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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.
KiwiSpan: a Network Supported by Donovan Group
There’s a lot to consider in today’s market before taking the next step in your construction portfolio. Security, business potential, and brand identity can take years to build – especially in a quickly-changing market.
KiwiSpan offers experienced construction professionals the opportunity to own and operate their business with ongoing support from Donovan Group. With a national reputation for excellence, Donovan Group provides added security and growth opportunities for KiwiSpan licensees.
It’s no secret that the construction industry is currently facing unprecedented challenges. Delayed shipping, limited supply, and rising petrol prices are being met with increased pressure and frustration from clients. It’s not an easy time to be an independent building professional.
With inflation on the rise and uncertainties clouding the future, it’s important to invest in security for your next business venture. Joining the KiwiSpan license network allows experienced construction professionals to maintain their independence as a business owner, while also reaping the benefits of a strong national support system.
Donovan Group has a proven track record of developing strong license systems, modelled to support each business owner with ongoing training, marketing exposure and engineering expertise. Plus, licensing has a lower statistical risk of failure – even through uncertain times.
Working with Donovan Group means joining a network of driven business minds who consistently look for ways to improve, innovate and perform at a higher standard.
Part of being a licensee is receiving training through the KiwiSpan Support Office. Our Commercial Manager regularly visits licensees to monitor progress, and help achieve business and revenue goals. She also facilitates regional catch-ups for the network, as well as our annual conference, where licensees are able to share ideas, develop stronger relationships, and positively grow as business professionals.
Day-to-day support is also available with full access to Donovan Group’s in-house engineers. Being a part of the network allows licensees valuable support from experts with a wide range of skills, experience and knowledge.
KiwiSpan is one of the leading New Zealand brands for quality and experience. Operating under the name offers new licensees immediate business momentum and authority in the industry.
The national marketing team delivers cutting-edge exposure of the KiwiSpan brand on an industry-wide scale – while also providing individualised support for local marketing initiatives.
KiwiSpan promotes the success of each licensee with the Donovan Group reputation for quality and innovation. A national backing doesn’t just offer clear and proven marketing tactics – it also helps provide a sense of security to new clients.
Quoting and costing in a constantly shifting market can put additional pressure and risk onto independent business owners.
KiwiSpan licensees can predict better financial stability with national pricing agreements for top-quality inventory and supply. The collective buying power of Donovan Group means immediate and significant savings for material costs when operating under the KiwiSpan brand.
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We are dedicated to long-term partnerships with our licensees. More than half of the current KiwiSpan business owners have been operating for over ten years. We believe that speaks to the ongoing strength and support offered through Donovan Group.
To learn more about KiwiSpan’s licensee opportunities and our territories for sale, get in touch with our expert business team.
Steel Sheds Are Not All The Same – Here’s What You Need To Know Before Buying A New Steel Shed
Before committing to a new steel shed, it pays to get into the nitty-gritty of your quotes and see if you’re really comparing apples with apples. Not all steel sheds are created equal and it’s worth checking the details to understand exactly what you’re getting before you buy.
At KiwiSpan we’re transparent about what you’re getting because we stand by the quality of our buildings. We’re proud of the work we do and believe differences in our buildings make a significant difference to the value of your shed – now and in the future.
When your shed is built with a heavier grade of steel, you can rest easy knowing it’s built to last. KiwiSpan uses a thicker steel that is better able to withstand harsh conditions as well as bumps and knocks. So not only is your shed going to be strong and reliable, it will look good for longer too.
KiwiSpan chooses to use heavy duty bolts rather than lightweight tek screws, giving a stronger connection. All sheds are made up of many parts, and the stronger the connections between those parts, the stronger the overall build is. Our bolts also look a lot tidier than lots of messy screws, giving the inside of your shed a more streamlined visual aesthetic.
With the same dimensions on paper, a KiwiSpan shed will give you more usable space because we don’t use knee braces. Knee braces protrude into the internal space and can limit your storage and manoeuvering area. KiwiSpan’s smart designs allow for bigger sheds to be built without knee braces, optimising your space from top-to-bottom, and helping you make the most of every square meter.
The clear open spans of a KiwiSpan shed also allow for greater visibility with a clean and clear visual appearance.
