KITSET SHEDS AVAILABLE NOW | LEARN MORE
KITSET SHEDS AVAILABLE NOW | LEARN MORE
Pre-engineered buildings have gained popularity due to their numerous advantages over traditional construction methods. These structures are made from prefabricated components, with steel being a common material used for their construction. So, what makes them beneficial to construction projects? We delve into the benefits of working with prefabricated steel and explore how installing these steel buildings works.
Prefabricated steel buildings are an excellent choice if you’re looking for fast, cost-effective construction. Whether you’re building a steel garage for your home or a commercial building for your business, these structures provide various advantages. Let’s explore some of them below.
Pre-engineered steel buildings can be easily and quickly assembled onsite. The components of pre-engineered buildings are designed and manufactured at the factory, leading to efficient production processes and reduced construction time. This results in cost savings for manual labour.
Pre-engineered steel buildings offer excellent flexibility for future expansion. These buildings can accommodate potential expansions or modifications, making it easier for the structure to adapt to changing needs. The modular nature of pre-engineered components allows for changes without significant disruption to the existing building. For example, you could add a lean-to to your existing structure if you want more space and storage for miscellaneous equipment and furniture.
To understand how pre-engineered steel building installation works, let’s break down the process into three steps:
The first step in erecting a pre-engineered building is to prepare the foundation. This involves clearing, excavating, and levelling the site. Your KiwiSpan licensee will organise this for you; keep in mind that the process may take longer if the weather conditions aren’t good.
Once the foundation is ready, the primary framing is installed. The framing consists of top hats and cee-sections, and these steel components are bolted together and fastened to the foundation. The primary framing provides the main structural support for the building.
After the primary framing is in place, the next step is to install the roof and wall cladding. The installation begins with attaching the wall cladding to the secondary framing using self-drilling fasteners. The secondary framing includes purlins, girts, and eave struts. Once the walls are complete, roof panel installation and insulation follow.
Among all vendors, why choose KiwiSpan for your pre-engineered steel building? Here are the reasons why!
Steel is known for its strength and durability, making pre-engineered steel buildings highly resilient. At KiwiSpan, we use up to 3.0mm-gauge steel for the structural elements in our sheds and a minimum of 0.4mm-gauge cladding with extra wide and thicker 0.55mm-gauge flashings. They can withstand various weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snow loads, and seismic events. Steel also resists pests such as termites, reducing the risk of structural damage and minimising maintenance requirements.
Pre-engineered steel buildings offer architectural versatility, allowing a variety of design options. At KiwiSpan, you can create custom designs that meet your specific project requirements. Whether for commercial, industrial, agricultural, or residential purposes, KiwiSpan makes it possible to build your steel structure to your exact requirements. This flexibility in design ensures that your pre-engineered steel building suits your aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
KiwiSpan products undergo rigorous quality checks during the manufacturing process. We ensure that each component meets the required quality standards before being dispatched to the construction site. We also pride ourselves on providing a 50-year durability statement for our structural frames and associated bracketry. Our NZ-designed and engineered brackets utilise grunty, industrial-grade bolts, and heavy-gauge Tek screws, offering a stronger connection. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing your steel shed is durable and can withstand NZ’s harsh weather conditions.
When you partner with us, we’ll ensure that your steel shed meets performance and durability standards with a maintenance plan. Upon completion of the build, your respective KiwiSpan licensee will provide a maintenance plan specific to your shed so you know how to care for it.
Are you planning a new steel shed project? Let us help you. Contact us to discuss your building requirements, customisation options, and other considerations!
Buying into an established brand is one of the best ways to ensure security and sustainable profits – so it’s no surprise that we receive a lot of interest in joining our licensee network. If you’re wondering how our selection process works, and what it really takes to be a successful KiwiSpan licensee owner, here’s what you need to know.
Running a license requires independence, confidence, and plenty of knowledge when it comes to business operations and working with clients. Successful licensees must have previous industry experience and the skills to manage and grow a business.
Many of our current licensees come from a construction background, or have previous experience in business and sales. While specific shed-building experience isn’t required, an understanding of how the industry works will help massively.
For example, before buying KiwiSpan Tauranga with his partner Jill, Darryn Astill established his own fencing business. Meanwhile, Stephen Cross from KiwiSpan Northland comes from a long history of sales experience working with a home-building company. These successful licensees are great examples of how KiwiSpan can offer a lucrative business opportunity if you have the right experience and confidence.
