MEET THE BOSS: SCOTT COSSICH OVERLAND SERVICES

A Boss With Many Achievements

Overland Services (Overland) in Murray Bridge is an earthmoving specialist contractor with a proud history of servicing the civil construction sector in Adelaide or anywhere else in South Australia since 2006.

With a team of six highly skilled, professionals, and friendly earthmoving experts led by Director Scott Cossich, Overland provides comprehensive services to meet all earthmoving needs.

Before COVID, Overland employed between 15 to 25 staff.

Cossich explains, “Overland Services has a small but very talented crew and

Contributing To The Civil Construction Sector

On 3 January, 2018, the Thomas Foods International Murray Bridge processing plant was destroyed by fire. From the fire came a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to build a brand-new flagship facility enabling Thomas Foods to service its global operations for many decades.

Collaborating with Jordan Plumbing onsite at Thomas Foods for over two years, Overland was involved in trenching and deep excavations for large pump stations and general civil works. Overland employed several excavators for this project, a skid steer and bogie drive tipper trucks. The firm also supplied and installed 14 fire and water storage tanks from 25KL to 580KL and completed other excavation and dozer work.

Another noteworthy project was the West Musgrave Mine Site, where Overland contracted to Exact Contracting. This project involved supplying and installing 15 x 375,000-litre water and wastewater storage tanks, manufacturing and installing a specialised pipe section to the tanks, and poly pipe butt welding of approximately 3 kilometres of pipe. Murray Bridge Racing Club also contracted Overland to install fire water storage tanks at the racetrack, plus diesel fire pumps and a wet and dry fire system.

Business Achievements As A Boss

can provide high quality earthmoving, excavation, trenching, HDPE pipe welding, pipe laying, fire hydrant and water storage tank solutions.

“We are a true country family business with my son-in-law (to be), his brother, best friend, and uncle as plant operators.

Cossich was at pains to mention Heather Churchill in accounts. “Heather is an essential part of our success, and without her, I am sure we would not have had the same level of success.

“She is like having your mother look after your business – who else would you trust.” And in fact, plenty have trusted Scott and the team over the last 17 years.

Starting the business as a young 40-yearold with no money, a Ford Ute and no equipment, Cossich said, “We never gave up and took many risks, but always maintained a positive outlook no matter what.

“I had the mindset that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. When I mean we have nothing to lose, I mean it. I rented a little decked-out shed in Mannum – effectively our first business premises was a little storage shed. I now own my own house and the business premises.

“We have had many ups and downs, including outgoing staff taking our clients and IP. However, we have never given up and have always come out the other side, including COVID-19, as a more robust, wiser business.

“Today, we have a fleet of excavators, skid steers, trenchers, trucks, vehicles, and specialised poly welding equipment, and I am very proud to say we own 80% of this equipment.”

Cossich has always prided himself on going the extra yard for his clients, an attitude that has contributed to business success. “A poultry farmer came to me requiring fire water storage tanks. Through the conversation, he was having terrible trouble and lengthy delays getting a fire hydrant system solution preventing DA approvals from proceeding.

“I designed an alternate solution for the fire hydrant system at the poultry farms and achieved approval for his site within four weeks. This design was later legislated as an approved 'Alternate Solution' and incorporated into the Minister’s Specification 3.2.”

Since then, the excavation contractor has been involved in the design and construction of all water, irrigation, and LPG infrastructure for seven farm complexes at Blanchetown. The quality of this work even caught the eye of four poultry farms in NSW, who contacted Overland Services to design and construct pump sets, water filtration systems and all new pipework to supply the farms that had a combined 24 sheds between them.

While Cossich takes great pride in the growth and successes of Overland Services, his most outstanding achievement is his daughter Skye. “I started the business from nothing and raised my beautiful daughter Skye from a baby as a single father. Skye is about to complete her degree as a primary school teacher. Skye spends much time volunteering at schools and remote indigenous communities.

“My biggest achievement is my daughter and her outlook on life.”

The Art Of Being A Good Boss

Cossich maintains that being supportive of all staff and providing an environment where everyone is equal is crucial for a successful business leader.

“We are all equal and part of the same team, irrelevant of our position in the business. As a boss, I also see my role as providing the opportunity for the team members to improve and learn new skills.

“It is also essential that I ensure the business is managed professionally, which provides staff with long-term secure employment. Heather has been a significant asset in the professional management of the company.

The Overland Services boss also maintains that the best aspect of leadership is: “Seeing the guys perform well in and around the workplace. Good performances tell me they enjoy their work, are proud of their work and are likely to have good lives outside of work.”

Cossich is also incredibly proud of his talented team. “The experience and quality of our crew extend well beyond their ages.

The three younger men have an old-school country work ethic, which is rarely seen today among our younger generations.”

He continues, “On a personal level, I enjoy the challenge of winning the next job. We all talk about stress, but some people thrive on this and perform at their peak.

“The freedom I have earned by being my own boss is also a plus, as I love exploring remote regions of Australia.”

WHY OVERLAND SERVICES?

Whether you need excavation, land clearing, trenching or any other earthmoving service, you can trust Overland Services to deliver quality workmanship and high-level customer service.

The team of experts are highly experienced and use the latest equipment and technologies to guarantee quality service at competitive prices.

The experienced staff at Overland Services take the time to understand your specific needs and strive to provide the best possible service that meets your requirements. They also adhere to stringent safety and environmental regulations to ensure your earthmoving solution is completed on time and with minimal disruption.

Overland Services puts its customers first, focusing on providing excellent customer service and a tailored solution to every project.

For all your earthmoving services and requirements, choose Overland Services. Contact them today at 08 8569 1800 for more information about their services and how they can help your project.