40under40 Winner - Sean Gavin

Sean Gavin has transformed the direction of his family business, Gavin Construction, in his 10 years as managing director.

After moving the company from the residential construction sector into the commercial and industrial construction (C&I) sector, Mr Gavin decided to take a risk and focus the business solely on the C&I sector.

That year, turnover dropped 30 per cent, but six years later profits have increased more than 25-fold, something Mr Gavin says vindicates his decision to move into the C&I sector.

Mr Gavin has also overseen the successful move into the design and construct sector, something which jeopardised a regular income stream from designers and architects, moving the design component in house.

Again, the success of this shift in business focus is illustrated by revenue figures, and that an impressive 90 per cent of Gavin Construction’s income is generated by repeat and referral business.

Mr Gavin says one of the core values he applies to his business operations is that “if ever in doubt about what to do, to always, always, do the right thing”.

Mr Gavin says the foundation of the company insignia, ‘Building on Reputation’, is to always work in the best interests of the client.

In order to allow clients to keep in touch with construction sites, Gavin Construction commissioned Australia’s first SiteCam, a remotely operated digital camera that is linked to the website and allows clients to view the progression of construction.