Like anything worth working for, joining the KiwiSpan network involves a thorough recruitment process. We pride ourselves on maintaining a high standard – because we know that people are everything when it comes to strengthening our brand.
“Donovan Group has such good people working with them; everyone has the same passion and commitment, and we’re all eager to help each other out. The network also has a strong training and support system in place now for new licensees – and that makes a huge difference,” explains Stephen Cross from KiwiSpan Northland.
When assessing candidates, we look for more than just experience. We value people who are passionate about working with customers and building stronger business relationships. While all of our licensees come from slightly different backgrounds and run their regions in different ways, they all carry similar attributes – transparency, dedication, and business acumen.
Here’s a general breakdown of how our process works:
For all the details about how we assess prospective licensees, and what our onboarding process looks like, download the KiwiSpan Licensee Prospectus.
Current licensees often say that one of their favourite aspects of KiwiSpan is how we structure our processes and communications.
“From sales enquiry to order and dispatch, the KiwiSpan process is incredibly simple and efficient. Managing that consistently in this industry is so impressive, and it’s one of the things that brought us to the network,” says Dan McCorkindale from KiwiSpan Nelson/Tasman.
We are thrilled to have a close-knit network across New Zealand. While the day-to-day of being a licensee requires a high level of independence, there are ongoing opportunities to connect with other regional owners.
Beyond the regular training process, licensees are encouraged to draw on the support of the national team and other licensees. We also host regional meetups in different areas of the country throughout the year, and we bring the entire network together for our annual conference and awards ceremony.
As Tonya Harrison and Rowan Thornton, owners of KiwiSpan Wairarapa describe it, “Our success is built on all of the support we get from the entire KiwiSpan network. We love being part of this brand and part of this family.”
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If you have the experience and the drive to be a KiwiSpan licensee, then get in touch with our team to chat! There are several regions for sale right now, and one of them could become your next business venture.
Investing in a business is a big commitment. Prospective buyers need to be sure that their new venture will accumulate value – beyond just the day-to-day earnings and yearly dividends. This is especially true in the construction industry, where it can be difficult to build a solid, lasting reputation with so many other competitors already in the market.
Entrepreneurship is sometimes hailed for offering owners the most bang for their buck but, in actuality, starting your own business from scratch can be incredibly risky – especially in a volatile economy.
For strong, business-savvy building professionals, buying into a licensee network offers a more secure investment option in the long run. Being part of a national brand helps ensure consistent and quality leads, right from day one. When it comes time to sell, the backing of a reputable brand also means accumulating more value and higher capitals.
It’s important to realise that not every licensee or franchisee system operates in the same way. If you’re curious about what the KiwiSpan license network could offer you and your career, here is more about the kind of financial benefits you can expect.
KiwiSpan is a nationally reputable brand, with a proven history of success in the New Zealand shed building industry. What that means is that even new or transitioning regions can quickly source great leads and ongoing clients.
Accumulating revenue early in the game is incredibly important for building wealth in the long term. What the KiwiSpan brand offers is a chance to hit the ground running with a new business – rather than spending years just scraping by while establishing an independent name from scratch.
While making this kind of transition could pose significant challenges if starting a brand new business, working within KiwiSpan offers new licensees a wide network of experts and peers.
As Jill and Darryn Astill from KiwiSpan Tauranga can attest after their first year as licensees, “The support from head office is enormous. If you were going in blind to this business, it would be very difficult – but the entire network here is amazing.”
Ultimately, this support helps new licensees learn quickly, take advantage of incoming leads with confidence, and start generating revenue earlier.
Investing in a new venture can be an intimidating move, especially in today’s uncertain economy. Reducing risk, ensuring capital gain, and putting your dollar where it will go the farthest have never been more important.
Buying into a reputable brand like KiwiSpan, with the backing of Donovan Group, offers prospective buyers a secure route towards long term growth in value. Previous KiwiSpan licensees have gone on to sell their regional license at significant gains – a result of their efforts within their region and the ongoing expansion and development of the KiwiSpan name.
Having established success, ongoing sales growth, and proven systems and processes that make working in the network enjoyable and efficient have all contributed to the reputation of KiwiSpan today.
KiwiSpan’s network is comprised of talented and motivated licensees operating from Southland to Northland. Through years of refining our practice and incorporating feedback, we are so proud to see our license owners flourish in both their business and their day-to-day operations.
