Meet Zen Builders: Calm, Capable, and Building with Purpose

Q: Tell us a bit about your trade and how you got started.

A: “I was very hands on, I didn’t come from very good academics. I’m quite a passionate person, so I could see myself being a part of influencing people in their home life. I didn’t have that when I was younger, so building my own home was a big part of that. Grew up in Rotorua, left school at 16, started an apprenticeship, qualified at 22. As soon as I found out I was qualified, I told my boss I was moving to Christchurch with a week’s notice, without telling my partner. She thought I was joking. We moved down here 10 years ago.

The first five years I spent with an architectural building company. Building big cool homes on the side of hills. I was being a part of peoples lives which is what I loved. However, it was quite transactional. You get paid, but then when money stopped being the issue, I thought I’ve gotta start something of my own. I’ve been in business six years — just turned six just last week. It’s a massive milestone for us.”

Q: How long did it take you to get to a team of seven?

A: “We’ve been a team of seven for the last year, six guys plus me. I’m all about adding value to individuals, so I will never be a big company. I’ve worked in big companies, and it’s easy to lose sight of the individual. I think seven or eight will be the max for me. I never thought I’d get to seven, but now that I’m here, I’m enjoying it. And now it means we can do the bigger projects with multiple teams, multiple sites.”

Q: What’s the culture like with a team of that size?

A: There’s a lot of dynamics going on. You almost have to change how you teach, and become a bit of a chameleon. It’s a lot of fun.

Q: Do you have any apprentices?

A: “We’ve got three apprentices, and that’s probably where I’m most passionate. Coming from humble beginnings, at some stage, I want Zen to be a business that helps others to become business owners themselves. That would be a big dream of mine — to be working alongside them to help build something of their own.

It’s good getting support from BCITO and Certified Builders. A little bit of extra help goes a long way for businesses like ours. They often have apprentice of the year challenges, we always try and do that, and they do offer a lot in their support. They’re invested in the future as well, bringing up their younger builders.”

Q: What kind of work do you specialise in?

A: Our biggest thing is helping clients who love where they live, but they feel like it’s not truly theirs. So we help them transform it, to be their own space. Most of the time, we’re helping clients live in their homes, so owner occupiers, and the biggest part is making them feel comfortable.

If we have to do a portable kitchen or toilet while we’re building their house, we’ll do that to ensure they have what they need. Building is already stressful. There’s always going to be a bit of stress, we try to be a little bit more low-key, more relaxed. That’s why we’re called Zen Builders. We try to bring that back into the process to make it enjoyable for everyone involved.”

Q: Your profile really stands out — what did you focus on when setting it up?

A: “I think it’s being personable. I think you see us, it targets that we’re there for you, and there to guide you. My profile picture is when I first started the business six years ago, and was super proud.

I should probably update it to include the team. And also the quality. I think people want efficiency and quality together. We try to portray that quality because that’s what everyone wants.”

Q: How important do you think photos have been in helping you win work?

A: “We do try to invest in professional photography, but once you’ve started a project, you’re kind of onto the next one, so it can be hard to organise. There’s a couple that have been done professionally, the others are iPhone specials.”

Q: What advice would you give to other tradies when it comes to setting up a solid profile?

A: “I think quality photos — are they taken professionally? I think that is pretty massive. When you get proper pictures of the work.

Also, knowing what and who you’re targeting. Another to be honest, and it’s a big one, is getting help. A lot of the time, it’s getting help from your partner or getting advice. I think a lot of people think they know — those are the ones that need help organising their marketing.”

Q: What’s your general approach when responding to job leads?

A: “Making sure we’re both fit for each other. First point of action, making sure they’re the right client for me, and asking am I the right builder for them. Finding out exactly what they want before you catch up.

Getting to know them just a little bit, just the basics, asking questions like is this an investment property, is this your home, what quality are you after. Letting them know our process as well.

I would definitely say I screen them lightly. Just to make sure we’re compatible.”

Q: How do you screen clients — on the phone or in-person?

