team can do,” Karl says. Internally, the company fosters a supportive and inclusive culture across its 36 direct employees— ranging from project managers and office staff to carpenters, steel erectors, and cladding teams— along with a robust subcontractor base. MKM recently built a new facility with breakout spaces and hosts weekly team lunches. When one employee lost her mother to cancer, the team raised over $4,000 in her honour. “If the team wins on a project, we all share in that success,” Karl says. The company’s “growth by sharing” philosophy is backed by ongoing training and upskilling, which has helped MKM retain talent in a competitive regional market. In terms of marketing, MKM favours real relationships over mass advertising. “I believe personal interaction and deep listening yield better outcomes than impersonal online searches alone,” Karl shares. Transparent cost insights— drawn from real-time conversations with suppliers—help clients make informed decisions and build trust from the start. Looking ahead, MKM is investing in Ballarat’s West Employment Zone—a new industrial and commercial precinct that was designed to create local jobs and stimulate economic growth. It was conceived as part of a regional decentralization strategy aimed at encouraging Melbourne-based companies to expand into Victoria’s heartland. “The purpose behind this industrial park is to help large businesses in cities like Melbourne decentralize and come to regional areas,” Karl explains. He wants MKM to be a part of that movement. JUNE 2025
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