We believe that a huge part of that success is due to the high level of independence, flexibility and respect that we entrust with each license. While there are obvious expectations around branding, service quality, and consistent opening hours, nearly all of the operational decisions are up to regional owners. From what kind of projects they choose, to how many staff they want, to when they take their holidays, KiwiSpan licensees have complete freedom over how they work.
Enjoying the backbone of being part of a secure enterprise combined with the day-to-day freedom of running a business is what sets KiwiSpan apart. It might also be why we see so many licensees stay with the network for 18 or more years!
If you are looking for a low-risk and wealth-building asset for your next construction venture, get in touch with our team to learn more about being a KiwiSpan licensee.
There are multiple regions up for sale right now – and they could just be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
There’s a lot of room for flexibility for KiwiSpan licensees – and no one demonstrates that potential better than Stephen and Emma Cross. With just a small team of two, a background in sales, and the due diligence to get things done right, the KiwiSpan Northland duo has built an excellent reputation over the last nine years.
We sat down with Emma and Stephen to chat about their journey from 2014 to becoming a 2022 KiwiSpan License of the Year Runner Up – and how they approach their business.
“We choose to work on projects that really fit the KiwiSpan system,” says Stephen. “We know our strengths, and what kinds of buildings work well with our product.”
For KiwiSpan Northland, it’s about adding the most value, and finding the right balance. “The customer should receive a very high quality shed, at a great price, delivered quickly and efficiently; the business should expect a healthy margin and a smooth, tried and trusted process.”
Emma and Stephen have found a particular niche in open-span sheds, usually with two or three bays. Their customers are often people who are clear about what they want, and value solid, well-made products.
Emma says that they choose to work as a duo, rather than hiring a team. “We’re happy with where we sit right now. If we wanted to grow our team, we’d really be taking the business in a different direction – and the way we manage things now allows us wonderful flexibility and financial support without the complications of managing staff.”
Stephen says they appreciate the autonomy of being a KiwiSpan licensee, and the way it has helped them find the right home-work balance.
Unlike most other licensees, Stephen doesn’t come from a building background. With extensive experience in business sales, including for Signature Homes, Stephen and Emma started managing house building projects and developed an interest in construction. When the original owners of KiwiSpan Northland moved on, the duo took the leap into shed building.
Coming from a sales background means that the team is comfortable going out into the market to find customers and build lasting relationships. It’s one of the reasons why Emma and Stephen are known for becoming friends with their clients.
“As someone who has never been a builder, entering the industry certainly came with a steep learning curve,” says Stephen. “But I think we are proof that you can come into this network and be successful with the right business mindset and commitment to getting it done.”
KiwiSpan Northland uses contractors for all the building work, and learned the bread-and-butter of the trade from an administrative expert back in 2014. After nearly eight years of full autonomy, Stephen and Emma are well-versed in every step of the shed building process. When they do need support, they say it’s easy to reach out to the wider network.
“Donovan Group has such good people working with them; everyone has the same passion and commitment, and we’re all eager to help each other out. The network also has a strong training and support system in place now for new licensees – and that makes a huge difference.”
With three children at home, it’s always been important to Stephen and Emma to have plenty of personal time and space.
“Our lifestyle is so important to us,” says Stephen. “KiwiSpan has been such a good fit for that. It’s allowed us to live the way we want to, with this great balance between having support and being in control.”
With the backing of Donovan Group, that balance has become even better. Stephen says that the reliability of Donovan Group – from their processes to their products – is exceptional. Plus, the buying power that comes with being in the network helps them operate more efficiently. “Even down to the branding support,” says Stephen, “we’re happy to see such great work that helps us grow stronger as a licensee.”
“We really feel the benefits of having your own business. We get to operate the way we like. We know it’s quite different to other licensees in the network – but the national KiwiSpan team has been fully supportive.”
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KiwiSpan is proud to have a diverse and exceptional network of licensees across the country. If you see a bit of yourself in Stephen and Emma’s story, then you might be a good fit in the KiwiSpan community.
With new regions for sale right now, we’re always looking for driven, business-savvy people who are ready to put their passion into a KiwiSpan license.
Download the licensee prospectus to learn more about what it means to be part of our network.
Owning a business can be extremely hard, especially in today’s tricky economy. Even for those ready to take the leap, starting a brand from scratch is simply too risky.
