Celebrating
20 Years
(03) 5821 2544 www.osullivans.net.au 8-10 Mercurwy Drive, Shepparton 3630
Building a strong foundation After 17 years working in sales and management roles in the window and door industry, John O’Sullivan decided the time was right to forge his own path and moved into the realm of small business ownership. Together with business partner Ross Judd, John established a Dowell Windows franchise on the present site of O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows on February 1, 1999. After successfully trading for 18 months as a franchise, the business partners chose different routes and John went into the window manufacturing game solo. “I wanted to manufacture my own product, I felt other people had control over certain aspects of the business that impacted on customer satisfaction,” John said. “There are two keys to this business, making a quality product and getting it on site when you say you will. “You get that right and generally everything else will fall into place.” Several years later the floor space of the Mercury Dve facility was doubled to
Business owner John O’Sullivan has a long history in the window and door industry.
cater for the increasing workload and a more efficient production flow. “We received a lot of assistance from my father-in-law Bill Harrington who purpose-built our factory for us to rent, and helped us in so many ways with our business start-up,” John said. “Bill has been a mentor from my early days in the industry; he taught me some key values that are still a major focus in running the business day to day.” Soon after, John was approached by Boral, now PGH Bricks, to act as its Shepparton agent, a relationship that continues today. The business has been a significant employer in its history with an estimated 70 people working across various departments including sales, administration, manufacturing, delivery and after-sales service roles.
The showroom has been part of the factory since it opened 20 years ago.
Still happy to be on the job What Graeme Bramich doesn’t know about window manufacturing, installation and service probably isn’t worth knowing. After more than 40 years in the industry, including 30 of those in Shepparton, Graeme is O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows’ longest serving employee. Graeme said he worked with business owner John O’Sullivan at Dowell Windows before starting with him “on day one” of the new venture. His role includes window manufacturing and after-sales service. “I enjoy the job, it can be a bit of a challenge and every day is different. There’s never a dull moment,”
Graeme said. There is great mateship among the staff, he said, which contributed to the positive working environment. “You have to make the place as friendly as you can, you spend a lot of your time every day with the same people.” Despite working in the glass industry for four decades Graeme has no plans to call it a day any time soon. “I’ll think about retiring when I don’t enjoy turning up here every day.”
2 O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
Graeme Bramich has been in the glass industry for 40 years. Pictures: Megan Fisher
The team from O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows prides itself on offering clients excellent customer service. Picture: Megan Fisher
Celebrating 20 successful years The family owned and operated business has built a strong and loyal following by embracing new technology and offering excellent service and a quality product. Owner John O’Sullivan said long-standing relationships with reputable suppliers, custom builders and owner-builders was key to the success and continued growth of the business. “That success is also attributed to the personal touch that we offer. We keep in touch through the building process, that’s important to us,” John said. “Customer service and the hands-on approach is what sets us apart; we are driven by customer satisfaction. “The desire to make our part of the home-building process as easy as possible for clients, and deliver a quality product on site when required, were two of the main drivers for starting the business, and that hasn’t changed.” From the early days as a windows and door franchise, the business now employs 15 local people in sales, manufacturing, delivery and after-sales service roles and occupies a prominent site in Mercury Dve, Shepparton.
“We cover an area from Shepparton to Albury, from Shepparton to Ballarat and the greater Goulburn Valley,” John said. “The bulk of our work is residential, although some home designs now have glass of a commercial scale because of the size; people love bringing the outside in with larger glass formats. “People love the big, fixed panes of glass, and maximise the views they might have over the river, a golf course or acreage, they don’t want to close that view off with bricks and plaster.” Award-winning builders from Shepparton, Yarrawonga and Ballarat are among O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows’ extensive client list, alongside owner builders and renovators. John said the ability to produce standard-sized aluminium windows and doors, as well as customised and one-off designs, gave scope for the business to supply to the simplest of projects through to architectdesigned builds. A recent project saw the company supply glass that was installed in the floor of a bridge crossing over a pool at a residential house, linking two wings of the stylish new home, to stunning effect.
