2 | M.M. Hearn For the past 30 years, M.M. Hearn Constructions has been the leader in constructing stylish, modern and contemporary homes throughout Victoria. Their houses are known for their distinctive look and use of bold contrasting products, and the company has earned a reputation for attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. M.M. Hearn Constructions was established by Managing Director Michael Hearn, whose career in the building industry began when he was 16. Michael took on an apprenticeship and completed it before practising as a contractor and later becoming a registered commercial and domestic builder in his early 20s. Michael’s expertise lies in the diverse application of Queensland hardwoods, and he’s able to provide advice to architects, builders and other specifiers on construction methods using these materials for project applications. Through M.M. Hearn Architectural Building Products – a sister company to the group’s Constructions division – he also acts as a wholesale distributor of
M.M. Hearn | 3 the premium quality hardwood from sustainablymanaged forests. M.M. Hearn as a whole has evolved significantly since the company’s inception. From the start, demand has been high and they have had to build their labour force to keep up with it. “We’ve been lucky enough to be in an area that has a status of being one of the premier coastal regions in Australasia,” Michael says. “It attracts a clientele who wants to do good and responsible development and we embrace that.” START TO FINISH At M.M. Hearn Constructions, they are with the client every step of the way – from land purchase through to design and build. Customers are given a choice of using the company’s in-house designer or they can bring their own designs and concepts to them that turn their dreams into reality. This personalised service is what sets the company apart in the marketplace, according to Michael. As a result of this service, M.M. Hearn has established long-lasting relationships with their cus-
4 | M.M. Hearn tomers over the years. “In any form of business, you’ve got to put customer satisfaction No. 1,” Michael says. “You have to help them the best you can within your capability.” M.M. Hearn’s dedication to customer satisfaction has led to significant repeat work through word-of-mouth referrals and recommendations. For example, Michael has built eight houses for one particular client over the years. “He’s been an extremely good client and we treat him the same all the way through,” he says. “I can’t emphasize strongly enough the value of our word-of-mouth, especially in a smaller location, which is by far the advertising tool available.” The company also enjoys positive relationships with both their direct employees and their subcontractors and suppliers. “Running a large building business, you can’t always be face-toface with every individual so you’re only as good as your staff,” Michael says, adding that he has complete faith in his staff – from those who work beside him in the office to the “field troops” on the ground and the apprentices. “Each is judged equally.” The same longstanding commitment they have with their subcontractors and suppliers also applies to their staff – some of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years. “I’ve had a lot of staff who have been here a long time,” Michael says. “It’s a physically-demanding trade and if you have staff staying with you past their age of 50, you’re doing very well.” SUPERB CRAFTSMANSHIP As a result of their quality workmanship and personalised service, M.M. Hearn Constructions has
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6 | M.M. Hearn Managing Director Michael Hearn Sarah
M.M. Hearn | 7 Lava Basin Mixer 4* 7LPM Lava Sink Mixer 4* 7LPM New Lava collection – Designed and built in Australia Partaps Head Office: 25-27 Bellevue Crescent, Preston VIC 3072 Telephone: 03 9484 0960 | Facsimile: 03 9484 0949 www.partaps.com.au Superiordesign and innovation been repeatedly recognised by industry bodies like the HIA. In 2012, for example, they garnered an award for Townhouse/Villa Development for their beachside townhouses, which the judges described as “a beautiful example of superb craftsmanship and stylish, functional design. The natural coastal theme from the exterior flows seamlessly indoors. The dwellings feel light and airy with the emphasis on practical modern living.” That kind of industry recognition is highly-valued byMichael and the company. “It’s always nice in any form to be recognised for achievement,” he says. “When you get professional judges judging you, I think you’re really put to the sword. It’s nice to know we can stand up to that judgment.” He adds that he doesn’t look at the awards as an individual achievement, rather an achievement for the whole workforce. Michael credits the company’s award-winning status to their consistency of quality.They put a tremendous amount of effort and craftsmanship into each house, which has paid dividends frequently throughout their 30-plus-year history. Moving forward, M.M. HearnConstructions aims tomaintain that consistency, and aims to grow. “If you’re not growing, you become stagnant,” Michael says. “We have to always be within a growth phase, which has to be manageably-controlled.”
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