The team at KiwiSpan are always happy to discuss these features with you, and can show you the parts to enhance your understanding of the impact. With KiwiSpan, you get a steel shed that offers greater usability right away, and retains strong value in the longer term.
Whether it’s a commercial building, a garage, or something in between, KiwiSpan has a customised shed solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Three Big Reasons People Choose KiwiSpan
When you need more storage, or a place to run your business from, or space to better explore your hobbies, there are a lot of options to consider. Deciding on a new shed gives you the benefit of a whole new area for your activity. Here are three key reasons why you should choose to build that new shed with KiwiSpan.
Whatever you need from a shed, KiwiSpan will design a shed that’s just for you. It’s completely customised. Your shed will have a unique combination of size, shape, openings, colour, steel profile, roof style, etc. and you can choose how open or enclosed your space is. It all adds up to flexibility. With KiwiSpan we understand your needs then create a new shed that fits on the land you have available and meets your budget.
Understanding how you’re going to use the space is vital, it means KiwiSpan are able to design a shed that returns the most value to you. Our 3D shed builder tool allows you to design a shed yourself and create visual drawings in real time. Your local licensee then contacts you to discuss your shed design and to give you a quote – this stage gives us the opportunity to add years of expertise to your shed design and ensure the shed is best designed to suit your needs. Our 3D builder helps you visualise the possibilities and see exactly what you’re getting.
Customisation sounds expensive, however the price is really no different than buying off the plan. Value however is significantly greater when you have a shed that’s tailored to your exact needs.
KiwiSpan sheds are built to last – more so than some other options because we use heavier steel. The thicker steel in KiwiSpan sheds helps your shed withstand the harshest conditions. You can rest easy knowing your shed is strong and reliable, and will stand the test of time.
As well as thicker steel, we choose to use heavy duty bolts rather than tek screws. Heavy duty bolts benefit you with;
When you choose KiwiSpan, you benefit from years of experience and our knowledgeable design and build teams. Knowing we’ve been in business since 2003 gives you the confidence we know what we’re doing, and we’re here to back up our work.
We have a nationwide network of experienced licensees, all fully owned and operated here in New Zealand, so there’s bound to be a local shed expert near you. Across New Zealand the building compliance and council requirements differ, and our local teams are expert in navigating these regulations. Plus they have all the advice and support you need, and a passion for delivering the perfect shed just for you.
Whether it’s space for hobbies or a dedicated business building, KiwiSpan has a customised shed solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
The 2021 KiwiSpan Award Winners
Owning a business is no small feat, and nobody knows that better than our KiwiSpan network. The network consists of over 20 independently owned licenses, that are based throughout the country. Together, they have helped build KiwiSpan’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s most trusted steel shed suppliers.
Here at KiwiSpan, we don’t let hard work go unnoticed. Every year, we hold an annual national Conference to host the network, share company updates, and most importantly, recognise those who stood out for their exceptional work and business savvy. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we weren’t able to host the Awards Ceremony in person but we look forward to the event taking place later this year in Wellington.
We’re proud to announce the winners of the 2021 KiwiSpan Licensee Awards are:
Licensee of the Year – KiwiSpan New Plymouth
Owner and operator Joel Schrader, alongside his team, are awarded KiwiSpan’s top award for New Plymouth’s all-around commitment to driving success in their business.
Licensee of the Year Runner Up – KiwiSpan North & West Auckland
This award recognises KiwiSpan North & West Auckland’s relentless pursuit of success and their outstanding performance during 2021.
Highest Sales Achievement – KiwiSpan Waikato
This award recognises Waikato’s determination to succeed, and their admirable sales to show for it.
Highest Sales Growth – KiwiSpan Whakatane
Gary and Deb Woollett, along with the Whakatane team, received this award for their ongoing dedication to sales, and their drive to achieve great results.
Operational Excellence – KiwiSpan New Plymouth
Behind the numbers and margins, a great business is operated with integrity and efficiency. Joel Schrader and the New Plymouth team have shown excellence in operations in New Plymouth.
Operational Excellence Runner Up – KiwiSpan Rotorua
Phil Clark and Jacquie Mcleod, demonstrated outstanding leadership and efficiency throughout their Rotorua business.
Regional Marketing Champion – KiwiSpan Wairarapa
Relatively new on the KiwiSpan block, Tonya Harrison and Rowan Thornton from Wairarapa showed creativity and enthusiasm when it came to marketing in their local community and driving exposure for their business.
