17/12/2025
🌟 Reflecting on 2025, I’m astounded at what we've achieved at Stratmore Stratmore Construction Solutions: Nelson branch
This was my first year in the hot seat as GM. When I took the reins I had high hopes for the year head, yet I was cautious; as I knew our industry sector wasn't in the best shape and we would inevitably hit obstacles and challenges and we'd have to dig deep. Little did I know just what lay ahead.
We kicked off focusing on building internal foundations and strong, resilient systems, processes and most importantly, a united team. We immersed ourselves in four events including the Hutt Manufacturing Expo in May, hosting our own industry event in September; welcoming our international guest speaker Juan Pablo Covarrubias and sparking conversations that will shape the future of our sector. Then the inspirational Concrete NZ Conference in October and finishing with with an unforgettable bang, being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame at the 2degrees Regional Business Awards in November 🏆
I was honoured to be elected as Board Member to the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce which has been a highlight for me personally. I joined together with the most incredible Catherine Lye at Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, becoming a regional lead for AMA. We commenced a wonderful new partnership with Synthesis Marketing and can't wait to show off our refined new brand offering going into 2026. And finally, a sincere and special thanks to Mark Skelly. You my friend, are simply beyond 🥰
On top of all this incredible stuff, our entire team also completed the The Lean Hub Certificate in Operational Excellence - a powerful achievement and one which has supported us to sharpen our processes, unlock new potential and create an environment where we can thrive and drive the business to continued future success. Trevor Hall, Theresa Grainger, Colin Fergus and Steffan Kelly... you guys are simply oustanding 💯 🤩
We forged new business partnerships, domestically and internationally, we celebrated milestone work anniversaries, we took our team to beautiful Nelson for a day of fun and frivolity, our sales guys refined strategies and agreed on new paths and focus areas... and we are finishing the year with a record number of pre-Christmas order fulfillments. What a bloody blast it's been!
What truly stands out for me has been watching our team flourish, together as ONE. It warms my heart beyond any event or award, and I my cup overflows with pride and gratitude, for a year that has been nothing short of remarkable!
We finished our year throwing axes (not at each other 🤣) which was just what the doctor ordered🪓😄
The future looks bright as we head into 2026 and the opportunities feel limitless✨ It's safe to say, if my team will have me, I'll be back to embrace another year at Stratmore😁
From all of us at Stratmore, thank you for being a part of our journey. We wish you a wonderful, safe, and very Meri Kirimihete 🎄