“
Customer service
and the hands-on approach is what
“
In an industry as competitive as building and construction, O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows has steadily increased its market share since trading began 20 years ago.
sets us apart; we are driven by customer satisfaction. - John O’Sullivan
O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
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From the factory floor…
“
“
We’re very proud of the
family atmosphere here. There is plenty of good-natured banter around the workshop. - John O’Sullivan
The bustling workshop at O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows. Pictures: Megan Fisher
Preparing the aluminium frames for assembly.
Ben Raleigh checking the finished product.
Some of the tools of the trade.
4 O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
Mitch Perry ensures the products are finished to a high standard.
…to a place in your home
Pictures: Lekeal Homes
O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
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Families come first For 20 years O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows has helped Goulburn Valley families establish their dream homes, while at the same time fostering a family environment in the workplace. Owner John O’Sullivan said his 15-strong workforce shared a common goal of quality workmanship, excellent service and customer satisfaction. While the factory is filled with the sound of staff regularly engaging in good-natured banter, John said his team was supportive of one another and remained committed to producing a superior product. O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows is a family owned and operated business that now spans two generations. When John started the business his wife Maree was responsible for establishing the administration processes and one of their sons, Lewis, is now in a sales role. John’s longest serving employee
Graeme Bramich has been with him since day one and Graeme’s son Tim is the general manager, in charge of the day-to-day operations. As a long-standing family enterprise, the business and its employees have many links to the community and, as a result, have supported and sponsored various groups including football, tennis, golf, cycling and triathlon clubs. One of John’s favourite causes is the Lions Club of Shepparton’s staging of Circus Quirkus, an annual event for special needs and underprivileged children. “Sometimes you wonder if the money you give does much good but I know first-hand that event makes a difference,” John said.
John O’Sullivan has been joined by son Lewis in the business.
Lewis, Maree and John O’Sullivan are celebrating 20 years in business. Pictures: Megan Fisher
WE CUSTOM BUILD
Proudly associated, Sessions Builders CONGRATULATES O’SULLIVAN BRICKS & WINDOWS
DREAM HOMES with your plan or ours
ON SERVICING THE GOULBURN VALLEY FOR 20 YEARS! www.sessionsbuilders.com.au INFORMATION CENTRE
Shop 1, 228–234 High St, Shepparton
DISPLAY HOME NOW OPEN
6 O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
Sanctuary Drive, Kialla
Phone: 5831 5226 /SessionsBuidlers
Making your house a home
Technology changes but quality remains When John O’Sullivan started in the window and glass industry there were four colour options for aluminium frames. manufacture large double-glazed, double-hung windows because of the weight, but we can.” Security is a fast-growing part of the industry, as home owners become more conscious of protecting their families and possessions. “One option in our security door offer is a stainless steel woven mesh that gives great peace of mind, from a security point of view, for the home owner,” John said. “We can also supply LamGuard, a shatterproof safety glass that has two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer that is harder to penetrate.” Double-glazed windows are now being constructed with in-built, magnet-operated venetian blinds, or with internal lines found in traditional colonial-style windows. “People watch shows like Grand Designs and see these new ideas. You can also get glass that, with a flick of a switch, goes from transparent to frosted,” John said. “These are examples of where the industry is heading.”
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Bi-fold windows offer a modern solution to creating flow from indoors to the outside.
We have made substantial investment in machinery, equipment and staff training to make sure we produce the best possible product - John O’Sullivan
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“There was mission brown, white, bronze anodised and natural anodised,” John said. “Now there are 60-plus standard powder-coated colours, and with customised finishes there are more than 100 to choose from.” Colour hasn’t been the only change; since John began O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows 20 years ago new technology has seen advancements in energy efficiency, security and window construction. “We have made substantial investment in machinery, equipment and staff training to make sure we produce the best possible product,” John said. “The machinery has been a big change and has improved speed and accuracy, the equipment makes it easier for the operators and eliminates any mistakes.” Digital measuring equipment ensures each piece of aluminium is cut to the exact specification. Die equipment machines each section so the profiles fit together perfectly. “Our equipment allows each length of aluminium to fit together like a Meccano set, so our windows and doors are perfectly square and slot into place on the building site,” John said. Double-glazed window units improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while another new innovation, Low E (emission) glass is a single pane of glass with a thin transparent coating that can reduce heating and cooling costs. “Another advancement is the heavier and stronger profile aluminium that we use. It eliminates the need for centre rails in windows up to a certain size, so there are uninterrupted views out of the windows,” John said. “Not many companies can
CONGRATULATIONS TO O’SULLIVAN BRICKS & WINDOWS ON THEIR 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
Louvre, fixed panel and double-hung windows are part of the product mix.
