Anthony Goddard - INSPIRING PATH TO LEADERSHIP

Vol. 11

Vision and Journey

Created by: LIGHT UP MARKETING

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Anthony Goddard’s journey is one of resilience, hard work, and unwavering dedication. Growing up on a farm in the mighty Waikato, Anthony learned the value of using his hands and the importance of perseverance. After deciding school wasn’t for him, he embarked on a career as an electrician, completing his apprenticeship under a demanding employer who taught him invaluable lessons in leadership and business.

Anthony’s entrepreneurial spirit took him and his partner, now wife Sam, to Brisbane, Australia, where he worked tirelessly to establish a name for himself.

Despite achieving great success, the pull of family brought them back to New Zealand in 2018 when his stepfather Ric fell seriously ill. Mount Maunganui, a beloved holiday destination from his childhood, became their new home, and despite initial scepticism, Anthony’s determination led him to start several successful businesses here.

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From Business Success to Community Leadership

Anthony founded the CommElec Group, a commercial electrical contracting business, which paved the way for further ventures. Recognizing a gap in the market, he launched Bay Air, an HVAC/heat pump company, and later, during the first COVID-19 lockdown, he created The Chill Tradies, a unique multitrade contracting business.

Through Chill Tradies and Bay Air, Anthony has not only achieved business success but has also prioritized community service. From sponsoring events and donating heat pumps to repurposing a fire truck for kids’ parties and charity drives, Anthony’s commitment to giving back is evident. His leadership style is shaped by these experiences, always striving to support and uplift his community.

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As a father of two young boys, Anthony understands the importance of nurturing and guiding the next generation. He likens running a company to managing a daycare, recognizing the need for patience, honesty, and strong leadership.

These values influence his vision for Tauranga, a city he believes can be great again with the right leadership.

Anthony’s commitment to transparency and community engagement is rooted in his belief that honesty is the best policy.

His approach may ruffle feathers, but he is determined to bring about real change by being straightforward and open with the community.

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Community Service Through Business Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you back to Tauranga after running a successful business in Australia?

Well, grew up in the mighty Waikato on a farm, so brought up how to use your hands! At the end of year 12 at Hamilton Boys’ High School, I decided that school wasn’t for me, and I was going to be an electrician.

Completed my apprenticeship under an incredibly hard ass employer (this taught me a lot on what not to do), we (partner, now wife Sam) packed up and left for Brisbane, Australia. Worked hard like any Kiwi does in Australia and made a name for myself. But like all good things, they come to an end. And in 2018 my Step Father Ric got incredibly sick and was in hospital for 6months… during this time our first Son Charlie was born. We made the incredibly hard decision to pack up and move back to NZ to be closer to the family.

Mount Maunganui had always been our destination for family holiday’s growing up, and that was the place we wanted to go back to. Even after the huge criticism from mates about starting a company here, I remembered that you don’t have to be the best… just better than the next guy.

What motivated you to start Chill Tradies and Bay Air? Originally, we started the CommElec Group – Commercial electrical contracting, which did really well on its own merits. But we saw opportunities in the market for a new HVAC/ Heat pump company in the Bay – there was very little competition within the market; so we created Bay Air back in 2019. Then during the first lockdown of COVID19 I and a say I because Sam was against it, but like all good husbands, I did it anyway; The Chill Tradies was created. A multi-trade company that has turned into a one-of-akind contracting business.

How have Chill Tradies and Bay Air shaped your approach to leadership and community service?

We reach out to community groups to sponsor events, heat pump give aways or just to lend a hand. Mate, we even purchased a repurposed fire truck to take to Kids birthday parties, community/ school events/ parades and charity drives for kids. I’m very much one to always give back… its just in my nature.

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As a proud father of two, how do your family values influence your vision for Tauranga?

Well, running a company is just like running a daycare centre. Adults are just big kids with more emotion and strength!

Raising two boys is very testing at times, but incredibly worth it to see them grow into cool little dudes. A bit like what I’ like to do with Tauranga; the old council was removed for being too naughty. It’s time for a change. And to make Tauranga Great Again.

What are the core principles that guide your commitment to transparency and community engagement?

In the trade industry, honesty is the best principle. And as hard as it may seem to tell a client, or a contractor the truth, it has to be done. I intend to follow through with this into the election, and I’ll say it here, it’s going to rub certain people the wrong way.

Can you share a personal story or experience that has significantly impacted your life and career?

The 2 employers that I’ve had in my life have taught me how to behave and how not to. Warren (the latter) taught and showed me the way of business and how to be successful.

There were times in my career that sucked and others that made me feel invincible. But he had a great piece of advice; swallow your pride – this works in so many different situations. And I constantly remind myself of that.

How do you balance your work and personal life, and what strategies do you use to stay grounded?

When we moved back to NZ in 2019, I worked all day, every day to get ahead.

There was no backup plan. I’ve done my 25-hour, 8-day weeks and it’s paid back dividends. I can now enjoy shorter days and have the weekends off. I’m very much into my old classic cars, and the kids (Charlie 5 & Billy 3) love spending time with me working on and attending car meets. But like all businesses, there are times when we must work, and Sam (wife) is very understanding of this. Work has its stresses and anger, and the best way I was taught was using a tree at the front gate called “the worry tree” This way I can leave all work thoughts at the gate and not bring them inside. Absolute one of the greatest pieces of advice I’ve ever received.

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LIGHT UP MAG Who are the people or role models that have had the most significant impact on your life, and why?

Ric (stepfather) came into my life at an early age and he shaped me to be the man that I am today. From the way he did things, his engagement with people, especially people he didn’t know to his incredible hard work ethic. He was the one who I always wanted to be. My hero.

And of course, Mum! She raised my sister and me by herself until Ric came along.

The sacrifice and hard work shaped me from very early on. Her love and efforts for us will always make her the absolute best.

What specific changes or improvements do you envision for Tauranga, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Honestly; this is going to be a very longterm thing; Tauranga has been through a lot, and with time and money wasted along the way; we need someone who is going to come into the mix with strong business acumen and an even stronger backbone – that person is me. I’ll Make Tauranga Great Again.

What message would you like to share with the people of Tauranga about your candidacy and your hopes for the future of the city?

If Tauranga doesn’t vote in someone tough, knows the cost of a dollar and can be honest… what hope do we have to be the city we all want it to be?

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Life Lessons and Personal Growth

Anthony’s career has been shaped by influential figures like his stepfather Ric and his former employer Warren, who taught him the importance of hard work, integrity, and swallowing one’s pride.

These lessons have guided him through challenging times and reinforced his belief in leading by example.

Balancing work and personal life has been a journey for Anthony. After many long hours and sacrifices, he now enjoys spending weekends with his family, working on classic cars and attending car meets. The "worry tree" at his gate symbolizes his commitment to leaving work stress behind and being present for his loved ones.

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A Message to Tauranga Anthony envisions a Tauranga that is strong, united, and thriving. He believes that real change requires a leader with business acumen and a strong backbone.

His goal is to address the long-standing issues in the city with practical, effective solutions and to make Tauranga a place we can all be proud of.

Anthony’s candidacy is driven by his love for the city and his determination to make a difference. He believes that with honesty, toughness, and a clear understanding of the value of hard work, Tauranga can achieve its full potential.

His message to the people of Tauranga is simple: "If we don’t elect someone who embodies these qualities, we risk missing out on the vibrant, prosperous future we all desire."

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Article by Camila Sanches