Regional Marketing Champion – KiwiSpan Rotorua
When it comes to marketing, there aren’t many that do it like Phil Clark and Jacquie Mcleod from the Rotorua region. The Rotorua team showed great initiative, resourcefulness and creative thinking in 2021.
Network Appreciation Award – James Marsh
As the owner and operator of the Wellington and Kapiti Coast licenses, James secured the ‘good bugger award’ by consistently contributing positively to the network and showing support for other KiwiSpan business owners and their success.
A Day in the Life of Rowan and Tonya from KiwiSpan Wairarapa
Rowan and his partner Tonya were drawn to KiwiSpan for many reasons. The New Zealand brand, founded in 2003, designs and builds quality steel sheds that are tailored specifically to every customer. The Wairarapa team were excited by the product and reputation of KiwiSpan, as well as the opportunity for growth in their region. Tonya says that at its core, the business helps deliver dream sheds to everyday Kiwi’s around the country.
When the two saw the chance to own and operate their own KiwiSpan business, Rowan and Tonya jumped at the opportunity. It was a natural step for the couple who were craving to get more out of their respective careers and build something for themselves that would provide financial stability for their growing family. Before owning KiwiSpan, Rowan and Tonya founded RTC Construction, mainly subcontracting in the shed building industry. The pair say that owning their own construction business prepared them well for the career change and was a great stepping stone to KiwiSpan.
As a jack of all trades with experience in structural engineering, Rowan is no stranger to a construction site. He spends his time running all of the day-to-day duties on the building site. A typical day for Rowan includes managing customer quotes, visiting potential clients on site, liaising with subcontractors, organising material deliveries and overseeing projects. Tonya’s background is predominantly in administration and marketing, and much of her role in the business is supporting Rowan in delivering a seamless customer experience. Her duties include paying bills, invoicing out claims, and implementing marketing activity in their local community. It’s a perfect balance!
Tonya and Rowan knew from day one that they wanted to build a strong team around them. While their team is small and close-knit, every single member has been instrumental to their early success and navigating the challenges of starting a new business.
What they didn’t expect was the rapid first year growth of the business. Being in a location that was previously trading very little, Tonya and Rowan exceeded KiwiSpan’s own expectations within their first year of trading. In fact, the Wairarapa team have even rivalled their neighbouring regions in sales which is an impressive feat for the newcomers. It goes to show that Rowan and Tonya’s strengths, while different, are a great combination for success.
While this growth has been incredibly rewarding, it has brought challenges around ensuring that they could still deliver a high level of customer service. Adding Tonya’s sister Emelia to the team as an Office Assistant has been a great way to handle the increase in enquiry, while Tonya says it’s been rewarding to watch her sister flourish in the role.
When asked if purchasing a KiwiSpan business was the right move for them, the couple said yes – 100%. Even though it is hard work, and there are some late nights, the couple are proud to be working towards financial stability for their family. More than that, they’re proud to be involved in a collaborative network that supports them while delivering “cool-as” buildings!
If you’re interested in purchasing your own KiwiSpan license, you can learn more about our territories for sale here.
The Benefits of a Steel Hay Shed
Ensuring that your hay stays dry is undoubtedly one of the most important factors when it comes to hay storage. Investing in a new hay shed is a great way of making sure that your harvest is secure, protected, and safe, but a well designed steel shed can also make you some money down the line!
So, with that being said, let’s dive into some of the benefits of a steel hay shed:
Your number one priority when storing hay is making sure it isn’t exposed to moisture. Even the smallest amount of water finding its way into your hay bales could result in mould developing and ultimately spoilage. Similarly, if your hay bales are exposed to high heat for long periods this can also cause damage.
Therefore, proper storage is vital for avoiding these risks and having a shed structure with open bays is ideal for this purpose. Benefits of open bays include providing protection against New Zealand’s weather conditions and allowing for air circulation to keep your hay fresher for longer.
KiwiSpan’s steel hay storage sheds are designed to specifically protect your hay from all kinds of weather conditions, making sure you have minimal waste.
As you’re probably already aware, moving anything to or from your farm can be an expensive feat. If you can store your hay or grain on your property instead of with a third party provider you will be able to save yourself the costs of freight and trucking. Plus, you’ll have the added convenience of being able to use and store fodder without the added logistics.