For experienced construction professionals, buying a KiwiSpan license is the opportunity to enjoy all the flexible and economic perks of running your own business, without the risky aspects of starting a new company.
Here are the top five benefits of joining the KiwiSpan network, and running your very own license business.
Joining a license network is one of the safest ways to invest in business. Investing in a license offers new business owners a structured, proven system with the added benefit of working under a known, reputable brand.
Many of our licensees have run (or concurrently run) other businesses in the building industry. The license model of KiwiSpan helps them achieve stability, and expand their client network – giving them the best of both worlds.
All KiwiSpan licensees are part of our impressive network of Donovan Group experts. This includes industry-leading engineers, plus business and marketing professionals.
As a pioneer for construction innovation, Donovan Group allows unparalleled access to leading software tools and proven, streamlined systems. Being a KiwiSpan license means having the support and the process in place to efficiently design custom-made sheds for your clients.
We’re incredibly proud of the KiwiSpan reputation that we have built since 2003. We are known throughout New Zealand as a leader in the shed-building space, and for consistently offering superior quality and unique products.
New licensees don’t have to start from scratch when it comes to building brand trust and credibility. Joining the KiwiSpan brand offers new business owners the invaluable chance to start their shed-building journey under a nationally-recognised name. This helps save new owners time, investment and risk from day one.
While every licensee is responsible for their own regional marketing, you will have the support of an expert marketing team from KiwiSpan and the wider Donovan Group. Whether you’re looking for advertising guidance, trying to make more connections, or just need general creative support, our marketers are here to help.
Plus, by becoming a KiwiSpan licensee, you have immediate access to all of the branded marketing materials you need – from marketing collateral to social media content and strategic brand messaging.
We hear it all the time from our regional licensees…
“We have received incredible support from everyone in the KiwiSpan family! Everyone in the network is amazing. They are all motivated and wonderful people.”
“Our success is built on all of the support we’ve had from the network. Thank you so much to the entire KiwiSpan community – we love being part of this brand and part of this family.”
Having a supportive network is essential in what can be a challenging mission – running a business. KiwiSpan actively promote collaboration and cross-regional development and support. Our regions don’t overlap, so there’s never any issues with competition – just opportunities to support one another.
Every year, the entire network gets together for the KiwiSpan Awards and Conference. Along with learning and networking opportunities, this multi-day event helps us recognise outstanding achievements and celebrate the work of exceptional regional teams. Throughout the year, we also have smaller, regional versions of this conference, which take place in multiple locations around the country. These meetings help license owners share and learn from each other, as well as receive direct support from our national team.
Most license brands set rigid rules and structures in place – but at KiwiSpan, we have consciously designed our network to encourage flexibility, allowing each region to play to their strengths.
On the day-to-day, KiwiSpan licensees have the space to make independent business decisions. Whether you want to focus on a particular project niche, or invest heavily in your local community, or if you want to hire extra office help – the choice is yours.
KiwiSpan licensees are confident in business and construction processes, and they all run their regions slightly differently to suit their individual goals, needs, and preferences. We ensure that the license model allows for ample independence and personal flexibility – so that you can live and operate in the way that works best for you.
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If you’re a motivated professional ready to leap towards your next business opportunity without having to start your brand from scratch, then KiwiSpan might be the right fit for you. We have several regions for sale right now that are looking for talented buyers.
Download our prospectus to have a more in-depth look at how our licensee network operates. KiwiSpan could be the next big break for your business. Discover the regions for sale right now throughout New Zealand!
It’s been a huge year for the building industry, filled with challenges and global setbacks, but also tremendous growth here in New Zealand.
The KiwiSpan network and our incredible licensees around the country have a lot to celebrate from the past year. As we barrel towards the Summer holidays, we thought we’d take a moment to reflect and share a little bit about what we’ve achieved over 2022.
We are so excited to have two new regional licensees representing KiwiSpan Southland and KiwiSpan Nelson.
Nathan and Jessica Wheeler officially took over KiwiSpan Southland in September, and they are already bringing positivity and energy to Invercargill, Gore, Te Anau, and everywhere in between.
With fifteen years of experience building residential properties in Invercargill, Nathan is no stranger to the industry. He says, “I’ve been looking for an opportunity to expand and get my foot in the door with bigger projects.” KiwiSpan was a perfect fit for the Wheelers to take their business to the next level.
Meanwhile, Dan McCorkindale and Emerson Mytton have hit the ground running at the opposite end of the South Island with KiwiSpan Nelson. Dan and Emerson have been business partners since 2016, and look forward to introducing their local network of industrial clients to KiwiSpan.
