Build something that matters

I started in 2018 as a sales administrator, filling gaps across departments in head office and getting a little part in everything. From there I moved into operations and community engagement, then back into construction as an administrator, and now into contract administration.

I’m someone who can second-guess my abilities, especially when I’m outside my comfort zone. Having supportive managers and team members who give me the confidence and the nudge to say, ‘Yes, I can do this,’ has made all the difference. They’re always willing to go the extra mile, giving me the training, support and skills I need to get where I want to go.

I started at Gardner Vaughan in 2010 as a construction cadet, working on a school build at Strathpine, a role my mum actually put me forward for. I was blown away by what I walked into: a family business with real personality and real morals.

I never planned on staying this long. But Gardner Vaughan has always been client-focused, even when the right decision wasn’t the cheapest or fastest one. Fifteen years on, I can see what Guy, Simon, Geoff and Daryl were building the whole time: a legacy that puts the big picture first.

When I moved from Sydney, Gardner Vaughan was the first job I had in Queensland, and it’s felt like family ever since. I joined in 2015, when the business was still finding its systems and processes, and helped bring our sales and marketing in-house for the first time.

Together with the directors, we built our brand promise, “We care how you live,” at a time Gardner Vaughan had never really promoted itself. Watching that grow from the ground up into a strong, defined brand in the market has been the proudest part of my career here.

I never thought I’d be where I am today. The career progression I’ve had at Gardner Vaughan has been unbelievable, and it’s happened because of the support of the leaders here.

What’s kept me here is the people and the way we design. We’re always looking to improve. Over the years we’ve learned who we’re designing for, picking up on the common themes from hundreds of buyer changes and building them in as standard, so each project is better than the last. This is the best opportunity I’ve ever had, and the best job I’ll have.