Providing a d n a h g n i p l e h s e s s e n i s u b for The Data Parts IT helpdesk is here for all your IT needs. Contact us to find out how we can help you manage your business.
14 New Dookie Rd, Shepparton T. 58 315 920 monteleonehomes.com.au
3 Edward St, Shepparton | Ph: 58217155 www.dataparts.net.au O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
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The showroom is filled with products and brochures offering ideas and inspiration for home builders. Picture: Megan Fisher
No need to look any further O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows is a one-stop shop for home builders. With an extensive display of bricks and windows, prospective home owners can design a large portion of the exterior of their new house. John O’Sullivan said owner-builders regularly brought their plans in for advice, along with those who have engaged custom builders. “We get the whole range of clients, from those who have no idea what they want to those that have very firm ideas,” John said. “We can point out to them what is practical and achievable and what isn’t. “Often they don’t realise the logistics involved; we might need to hire a crane truck and or maybe have several
men on site to manoeuvre the window or glass into place, that’s a lot of additional cost.” John said once a customer had chosen a window colour and style, a quote was prepared outlining various glazing options, so an informed decision could be made. “It’s nothing for us to quote four or five different options,” he said. “We’re not colour consultants and we don’t pretend to be, but when you’ve been in the industry as long as we have and have seen the number of jobs that we have, we get a good idea of what works.”
8 O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
A home built by Sessions Builders.
Shared commitment to quality Respected Shepparton firm Sessions Builders is one of O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows’ longest serving clients. Both are family businesses and work together to create beautiful homes for families across the greater Goulburn and Murray valleys. Sessions Builders director Tim Sessions said both businesses had grown together over the 20year journey due to their shared commitment to quality, efficiency and innovation. “John was well-known in the window and door industry when we started working with him, and O’Sullivans do the bulk of our work,” Tim said. “They’ve been very easy to work with and always accommodate us.”
Tim said O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows was up-to-date with changing trends, such as using large sliding doors to create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor areas of houses and using fixed-pane glass to capture views. “We’re also doing a lot more work with double-glazed glass to increase energy ratings of our homes,” Tim said. Sessions Builders was formed in 1994 by Tim and his brother David. The duo has now been joined by David’s son Clayton and the business builds about 50 new homes each year.
Career path leads back to windows and doors O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows general manager Tim Bramich started his post-school working life at the Shepparton-based business. His first stint lasted four months before he spent almost a decade working in real estate and travelling around Australia, returning to the wellregarded family business in 2010. Tim’s father Graeme Bramich is business owner John O’Sullivan’s longest serving employee, so Tim was familiar with the environment and scope of work. Having started in the purchasing department before moving into accounts, sales, production and eventually the general manager’s role, Tim said he has learned all facets of the business. Tim said his day-to-day role included “keeping customers happy and keeping
the workers happy”. “There’s something different every day, and I like that,” he said. “There’s a real variety with my work, often I’m in the office but at other times I’m out in the factory doing a few small jobs. I’m not someone that can sit still so it works for me.” Tim’s wife Lisa, a qualified accountant, also works in the business, looking after payroll and all administrative duties. Lisa mainly works remotely from home, as they have a young family, but gets into the office twice a week.
Tim Bramich has taken on the role of general manager at O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows. Picture: Megan Fisher
Supplying quality brick and window & door products and services to the North, Central & North East regions of Victoria since 1999 8-10 Mercury Drive, Shepparton VIC 3630 | Phone (03) 5821 2544 | www.osullivans.net.au
O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
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There are plans to update the exterior of the site to improve the customer experience.
