eKourier July 2016

WHO’S WHO

10 Questions... With Michael Macheledt - Development and Construction

What changes have you seen in KSS over the years, within your area of construction? Interestingly the basis of unit fit out hasn’t changed, that just goes to show that KSS got it right years ago! The change we are now seeing is the prominence of the multi storey centre with modern lifts and high rise concrete structures up to and soon over five levels. How is KSS viewed in the Property Development Industry? Like our other raving fans we have similar fans in the industry. From Vendors selling property through to Builders and Professional Consult- ants, we have an excellent reputa- tion on doing what we say. I am often approached from suppliers wanting to work for us as they have heard very good things about us. What aspects of KSS do you find make it a great place to work? What are your hobbies and favourite things to do? Ride my bike down to Woonona beach, play golf and follow the Roosters in the NRL. To sum up Kennards with one word would be? How about a three word slogan in recognition of the Federal Election - Freedom, Prosperity, Responsibility. The positive attitude of the people around me.

Architects Office in Canberra before setting up a private practice in Bathurst (where I was born). We moved to Sydney where he continued the expansion of his practice. My first job was mixing cement for our house extension at the age of 12 years and that’s when I got the bug. Like most father’s he was very influential, I guess what he really instilled in me is a positive work ethic and being dragged out of bed at 6.30am being told there’s no bludging around here! What would be the biggest project you have ever worked on be it in or outside of Kennards? The single largest project was a 350 unit residential development in Northmead, this required a Rezoning in addition to the normal planning work and even a meeting with the then Minister for Planning. The largest KSS project would be Penrith as apart from the seven storage buildings we also built the roadwork’s and infrastructure. The most rewarding is Pymble, it’s amazing. The transformation from a Government Laboratory to a gleaming KSS centre, walking around today you wouldn’t know it as anything else. Having worked in larger company’s how does this compare to Kennards the smaller family owned business? Mirvac was interesting in its all-encompassing method from land acquisition through design then construc- tion and sales however the larger the company became the more bureaucratic and departmentalised it became with Teams almost at war with each other. This is in stark contrast to the collabora- tive culture fostered here in KSS.

When did you first start working with Kennards? May 2005, just after the Millers acquisi- tion. I previously worked for various Architects until changing course to work as a Development Manager for a Parramatta based residential developer.

Have you always worked in construction?

It all started with my Dad’s Architectural Practice, one of my first jobs for him was printing plans on Saturday mornings – well before cad came along. It took me a while to get to where I wanted with several architectural drafting jobs before becoming a Team Leader at Mirvac on an exclusive 38 home subdivi- sion in Belrose NSW. This gave me my first taste for property development and not long after became a Development Manager at Dyldam who where a family business turning over approximately 1,000 units per year. From there I made my one career failure and accepted a role at a Newcastle developer, I didn’t last long and can now reflect on the negative and toxic culture present. I then started at KSS never looking back. Tell us more about your father and his career and how this influenced you? My father was a German immigrant who first worked with the Government

3 Kennards Kourier July 2016