Passion and Compassion in Every Build
345 CONSTRUCTION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
In Sydney’s residential construction market, where competition is high and clients often have their pick of custom builders, 345 Construction & Project Management has built its reputation not on advertising campaigns or industry awards but on something far more enduring: trust, compassion, and a relentless passion for quality. For founder Tom Mihaljek, that passion goes back a generation. His late father was a bricklayer, and Tom grew up watching the dedication and craft that his father brought to every wall he laid. “I wanted to be like my dad,” Tom says. “That’s why I became a carpenter, and eventually a builder. I just fell in love with building.” That legacy of care and pride in workmanship is now at the heart of 345 Construction, carried forward in every project Tom and his team complete. The company was re-launched in 2017 by Tom and his wife Lee, after Tom had already spent over 20 years working as a carpenter and running his own business. Together, Tom and Lee decided to combine their skills—which they have found to be very complementary. “When you’ve got a husband-and-wife combination, it doesn’t always work out,” Tom admits, “but it has worked out for us.” Today, Tom manages projects on-site while Lee handles the administration, payroll, contracts, and client communication. That balance of skills has become the foundation of a company that continues to grow stronger each year. 345 Construction’s operations remain proudly local. Sydney is not only where they are based but where they have chosen to focus all of their work. Lee explains that the majority of their projects are in the Eastern Suburbs and the Inner West, areas that align with their expertise THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA
in architecturally designed custom homes. While some builders expand interstate, Tom and Lee prefer to remain close to their clients and their projects. “Residential work varies so much state by state with regulations and warranties,” Lee says. “We’d rather concentrate on doing the best job possible here.” Projects typically range in size from $500,000 to $3 million. From the beginning, 345 Construction has stood apart for the way it wins and retains clients. Rather than relying on glossy marketing campaigns, the company thrives on word of mouth. 345 has a website and have begun posting regularly on social media, but nearly every project still comes through referrals or long-standing relationships with architects. “I think all our work has come from word of mouth,” Lee says. “Because we do such a great job, people are happy to recommend us. And we respond quickly, we follow through, and Tom goes above and beyond. He treats every job like it’s his own home and I think people really appreciate that.” The company’s size reflects its philosophy of staying close to both clients and employees. With six team members, including Tom and Lee, 345 Construction runs as a family-oriented operation. Three apprentices and a qualified tradesman make up the team, with Tom’s eldest son also having completed his apprenticeship with the company. Tom has personally trained each apprentice, something he takes great pride in. “We don’t cut corners, and I’ll never ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” he explains. That hands-on leadership and willingness to mentor have created a culture of loyalty and respect, where staff are encouraged to grow their skills and are 345 CONSTRUCTION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
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rewarded for their work. Bonuses, flexibility, and an open-door approach keep morale high, while a shared commitment to quality ensures that every build meets the same exacting standards. “It’s very much a family-oriented business,” Lee says. “We’re not corporate, and we don’t set rigid targets. For us, it’s about the quality of the work.” This same philosophy extends to subcontractors and suppliers. Tom and Lee are known for paying promptly—sometimes even earlier than required—and for treating trades with fairness and respect. “I hear so many stories from other builders not paying their subcontractors,” Lee says. “We always pay on time, and we value the loyalty and trust that come from working with the same people over and over.” At the same time, the company remains pragmatic, always seeking the best results for clients by balancing loyalty with cost-effectiveness. Suppliers and subcontractors are considered part of the broader 345 family, and many of the company’s long-term partnerships are built on this sense of mutual respect. While the company has not pursued formal industry awards, Tom and Lee are clear about what recognition means to them. “You could win an award through an association, but that really means nothing,” Lee says. “If you’ve got repeat customers or you’re getting all your work through word of mouth, then that means more to us than any award ever could.” Tom and Lee believe that their clients’ satisfaction—and the referrals that follow—are the truest form of recognition a builder can receive. Technology plays a role in the company’s operations, though always with a practical 345 CONSTRUCTION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA purpose. From digital communication tools that keep clients informed to systems that streamline contracts and payroll, Lee ensures the administrative side of the company runs smoothly. This level of organization complements Tom’s site management, allowing projects to progress efficiently and transparently. Clients often remark on how responsive and organized the company is—an attribute that sets them apart from many builders overwhelmed by paperwork. Sustainability is also part of 345 Construction’s approach, albeit in a way that balances client needs with practicality. Working with architects often brings innovative, eco-conscious designs to the table, and Tom and his team ensure those designs are executed to the highest standard. Whether through energy-efficient construction methods, the use of sustainable materials, or simply keeping job sites well managed and waste minimized, the company remains mindful of its environmental impact. Looking forward, Tom and Lee are clear about their goals. Growth will come, but not at the expense of quality or personal involvement. As projects become larger and more complex, they are planning to add experienced site managers to help maintain standards. “We’ll be looking in the next few years to employ one or two senior site managers,” Lee says. “Tom isn’t on the tools as much now, as he’s doing a lot of the quoting, so we need strong people to oversee the projects.” The company’s long-term aim is to focus on highend renovations in the $3-to-$4 million range, working on architecturally designed homes where detail and craftsmanship are paramount.
The vision is not about growth for growth’s sake but about refining their craft, strengthening their systems, and leaving behind a legacy of projects that clients will cherish for years to come. Ultimately, what defines 345 Construction is the human touch. “Compassion and passion,” Tom says. “That’s what sets us apart. Whether it’s a halfmillion-dollar job or a big one, we treat everyone equally. We care deeply about the work, and we go above and beyond.” For Tom, that ethos comes directly from the example set by his father: that great builders leave more than strong walls behind—they leave behind a reputation for being trustworthy and treating people with respect. Lee agrees, and points to the consistent feedback they receive from architects, certifiers, and clients about how much they enjoyed the experience of working together. “We want to leave a legacy,” Tom concludes. “Not just great homes, but friendships and trust that last long after the project is finished.” 345 CONSTRUCTION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA For more on 345 Construction, and to contact Tom and Lee and their team, visit their website at https://www.345construction.com.au
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