Looking to the future O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows enjoys a reputation for delivering a quality product on time, but owner John O’Sullivan said there was always room to improve. For the past 20 years the business has offered its clients in Greater Shepparton, and the wider Goulburn and Murray valleys, a one-stop shop for sourcing the exterior components for building projects. “Customer service and the hands-on approach is what sets us apart; we are driven by customer satisfaction,” John said. And while he believes the business has the right
mix of skilled staff and quality materials, he is always looking to the future. “There will be continued innovation in technology and equipment and we may have to invest in our own lifting equipment at some stage for deliveries,” John said. “There is also scope, and some plans, to redevelop the site to further improve the customer experience.”
MB+M are proud to be part of the O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows team. Congratulations on 20 successful years. 23 Nixon Street Shepparton (03) 5821 9177 | www.mbmgroup.com.au 10 O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
Leigh Dixon is one of the skilled team members at O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows. Pictures: Megan Fisher
A supportive workplace In 2003, and only a year into his job at O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows, Ben Raleigh was involved in a serious car accident that landed him in the Epworth Hospital for three months. During the long rehabilitation process, where Ben had to learn to walk again, knowing that his job was open for him to return to was important to his recovery. “They were superb, when I came back to work I was on reduced hours and reduced days and I slowly built up from there,” Ben said. “My injury interfered with my balance a bit, and it took a bit for me to get back into the swing of things.” Now in his 16th year with the business, Ben said he mainly worked in
the glazing area but had “done a bit of everything”. He now has a supervisor-type role to co-ordinate the job orders and make sure everything gets out the door on time. “I love the environment here, the chitchat with the boys. We’re like a family, really supportive and everyone is happy to be here,” Ben said. “As employers I’ve found them to be pretty flexible and willing to work with you. They realise family is the priority.”
Ben Raleigh says his job was an important part of his recovery from a serious car accident. Picture: Megan Fisher
O’Sullivan Insurance Brokers congratulate O’Sullivan Bricks and Windows on their 20 year milestone of service to clients throughout the Goulburn Valley.
For all your commercial insurance needs please contact Geoff O’Sullivan 0418 570 385, Paul Fleming 0400 977 068 or the office on 58 221999 www.osullivanib.com.au O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
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An amazing bathroom overlooks a private garden through fixed panel glass. Photo: Lekeal Homes
Working together to build dreams O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows has been integral to Lekeal Homes completing stunning and award-winning custom-built properties for clients. Lekeal owner Ken Stevenson said a large shift in construction practices in recent years had led to windows and glazing becoming a critical component of new homes. “Windows play an important role in the look of the home, as well as achieving a higher energy rating,”
Ken said. As a result the business is experiencing an increasing demand for fixed panel glass as well as doubleglazed windows. Founded 14 years ago, the firm specialises in custom-built homes in an area stretching from Yarrawonga-
SHANE ENDERS FLYSCREEN & SECURITY DOOR SPECIALIST CONGRATULATIONS to O’SULLIVAN BRICKS & WINDOWS on celebrating their
20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 36 Scott St, Euroa VIC 3666
Mulwala to Albury-Wodonga, Wangaratta, Shepparton, Benalla and Cobram. The firm builds about 45 new homes each year. “We’ve worked with O’Sullivans for close to nine years; I knew John’s father-in-law in Yarrawonga and met John around the traps. We started doing a bit with him and that grew, he’s done all of our work for the past five years,” Ken said. “They are one of the best companies I deal with.”
As well as producing excellent quality windows and glazing, Ken said O’Sullivans was innovative and always kept him up-to-date about new products. One of the more challenging aspects of a build Lekeal has carried out was the construction of a glass walkway over a swimming pool between two wings of a stylish new home. “We had to work pretty closely with O’Sullivans to see what was achievable,” Ken said.
Congratulating
20 YEARS ON AND WE “STEEL” USE THE BEST LOCALS
O’Sullivan Builders on 20 years in the GV G O U L B U R N VA L L E Y
Congratulations to O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows on their 20 year anniversary!
t. 0407 212 540
☎ (03) 5795 2500
12 O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
Congratulations to our local suppliers, O’Sullivans Brick and Windows, who share our emphasis on integrity and uncompromising quality.
