LAST WORD
SEVEN DEADLY SINS
work being done by the not-for-profits we support.”
Sloth Where would you spend a long time doing nothing? “I’ve always said that we are so privileged here in WA living among the world’s most natural and unspoilt beaches, reserves and wildlife. When it’s time to recharge, this is where I am, spending time outdoors in the bush or south west. It’s rare for me to ever spend a long time “doing nothing”, but a change of pace away from the office is important.” Wrath What news story would make you furious?
“I’m usually the first to find the light-heartedness in a situation, especially if it’s out of my control. But the type of stories I find challenging is when it involves someone, or a group of people, being taken advantage of. There are always solutions to the issues we face both here in WA and around the world, the difficulty is when those in power make wrong decisions on behalf of other people, or simply don’t act.”
Built to last DALE ALCOCK
D
ale Alcock has created a building company synonymous with his own vision and reputation and, 30 years on, it’s the biggest in Australia. He's recognisable as a business leader who is also a homegrown success story. From bricklayer to Australia’s largest home builder, Dale has spent the last 30 years putting his name and reputation to every home built under the ABN Group banner, which includes well-known brands Webb & Brown-Neaves, apg Homes, Dale Alcock Homes, Celebration Homes and Homebuyers Centre. A big believer in giving back, he supports the future generation through training programs and advocates on behalf of the building industry and Australian home owners. Through his foundation, over the last 10 years Dale has donated more than $8.1 million to worthy causes including medical research, humanitarian relief work and the environment. A keen AFL fan, he recently became President of the Fremantle Dockers.
Gluttony Given the chance, what is
something that you would excessively indulge in? “Time spent with my family. After work commitments during the week, and on the weekends, this is what Jan (my wife) and I are doing – spending time as a family with our kids and grandkids. It’s also the reason why the ABN Group has grown from two building companies – to the group of property, finance and construction
companies that we are today. It wouldn’t have been possible without the love, support and stability of Jan and our family.”
Greed You’re given $1m that you have
to spend selfishly – what would you spend it on? “I would selfishly decide the $1m would go directly into our Alcock Family Foundation – 100% would then be spent in support of the great MARQUE AUTUMN
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Envy Whose shoes would you like to walk in? “I’ve never been envious of what someone else has because I’ve always had a very strong sense of “True North”, to know what my own passion is and to back myself with the confidence to achieve what I’ve set out to do. That’s not to say that I don’t look to what others are doing and learn from their success, achievements and even failures – but I’ve never wanted to live anyone else’s life because it’s the journey and sense of fulfilling my own passion that drives me.” Pride What’s the one thing you’re secretly proud of?
“After finishing school I decided to follow my dad into the building business and become his bricklaying apprentice, rather than go on to study architecture at university. It’s a time in my life which taught me so much – not only the “tools of the trade” but also the importance of putting 100% into what you do and doing business with integrity. These are all important lessons that I will always be proud to say that I learnt from my dad.” Lust What makes your heart beat faster? “I’ve always chased the thrill of seeing something I’ve put time into, given my all and have created come to life. That thrill is the reason I became a builder – to understand exactly what the homeowner wants, build their home from bottom up, ensure the workmanship and quality that has gone into it and being confident that it will become a happy home for my client. It’s the same reason why I am still so involved today in every aspect of our building process – clients know that I am personally involved in their build journey and the buck stops with me.” MQ
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