WHAT WE DO

Smith & Sons offers the opportunity for good builders to step away from the tools and into the business of building. Become a franchise owner and gain access to a thriving brand, established network of licensed builders and the tools/support to take your business to the next level.

With established methods, which are proven to help franchise owners improve their lifestyle and improve general wealth, we set chippies on a pathway to success. The constant support from our head office, training days and group meetings help to ensure all of our Smithies Franchise owners feel valued and looked after every step of the way.

Reons Journey

Hi there, my name is Reon Paterson and I with my partner Jo May lead the Smith & Sons brand here in New Zealand.   I’ve been in the building industry for 27 years now starting an apprenticeship back in 1994 and qualifying in 1999. I love our industry and have a passion for helping chippies succeed in the business of building.  

I joined up with Smithies after returning from a five year stint overseas in 2011 and quickly found success in a group that I really enjoyed. It has to be said though that as a model we were a long way from where we are today and as a guy who had some energy and passion along with a bit of knowledge, I was offered a role as General Manager with our Corporate Office who are based in Australia. The next five years led me to stepping out of my Franchise and into a job where I was tasked with systemizing the model and working to improve the overall culture and image of the group.

A number of things changed; firstly we made it that you had to be a builder to qualify as a franchise owner. Renovations are complex and you just have to know what you’re doing with regards to delivering projects.   Next we moved into specialising in design & build and introduced a comprehensive and detailed system for our guys to follow. This had immediate effects on profitability across the board and also allowed us to focus our marketing into a specific target.

 


Together with my partner Jo May, we now are what’s called the Master Franchisees of Smithies here in NZ. My work was done at Corporate and the opportunity came up which allowed me to be in more direct contact with our Franchise partners, so purchased the license to operate the brand here and we couldn’t be happier. Our goal is to grow the brand into a well recognised household name in NZ and I’m excited by the fact that we are well on our way.

Our Story

Smith & Sons was formed in Queensland in 2007, with the first Smith & Sons office opening in Hamilton in 2008.

The Smith & Sons team quickly became well known for their prominent design centers, distinctive vehicles and most importantly outstanding customer service.

We are continuing to grow at a rapid rate with 25 offices now operating throughout New Zealand nationwide. As the network continues to grow, so does the reputation, and with no shortage of work the only way is up.

Recently celebrating 10 years, Smith & Sons now operate over 80 offices in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

We call this our Design, Plan, Construct methodology.

SALES is key in every business, so Smith & Sons have developed a step-by-step process to lead clients from the initial enquiry to a completed project.

**This approach allows Smith & Sons Franchisees a much greater chance of winning the project and making profit on jobs**

Meet the Team

  • Di Nikora

    Business Support

    Been with Smithies since the very start. The wise one with all the know how on the business of building… And a bloody good sort!

  • Reon Paterson

    Master Franchisee/ Business Owner

    From chippy, to franchisee, to Corporate office and now Master Franchisee for New Zealand. A down to earth family man who loves talking building, especially the business of building!

  • Jo May

    Business Support/ Business Owner

    Co owning Smith & Sons New Zealand with Reon . Jo is has a wealth of knowledge and is largely responsible with finances for Franchise Owners.

  • Wayne Drought

    Content Creator/ Marketing.

    You will find Wayne behind a camera on site or behind a desk editing images or videos for our online presence, and is responsible for all our online marketing.

  • Charleen Prinsloo

    Business Support