441 GOULBURN VALLEY HWY (NUMURKAH RD) SHEPPARTON
PH (03) 5831 2812
www.lewishomes.com.au
Suppliers are key to success O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows has secured strategic long-standing partnerships with its suppliers to ensure consistency and quality. Owner John O’Sullivan said the enduring business relationships, several of which spanned almost as long as he had been trading, gave him confidence that all manufactured products would serve their purpose. Bradnam’s Windows & Doors is an Australia-wide company that supplies the aluminium to the Shepparton facility. “We’ve been with them for 17 years, and we’ve never looked back,” John said. All aluminium frames for the various Various styles of windows have been used in this stunning Yarrawonga property. Picture: Lekeal Homes windows and doors are manufactured on site in Mercury Dve while the glass is brought in, already cut to size. “We’ve dealt with the Australian Glass Group for the past 12 years, and exclusively for the last five,” John said. PGH Bricks, previously known as Boral Bricks, came on board early and the extensive range gives home owners an opportunity to see the latest trends and match their choice with windows and door options. The most recent addition to the supplier team is High-Craft, a Melbourne joinery firm that has custom-made the timber windows and doors for about five years. “High-Craft produce a beautiful product, and we’ve been dealing with them for about five years so I’ve got a lot of confidence in their work,” John said. “We have long-standing relationships with all of our suppliers, and they help us achieve the customer satisfaction Long-term supply partners ensure consistency and quality in the O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows product range. that drives us.”
Congratulations John, Maree, Lewis & the team – 20 years! CONGRATULATIONS TO
O’SULLIVAN BRICKS & WINDOWS
ON CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF AMAZING WORKMANSHIP! MBA AWARD WINNING BUILDERS
RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | UNIT DEVELOPMENT
2017 North East Regional Builder of the Year 2017 North East Regional best display home $350,000 – $500,000 2017 North East Regional best custom home $600,000 – $800,000
SHEPPARTON | YARRAWONGA | COBRAM | NAGAMBIE Chris Barzen 0418 550 002 | e. chris@barzenbuilders.com.au
w w w. b a r z e n b u i l d e r s . c o m . a u
03 5743 3896 | www.lekeal.com.au Shop 3/59-69, Belmore St, Yarrawonga, VIC 3730
O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
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The delivery team members Jayden Robben and Dale McDonald ensure the windows and doors arrive intact. Pictures: Megan Fisher
Loading the truck for delivery.
Delivering a precious cargo To ensure the safe delivery of the product to the building site, and reduce the potential for any damage, O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows has established procedures for transport.
TAKE OUR STYLE QUIZ TODAY - VISIT: pghbricks.com.au/stylequiz
Congratulations to
O’SULLIVAN BRICKS & WINDOWS CONGRATULATIONS O’Sullivan’s on your 20-YEAR Anniversary
on 20 years
To see the full range of PGH bricks and for expert advice on choosing the right products for your new home or building project, visit the team at O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows.
8/10 Mercury Dr, Shepparton VIC 3630 | Call (03) 5821 2544
13 15 79 | pghbricks.com.au
“
Once we had to crane large squares of glass over the roof of another house in Mulwala, it was a windy day, which played havoc, but we got there. - John O’Sullivan
T. 5831 7090 | M. 0418 570 028 14 O’Sullivan Bricks & Windows Shepparton News Feature FEBRUARY 2019
hard-to-access sites he had to engage a crane to lift glass and windows into place. “Once we had to crane large squares of glass over the roof of another house in Mulwala, it was a windy day, which played havoc, but we got there,” John said. As home owners continued to adopt innovative design ideas and opt for larger windows and expanses of glass, John said investing in lifting devices might be a possibility. “Advances in glass technology have allowed people to use bigger windows, before that it was too hard to heat and cool homes with that much glass,” John said.
“
A pair of trucks, one set up for carrying glass and one for windows, take care of the transit of major orders and are supported by several utes that can deliver smaller quantities. There is also another well-equipped vehicle that assists with after-sales service. Business owner John O’Sullivan said for some large-scale projects or
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CONGRATULATIONS TO O’SULLIVAN BRICKS AND WINDOWS! Insulglass LowE PlusTM Performance Data
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8-10 Mercury Drive, Shepparton T. 5821 2544 | osullivans.net.au