The newly-established licence is operating from Richmond, and services a highly diverse region – from rural Marlborough and Motueka to Nelson and Blenheim. The duo was attracted to KiwiSpan for its established, streamlined system that will help them continue to provide exceptional customer service.
While many industries are seeing slowdowns in the current economic climate, demand for quality shed-building has never been higher here in New Zealand.
The success of this year’s sales is all thanks to the tireless efforts of each region, however. The Wairarapa team, 2022 KiwiSpan Licensee of the Year, is a shining example of that tremendous work in action.
Just two years ago, Tonya Harrison and Rowan Thornton joined the KiwiSpan network in a region with virtually no brand awareness. They worked extremely hard to drive sales and boost their local presence, and have seen tremendous growth as a result. Between Tonya’s background in marketing and Rowan’s industry experience, the two have transformed KiwiSpan Wairarapa into a flourishing, busy region with no sign of slowing down.
Another exceptional region for sales growth and development is KiwiSpan Tauranga, run by Darryn and Jill Astill. In just a little more than a year, the team have boosted the KiwiSpan brand and demonstrated their strong business and networking skills across the Tauranga area.
After two years of virtual conferences, it was truly a highlight to join together in person at the Copthorne hotel in Wellington for the 2022 KiwiSpan Conference and Awards.
Over 60 people attended the two-day event, which featured talks about the future of shed-building in New Zealand as well as development opportunities for licensees. The winners of this year’s KiwiSpan Awards were also announced, shining light on some of the outstanding work from regional teams around the country.
As KiwiSpan Northland owners Stephen and Emma Cross commented, “It’s wonderful to be part of this amazing network. KiwiSpan has become so strong, especially over the last few years, and we’re thrilled to be recognised as a Licensee of the Year Runner Up.”
Read the full story about this year’s conference and awards here.
We’re looking forward to hosting three regional connections in March 2023. These events bring together KiwiSpan licensees to share ideas, tackle industry challenges together, and hear from Head Office. We’ll discuss marketing activity on the horizon, supply updates, and work through pressing issues.
These connections will take place across the country, including one in Christchurch. We always find that these ‘mini-conferences’ energise the network and help continuously build up our KiwiSpan community.
In the next year, we are also focussing heavily on our expansion throughout the South Island. With so much recent growth, KiwiSpan is in a great position to increase the number of licensees around the country, and widen our reach as the leading brand for quality shed-building in New Zealand.
If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming opportunities within the KiwiSpan Licensee network, have a look at our business page to see the regions up for sale right now.
We are incredibly proud to be rounding out the year with such a long list of highlights for the brand. We’ll be back in the new year ready to keep growing our impact and supporting our exceptional network of KiwiSpan licensees. See you then!
We have a reputation for delivering quality, efficiency, and creativity with every build – and that’s all thanks to the experienced and motivated KiwiSpan licensees that form our national network.
We’re always looking for talented and business-driven industry professionals who have the resilience and the expertise to run a KiwiSpan license in a new region. We offer the opportunity to join a national brand backed by Donovan Group, without sacrificing the autonomy and flexibility that comes with running and owning your own business.
While building sheds is the bread and butter of operating a KiwiSpan license, the position requires business acumen, a drive to succeed, and the attitude to get things done. We’re looking for licensee candidates who are hungry for a challenge, and ready to grow a business in their area.
Across New Zealand, there are thirty-two regions – and some of them are for sale right now. If you’re interested in becoming part of the KiwiSpan licensee network, here are the top three qualities that we’re looking for in a candidate.
While every licensee has the backing of a national network, each region is operated as an independent business. That means hiring your own staff, managing budgets, making sales, and building a presence in your region. The most successful KiwiSpan licensees are entrepreneurs at heart; they are constantly finding better, more efficient ways to operate and build their business.
Take, for example, this year’s KiwiSpan Licensee of the Year, Tonya Harrison and Rowan Thornton from KiwiSpan Wairarapa. The duo first opened their region in October of 2020, and they were drawn to KiwiSpan for its national reputation for delivering exceptional, high-quality products.
They saw the limitless potential for growth in the Wairarapa region, and knew that joining the KiwiSpan network could offer a meaningful way to provide great sheds to their community and financial stability for their family.
