Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business

In this episode, Ryan talks to Daniel Klinkenberg, the founder of Urban Homes, and its General Manager, Andrew South. They talk about their experience winning the Platinum Award at the National House of the Year 2022, and what advice they would give others. Their story is truly inspiring and offers some great learning for other builders.

Show Notes

Platinum Award is given to builders who have achieved outstanding building excellence and won five or more National Category titles. Urban Homes was established in 2004, delivering quality homes across Waikato, South Auckland, Coromandel and beyond.

Daniel and Bronwyn Klinkenberg started Urban from scratch, following a dream from the early days of their relationship. Daniel was a trade-qualified builder, and Bronwyn is a primary school teacher. Andrew South, General Manager, joined the company in 2019 to help take it to the next level. They talk to Ryan the importance of values and culture in the company that helped them achieve outstanding results. 

Urban Homes also puts a lot of value on their staff. A great example is 21-year-old Chris Foy from Hamilton who has been named the Waikato 2022 Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year. Daniel and Andrew share their thoughts on how to help their staff to flourish and step into new opportunities.

With the potential downturn of the market, Ryan asked about Urban's plans to approach that period. Daniel recalls the difficult times of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC, 2007–2008) when they only had a few days of work ahead of them and how to helped to get tne company stronger. Andrew hopes to spend this time improving the processes to prepare for when the market will take off again.


Links
New Zealand's Supreme Homes Announced! 
About Urban Homes

Where else you can find us
Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/
Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ

What is Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business?

Welcome to the Master Builders Elevate podcast, hosted by Ryan Castle, where we discuss topics and talk with experts, advocates and business owners in the New Zealand construction industry. We share knowledge, insights and experiences to help you build a better business and enjoy a better life. The podcast explores ideas and practices that help builders get the best from their businesses, teams and themselves. Every second week a new episode will be released. You can listen online or find and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

In addition to a podcast, Registered Master Builders Elevate is the online learning portal exclusively for Master Builders. Here you’ll find courses, microcourses and other learning resources – all free to you as part of your membership. Elevate offers the flexibility to learn what you need when you need it and at your own pace. The learning platform can be accessed anywhere, anytime and on any device and is available to all your staff. When members complete an Elevate course, they also earn LBP points.