While a steel hay shed may feel like a large investment, having your own allows you the flexibility of storage on your farm that can be utilised for years to come.
KiwiSpan hay storage sheds usually feature open bays along the front of the structure allowing you easy access to your hay. These open bays allow for your farm machinery, feed, and equipment to move easily.
However, the design of your shed is completely up to you. If you would prefer an enclosed structure we can include roller or sectional doors.
Not all farmers have the same needs, which is why KiwiSpan sheds are tailor-made to match your exact requirements. You decide on the width, height, span, colour, and sheeting, and we’ll build your structure to your specifications. Plus you have the ability to add additional elements such as doors, windows and flooring to ensure you have a fully functional hay shed.
Every hay shed we build is designed to prevent moisture traps and ensure proper air circulation so you can rest assured that your hay is always protected.
After all the hard work you’ve put into producing your hay, having somewhere to store it where the quality won’t be affected should be the least of your concerns. At KiwiSpan, we are leaders in building steel structures that will last the distance. Our approach, commitment, and expertise distinguishes us from the rest.
Discover the KiwiSpan difference today, get in touch with your local KiwiSpan team or try out our 3D Designer Tool to kickstart the process.
An Industrial Steel Frame Shed Is The Way To GoIf you’re considering a new industrial shed or building then you’ll want to make sure you’ve weighed out all your options before you start building. One of your most important decisions is the material it will be made from.
When it comes to industrial structures, steel is becoming an increasingly popular material to use. It is widely used across the construction industry for durable structures such as high rise buildings and bridges due to its strength, versatility, and robustness.
Find out the benefits of using steel for your next industrial shed project below.
Industrial sheds can be a hub for a vast range of activities and house various types of machinery, so it’s important that they’re built to stand the test of time. Steel is an excellent material which requires little maintenance and has more durability than other materials such as timber. It is a high quality material capable of withstanding tough weather conditions including extreme heat, snow, rain, and wind making a great choice for building in New Zealand’s more varied climates.
Additionally, due to its composition steel is less likely to warp, split, or break, and beams constructed from steel won’t sag or bend meaning that your building will hold its form for years to come.
Due to the high durability of steel, you’re going to save yourself maintenance costs in the long run. A well constructed steel shed won’t require any repairs or replacements for years (if they ever do at all) making them a great choice for those wanting to avoid unexpected maintenance costs.
Plus, another benefit of steel is that unlike timber, it is incredibly difficult to penetrate so you’re less likely to find that insects or animals have made themselves at home in your shed! This will also save you time and money from having to call in pest control to protect your building and remove unwanted inhabitants.
Structural steel can be fabricated into a variety of shapes while still maintaining its strength. Our industrial sheds are all fully customisable to include any features you require, ensuring that the final product is safe, resilient, and perfectly tailored to your needs.
Plus, it’s easy to future proof steel buildings as they are more conducive to structural modifications to additions such as renovations, increasing the size of the building or adding features.
Steel is 100% recyclable and one of the most environmentally friendly construction materials available. It can be reused and repurposed over and over again without losing any structural quality or integrity. Meaning that even if you do end up removing or demolishing your shed the steel won’t be dumped in a landfill as it can be used for another project.
As we look for ways to reduce our carbon footprint and be kinder to the planet, remember that using steel instead of a material such as timber is significantly better for the environment. It takes approximately 20 pine trees to build a timber frame home, and it will take at least another 20 years for new trees to grow to the same size. Steel is a better alternative because it requires no logging or deforestation which helps lower carbon emissions and create cleaner air.
When it comes down to it, KiwiSpan are leaders in building industrial steel structures. Our approach, commitment and expertise distinguishes us from the rest.
Discover the KiwiSpan difference today, get in touch with your local KiwiSpan team or try out our 3D Designer Tool to kickstart the process.
Designing a Farm Machinery Shed
If you run a farm then you no doubt have farm equipment and machinery such as tractors, stock feed and tools that you use on a day to day basis. This machinery and equipment tends to be a big investment so it’s vital that it remains as well kept and looked after as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in a shed specifically for your farm machinery and equipment.