Tonya and Rowan have gone on to achieve impressive growth – increasing sales, delivering top-notch customer service, and bringing on extra staffing support.
“Our success is built on all of the support we’ve had from the network,” the duo says. “Thank you so much – we love being part of this brand and part of this family.”
There’s a lot more to business than just the numbers at the end of the year. Whether your goal is to make more sales, deliver consistently great service, or grow your regional marketing presence – KiwiSpan licensees are driven to achieve meaningful progress.
Every KiwiSpan region has a unique personality, each with different levels of influence and presence in their local area. Like the new Wairarapa team, some have tremendous potential for growth.
If you have a fresh and goal-oriented approach to business, you may be the right fit for the KiwiSpan network.
While building or construction experience is valuable as a KiwiSpan licensee, it’s worth nothing if you can’t make sales.
Many current licensees have previously owned or operated businesses. Darryn and Jill Astill from KiwiSpan Tauranga, for example, ran a fencing company for fourteen years before joining the network. Bruce Morris and Kerri-Ann McKenna-Morris from KiwiSpan Wanganui, meanwhile, are known for being the fourth generation owners of a family business in their region.
Previous business ownership is not a requirement for KiwiSpan licensee candidates, but it is necessary to know how to make sales and develop professional relationships.
“We emphasise to our customers that building is truly a journey, and it’s about so much more than just a transaction and a product. I think that approach is what has led us forward, and why a lot of our clients end up becoming our friends,” says Stephen Cross, KiwiSpan Northland.
The KiwiSpan network is brought together by professionals from a variety of backgrounds, with varying levels of experience in shed-building. What they all have in common, however, is relentless motivation, a passion for the KiwiSpan brand, and proven business experience.
Discover the impact you could have in your area with a KiwiSpan license. If you’re ready for the next step towards owning and operating your own region, then it’s time to learn more about our business opportunities here.
Building a successful licensee network would be impossible without the phenomenal KiwiSpan business owners who bring their regional passion and expertise to the brand.
Every year, our Head Office hosts the KiwiSpan Conference to bring together our growing licensee network for a social evening. Last month, over 60 people gathered at the Copthorne hotel in Wellington to share ideas and recognise one another for strides made over the last year.
The two-day conference featured talks on economic developments and trends that will impact the New Zealand shed-building industry in the coming years. Conversations focused on sharpening the KiwiSpan sales process and how to improve lead conversion.
“The conference is always such a positive experience. It gives us the chance to bounce ideas back and forth and build some great relationships with other regions,” says Stephen Cross of KiwiSpan Northland.
With representatives from around the country in attendance, we also announced the 2022 KiwiSpan Award Winners. We’re thrilled to celebrate the outstanding work and achievements of so many talented business leaders in our network.
LICENSEE OF THE YEAR – KiwiSpan Wairarapa
The top award of the evening went to owner and operator duo Rowan Thornton and Tonya Harrison, for their commitment to success in 2022.
“We are absolutely shocked to be this year’s winners,” says Tonya. “It makes us feel like all of the hard work and the difficult moments have been so worth it.”
Having only joined KiwiSpan two years ago, Rowan and Tonya have made impressive progress for the Wairarapa region – from developing a strong referral network to bringing the KiwiSpan brand into the local community.
“It’s been wonderful to see so much phenomenal feedback coming in. We really try to work alongside our customers, and make sure we’re the right fit for each other. We always try our best, and it’s great to see that effort rewarded,” says Rowan.
A family of four, Rowan and Tonya are passionate about their region, and have become involved with local charities, sports clubs, and community events.
“Our success is built on all of the support we’ve had from the network,” the duo says. “Thank you so much – we love being part of this brand and part of this family.”
LICENSEE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UPS – KiwiSpan Northland
With nine years of experience at KiwiSpan Northland, Stephen and Emma Cross are known by customers as exceptional communicators who always get the job done right.
“We emphasise to our customers that building is truly a journey, and it’s about so much more than just a transaction and a product. I think that approach is why a lot of our clients end up actually becoming our friends,” says Stephen.
This year Stephen and Emma have taken their region to new heights, finishing their biggest-ever build and taking on a variety of complex projects.
“Although receiving this award was a happy surprise for us, it’s great to see that our overall business process is being recognised in this way. KiwiSpan has become so strong over these last few years, and it’s wonderful to be part of this amazing network.”
