MEET THE BOSS - JACK MOUHALOS Richmond Civil

JACK MOUHALOS Managing Director, Richmond Civil Works Pty Ltd

He receives reports on a daily basis from his Project Managers, Estimators and son Emmanuel who is Operations Manager. An 11-hour day is not uncommon for Jack.

Jack started in 1991 as a demolition contractor and grew the business to include earthworks so as to provide the client with a one-stop-shop. “Using strategic planning processes, we recognised that our future and our strengths were in earthworks, stormwater, carparks and subdivisions. Our services extend from the initial preparation of sites through to the installation of services, kerbing and bitumen,” he said.

In 2017, the company moved away from demolition work and focussed primarily on civil earthworks. “This involved substantial investment in attracting, training and retraining the right employees,” he said. “It also required us to invest heavily in capital equipment and plant to do the job.

“This, we believed, would ensure continuity on projects and reduce the risk of delays through not being able to get the right plant to site when it was needed. So, while there has been growth in company revenues, there has also been considerable reinvestment in the company for the benefit of our clients. In addition to our plant, we also have the resources to call in additional plant as required.

“In the early years, I was taught to be transparent and honourable in my business dealings. I strongly believe that this has helped me build a reputation as a good, fair and honest subcontractor. Courtesy, integrity

and quality are the attributes by which we do business.”

A working day for Jack Mouhalos revolves around talking to clients and establishing which project to estimate and bid for.

Richmond Civil Works has 23 full-time staff and can use up to 15 to 20 labour hire staff depending on the works program being undertaken. The company is moving to become a paperless operation following the implementation of an electronic forms system. Project management and performance is also being managed via a customised management system that allows greater scrutiny of costs.

“This allows us to ensure we stay on time and on budget for our clients,” Jack said. The management team comprises a qualified and experienced Accounts and Administration Manager, Project Managers, Estimators, Compliance Officer, and Operations Manager.

Jack said all of the management team had been handpicked and trained by him in the Richmond way of doing things. “This includes instilling in them our company values. I hold all of our employees in the highest regard and I am very proud of all of them.”

Jack’s role has changed from that of a hands-on operations role to ‘what is truly a managing director role with a predominant focus on client relationships, marketing and the strategic direction of the company’.

He added: “I have created a structure within the company that focuses on the efficient process of tendering and project management. Along with the appointment of the Operations Manager, who has now taken over all operational activities, this internal

restructure has freed me up to focus on other key functions within the company.”

While Richmond Civil Works has worked to position itself as a key player in the civil earthworks sector in SA, it has not lost its family values. “I promote a culture where we all operate as a team and support each other regardless of the workload situation the company may be experiencing at the time.

“I want it to convey that we care about our clients and the relationship that we have with them. We aim to maintain that, and my reputation and reliability is a key instrument in our toolbox to achieve that. Being a family orientated business makes it easier for clients to access the person at the top if there is a problem and get an immediate response.”

HIGHLIGHTS

Jack said: “A key highlight of the company has been the certification in safety environmental and quality. This has supported our expansion into projects which have had a significant impact on the community.” He cited two projects: the major revamp of the Narnungga Sports Hub on the corner of West Terrace and North Terrace for the SA Cricket Association, and the St Clair Recreation Centre in Woodville where stormwater, earthworks, carpark and detention ponds work were undertaken.

Another positive impact on the community over the years had been the safe removal and transportation of asbestos; one of the sites was a national park.

In summing up, Jack said: “2019 saw a downturn in the industry across the board. Times were tough for everybody; however, we have managed to pull through. I look forward to 2020 and beyond where further investment from the government will hopefully increase confidence in the community and take pressure off the industry.”

Written by John Satterley