A: “Depending on the project, I have started just calling, asking them if they’ll be free on a certain day. But I used to email mostly, just because a lot of people are busy. But I have started calling and it’s changed everything.”

Q: How has calling clients changed things for you?

A: “I can get answers directly, straight away, saves a lot of back and forth. I can hear them over the phone. More of a speeding up of the process and understanding what they’re looking for.”

Q: What sorts of things do you talk about up-front?

A: “I try to see what they want to achieve, their outcome, the purpose, is it for their whānau. I usually lightly talk about our company, I don’t go into too much, it follows its way through naturally, as we’re talking now. I don’t have a massive sales pitch, I prefer to be a lot more relaxed.”

Q: What have you learned about standing out to customers?

A: “I think for myself personally, I think now more than ever, is speed. I think to stand out, you have to want the job, and be keen. It’s quite hard figuring that out over the phone from our sales pitch. When you’re in front of someone, you can feel it out and adjust things.

We’ve got a really great team, and that’s what makes me really confident.

Q: What has been your experience with other review platforms? E.g. Google or Facebook

A: “Builderscrack has got really good systems for reviews. You have an amazing CRM. I think you guys are the best of the best in my opinion, just with the follow up emails to customers and everything.

It’s also been a big learning for me, and seeing how involved it is to actually get those reviews. Seeing the platform of BC, it’s been a real eye opener. Every invoice I send I now include a link asking for reviews too.”

Q: Have you received much repeat work from BC?

A: “Yeah I get so much, I’m so lucky man. My first year starting Zen Builders, I got a project through BC, it was a home reno. She was a lovely client, I’ve done more work for her since. One day she called me saying, “I was thinking about some ideas for a job for a year and a half away,” and she wanted to check in with me first.

So yep, I do get repeat clients. Some of my most awesome clients are from BC. You guys are carrying a lot of builders and I’m just super thankful.”

Q: How has Builderscrack helped your business grow or change over time?

A: “I think Builderscrack for me, and probably for most companies out there, it just gives security and confidence that there is another avenue of gaining new clients. Because the other way of getting work, like word of mouth, it’s changed and it’s not like it used to be. Relying on word of mouth is a dead marketing campaign.

It’s built me overall, and it’s something you can’t get it in any course. That’s what I’m getting. It’s changed me.”

Q: Are you still on the tools?

A: “Not really, I am a little bit, but it’s mostly meeting with clients now and organising sites. My team’s so good now. I just annoy them. When I’m on site, I try and joke too much, they’re like — “bro.” I slow everything down. So yeah, only when I’m really needed.”

Q: What digital tools do you use to run your business?

A: “Our website, we get a few enquiries from that. Our Instagram and Facebook leads to it, so that’s kind of our first point of contact. Other than that, it’s just Builderscrack. For other business software, you 100% need Xero before you start a business — hands down.

My advice is to get a personal accountant that you can go out for a coffee or a beer with, and just ask questions. For building software, we use Builda Price which integrates with Xero, so the guys just log their timesheets and it all syncs up. Also, I don’t think enough people do it, but investing in a good health and safety portal. People are quite blasé, but it’s not only you and your team’s safety, it’s everyones.”

Q: What would you say to a tradie who’s just getting started on Builderscrack, or online marketing in general?

A: “I think you need to start with your values, figure out what you’re offering, and be genuine with what you’re trying to offer. Find your why. I would say that you probably don’t want to go too over the top aye. Like trying to do everything yourself.

Pay the correct people to do the job. Too many times, people try to do everything and they go backwards.

It’s like you said before, sole traders and business owners, you feel lonely if you’re out there on your own, so if you’ve got your own accountant or outsourcing marketing, they see you, and then end up helping you. With you giving, they give back tenfold. That’s why I’m real thankful for everyone.”

Q: Anything else you’d like to add that we haven’t covered?

A: “All I’d say is I really do appreciate all you guys at BC. Keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing what’s next.”

Thank you to Ziggy from Zen Builders for sharing your story, your time and delivering awesome results for our community.