LICENSEE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP – KiwiSpan Tauranga
As one of the newest licensee teams, Jill and Darryn Astill are thrilled to take this award home for Tauranga. After taking over the region in September 2021, Jill and Darryn have signed on a host of new projects and hired another full-time staff member.
“What an incredible privilege to be recognised for our efforts of the past 12 months!” reflects Jill. “This award has really inspired us, and we are grateful for all of the support from the amazing KiwiSpan family who have made this possible for our team.”
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE – KiwiSpan Wellington & KiwiSpan Taranaki
It’s been a difficult year for the construction industry, but James Marsh (Wellington) and Joel Schrader (Taranaki) have taken every challenge in their stride.
This award demonstrates the impressive achievements from the past year in both Wellington and Taranaki.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE – KiwiSpan Waikato & KiwiSpan Counties
Boasting efficient systems and top-notch service, the teams at KiwiSpan Waikato (Ryan Mason) and KiwiSpan Counties (Andrew and Inger Craven) take home this year’s award for outstanding operations.
REGIONAL MARKETING CHAMPION – KiwiSpan Tauranga
Before joining the KiwiSpan network, the Astills had a solid understanding of their local market through running a fencing business for 15 years. They’ve used their deep regional knowledge to bring exceptional marketing and sales efforts to KiwiSpan Tauranga.
From investing in local initiatives to attending the 2022 Home & Interiors Show, James Marsh and the KiwiSpan Wellington team have shown enthusiasm and strength in their regional marketing this year.
OUTSTANDING SALES GROWTH – KiwiSpan Hawkes Bay
Ron Leijen has received this award for his dedication to improving sales for the Hawkes Bay region and moving business forward.
OUTSTANDING SALES GROWTH RUNNER UP – KiwiSpan Manawatu, KiwiSpan Christchurch & KiwiSpan King Country
Bruce Morris and Kerri-Ann McKenna-Morris (Manawatu) as well as Jina Andrews and Phil Duncan (Christchurch) and Hugh Lilley (King Country) have demonstrated impressive growth over the last year, earning them this achievement.
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR – Roofing Industries
100% New Zealand owned and operated, Roofing Industries offers superior cladding and roll-formed roofing solutions. They have been a key partner this year and continue to provide exceptional service for our KiwiSpan sheds.
NETWORKS CHOICE – Joel Schrader (KiwiSpan Taranaki)
Joel has operated the Taranaki region for over 10 years now, and never fails to live up to his exceptional reputation. From great customer service to top-notch business sense, Joel is great to work with and always willing to lend support for the KiwiSpan network.
Even amidst all of the construction industry’s challenges from the last year, KiwiSpan licensees from around New Zealand are celebrating huge strides for their regions and businesses.
To learn more about how our licensee network operates, and which regions are up for sale right now, explore our business opportunities and download the KiwiSpan prospectus.
As a licensee network, our strength depends on the unique leadership of each regional team. Individuals with a range of backgrounds and expertise combine within the KiwiSpan network to build our national reputation as a high-quality and business-savvy shed-building brand.
We take talent sourcing very seriously – because we understand that people are the core of our exceptional network. We look for candidates who reflect the key values of KiwiSpan, and who have the experience to be successful in our industry.
We’re often asked what traits are most important to have as a KiwiSpan licensee – so here’s an insight into how we consider our candidates. When it comes to KiwiSpan leadership, these are the top three characteristics we value.
As business owners and operators, KiwiSpan licensees have total autonomy over the daily runnings of their region. While we offer engineering, marketing, and developmental support through the network, it’s essential that every licensee transitions into the network with the skills and expertise to drive their own business.
Nearly all of our existing licensees have a background in construction, and many have entrepreneurial experience in the industry. A great example is Rowan Thornton, owner of KiwiSpan Wairarapa. As the founder and operator of RTC Construction, Rowan specialised in subcontracting for other shed-building companies before taking ownership of the Wairarapa license.
While direct experience working with sheds isn’t required, a sense of business management and an understanding of the construction industry are essential. Jill and Darryn Astill from KiwiSpan Tauranga have extensive experience building rural fencing through their independent business Ground Up Services. Their knowledge of the Tauranga market combined with experience building customer relationships has made theirs a smooth transition into the KiwiSpan network.
The KiwiSpan brand has a national reputation not only for high construction quality, but also for providing exceptional service. Effective communication skills and a great deal of patience are both absolutely essential to maintaining and creating strong professional partnerships.