We offer a variety of designs and styles of farm storage and machinery sheds. Before you get started you need to take the time to consider what you will use your shed for specifically and how you plan to use it. We’ve been building steel farm sheds for Kiwis since 2003 and we’re experts when it comes to rural and industrial buildings so we’ve put together a few factors to consider when designing your new farm machinery shed.
Likely the most crucial consideration for anyone about to embark on designing a new farm storage or machinery shed is deciding how much equipment or machinery you will be storing in it. To get yourself started you may want to make a list of what you’ll be wanting to store along with the size of each asset and how much space it will require. From there you should have a rough idea of how big or small your new shed will need to be.
While it’s vital to consider the size of your machinery and ensure you have enough space to access it, you may also want to consider allowing for some additional space in case you choose to invest in more machinery in the future. By planning ahead now you can save yourself money in the long run and also save yourself spending double the money building another shed if you run out of space!
Depending on where you live in New Zealand you may face severe weather conditions – from high temperatures and scorching sun to snow and heavy rain. So it’s key that any buildings or structures you build on your farm can withstand the weather which is why our in-house engineers will build your shed to the highest possible standard.
If you are planning on having a shed which won’t be fully enclosed you may want to orientate your shed to be facing away from the incoming direction of high winds or rain. If your farm is in an area that is prone to flooding you may also want to build your shed on higher ground.
A bay is the amount of space between the columns of the shed therefore, the wider this space is the more room you will have to store your machinery inside. This is a great feature if you have large trucks or tractors that you will be storing in your shed.
KiwiSpan sheds are fully customisable and are designed to meet your specific needs. The number of bays and their size is something you can decide on based on how much space you need and the size of your machinery.
Something vital to consider when designing your shed is how many walls you would like. If you’re planning on accessing the shed often and moving machinery in and out you may want to replace a wall or two with bays or roller doors to make this movement easier.
Not only will an enclosed shed be useful for protecting your equipment from theft or trespassers, but it will also prevent your machinery from being exposed to harsh weather. Plus we can fit sliding or rolling doors to ensure that you can still move your farm machinery in and out of the shed easily.
If you’re keen to discuss a farm equipment and machinery shed for your property then you’re in the right place! The KiwiSpan team are here to help you to design and build the perfect shed for your farm. We specialise in customisable sheds which are designed specifically for your needs and requirements.
If you’re ready to get started, give your local KiwiSpan licensee a call or request a quote and if you want to take a look at some past farm machinery shed projects you can take a look at them here.
Tips For Getting Your Storage Shed Placement Right
If you’ve decided that you want to invest in a storage shed then one of your next decisions will likely be where you’re going to put it. Where you put the shed will of course be influenced by its size, your property as well as building and council requirements but there are a few other elements you should also consider including:
How are you planning on using the shed and what will be the most convenient spot for it to be located based on it’s intended usage? These are two questions that are important to ask yourself when deciding on where to put your storage shed. For instance, if you intend to use the shed to store garden supplies and equipment then it makes sense for it to be easily accessible in your backyard or, if the shed will be for bike storage then you may want to install it closer to the front of your house.
Another consideration for choosing where to put your storage shed is how convenient, safe, and easy it will be for you to access. If your shed is located a fair distance away from your house hidden away behind trees and overgrown shrubbery it’s unlikely that you’re going to be keen on venturing out to it very often, especially if you’re lugging heavy equipment with you. It’s a better idea to have the shed positioned closer to your home in an open area which is easily accessible.
We know that KiwiSpan sheds are a sight to behold but it’s up to you to decide whether you want your shed to take centre stage on your property or if you would like to tuck it away in your backyard. We believe that an appealing and well planned shed can add value to your home, so don’t be afraid to show it off! To help your new shed assimilate into your property you may want to have the shed painted a similar colour to your home or to build a path between your home and the shed.
Whether your shed is located in direct sunlight or a shady spot can have a great impact on how comfortable your shed will be and how often you’ll use it. Having a shed which is in full sun most of the day can have negative impacts on your gardening supplies. Plus, if you plan on converting your storage shed into an office, studio, or workshop down the line then you could find the heat most unpleasant.
By putting careful consideration into the location of your new shed you are bound to get the best use from your structure. KiwiSpan sheds are incredibly durable and custom built to last a lifetime, so give us a call to get the ball rolling on your storage shed project.