my curiosity peeked in their career, they would often come up to me at Placemakers Riccarton breakfasts and engage in conversation about the industry.
Fortunately, they asked me if I would assist them in an informal mentoring capacity of which I was thrilled to do so. Since then they have made the leap of faith to go out on their own in business and formed H & M Builders Ltd. We have had many conversations about how best to set yourself apart in this very competitive industry by holding yourself to a higher standard. We have often spoken about Win/Win outcomes and having something in it for everyone and “Seeking first to understand, and then to be understood.” If the attitude sets the altitude then these two are soaring and the Building Industry is a much better place for the part in which they are playing in it.
Like anything you are only as good as your last project however, both Hamish and Matt are made of good quality with a fine work ethic who are both very personable and want to provide their customers with the very best service and outcome that they possibly can.
I wish them both well in their future and will take a keen interest in their future development and challenges they will face growing their business.”