To step into a licensee position, it’s important for candidates to demonstrate their ability to manage the human side of business. Positivity, transparency, and resilience are the qualities that reflect the strength and integrity of the KiwiSpan brand.
The most successful licensees also carry a strong sense of commitment and a hard-working attitude. Having the desire to grow and improve, both as a business and a leader, drives our work forward as an industry leader.
In turn, KiwiSpan licensees are offered unparalleled flexibility and independence. Each licensee structures their schedule and workload in the way that works best for them. Many regions are run by partners, who divide roles between site management and office management. Some teams appoint dedicated salespeople to focus solely on customer quotes, or designate assistants to handle extra administrative tasks.
Quality defines what we do. As a national brand, our identity is based on the exceptional design and construction of aesthetically-appealing, bespoke builds. It’s important to us that every licensee shares this passion and a commitment for delivering the highest quality on every project.
We love to see candidates who glow with pride. Strong businesses are built on strong relationships – within regional communities and professional networks. As Tonya Harrison from KiwiSpan Wairarapa puts it, “This is hard work, and there are some late nights. But we’re proud to be involved in a collaborative network that supports us to deliver cool-as buildings.”
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KiwiSpan is always on the lookout for more exceptional business leaders to take on new licensees. With several territories currently for sale, it’s a great time to join the KiwiSpan network and experience the support of a brand backed by Donovan Group.
Learn more about our application process by reading the KiwiSpan Licensee Prospectus.
Introducing Jill and Darryn Astill – the network’s newest license owners who are bringing fresh energy and local business experience to KiwiSpan Tauranga.
In September 2021, one of the network’s longest-running license owners, Len and Donna Hogg, passed on KiwiSpan Tauranga to Jill and Darryn Astill. “We actually knew Len and Donna, and worked with them to put up a KiwiSpan shed on our own property,” said Darryn.
Having had the KiwiSpan customer experience, Jill and Darryn realised the quality of both KiwiSpan’s product and service. As well-established business owners in the region with previous collaboration with the Donovan Group brand, Jill and Darryn were thrilled to take over the Tauranga license when the opportunity came.
Jill and Darryn are no strangers to the construction industry. With a thirteen-year background in engineering and fabricating, Darryn is well-versed in structural building and design. In 2007, the duo established Ground Up Services, a Tauranga-based fencing business specialising in rural and lifestyle fencing, landscape construction, and retaining walls.
Darryn and Jill’s prior experience has been helpful as the entire construction industry continues to experience supply delays and shifting market conditions. Jill explains, “As long as you’re open and honest, and you don’t try to make something sound different than it actually is, people are often very understanding. Transparency goes a long way.”
Jill and Darryn are combining industry expertise with a solid understanding of the local market and previous business success.
As a family of four, the Astill’s are ingrained in their community, and support several local sports clubs, schools, and events as well as sponsor food bag donations through their local New World.
Taking on a business in the midst of last year’s pandemic meant that Jill and Darryn trained with the national office entirely through distance learning and zoom meetings. Jill explains, “The process wasn’t hard, but certainly a very different experience being unable to meet in person. Everyone was incredibly helpful and encouraging through our transition period.”
Jill and Darryn have transitioned into the KiwiSpan network with confidence and a willingness to connect and learn. “The support we get from Head Office is wonderful,” Jill explains, “There are no silly questions, and we feel that we can ring up any time and get direct, clear answers.”
Looking ahead, Jill and Darryn strive for success and growth. “We have a good brand so it’s an easy product to sell,” says Darryn, “but we’d like to keep pushing and achieve great things in our region.”
In their first year of business, Jill and Darryn have traveled around the North Island to connect with other licensees, from Wellington to Whangarei. They look forward to meeting the wider KiwiSpan network at this year’s annual conference in September, and to being more established in the licensee community.
With more projects signing on, Jill and Darryn were able to expand their team in March by adding another full-time staff member.
The team is nearly finished with projects inherited from the previous licensees, and are now beginning a range of new exciting projects, from habitable buildings to beautiful lifestyle sheds.
“We love that these projects are all bespoke,” says Darryn. “We’re starting to gain a reputation for offering unique and very high quality sheds – and we’re excited by how much momentum there has been over the last year.”
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As a national network, KiwiSpan offers experienced industry leaders the opportunity to own and operate a regional license with the support of Donovan Group. For more information about becoming part of the national KiwiSpan network, view our regions for sale or download the Licensee Prospectus.
