Bundaberg, famous for its rum, now has another iconic Australian business in town, with Higgins opening a branch in the city.
After servicing the region for many years through our Wide Bay branch, Higgins made it ‘official’ taking over premises in the CBD late last year.
Not only does this allow our experts to cater to the local painting needs, but it provides an opportunity to grow with the burgeoning community through the employment of local workforce.
We’re no strangers to the area, having delivered several marquee projects in Bundaberg, including:
- Bundaberg State High School
- Elliot Heads Surf Life Saving Club
- Shalom Catholic College
- Silverpoint Apartments
Leading the foray into Bundy is Business Development Manager/Project Manager Matthew Steers, who brings a wealth of experience having worked at Higgins for over 10 years.
We caught up with Matthew to capture his thoughts on the Bundaberg team.
How are you feeling about the launch of the Bundaberg branch?
I’m feeling really excited but also a little nervous about expanding the Higgins business in the Bundaberg region. I do love a challenge however and look forward to it.
What made you want to be part of the Higgins expansion into Bundaberg?
I could see the challenges in the Bundaberg region, but also the upside. I think there is room for growth in the Higgins business as the area grows itself. The change in role from project management to a dual role incorporating business development will be the growth I’ve been looking for.
What is your relationship like with the local workforce?
The painters we have in Bundaberg are fantastic - I can have a laugh with them while also getting the job done efficiently, safely, and with quality. The clients' feedback has been nothing short of brilliant. I look forward to growing the team further.
Matthew’s pursuit into Bundy will be backed by the strength of our 70+ year old business. Overseeing the branch will be Queensland General Manager Cameron Steindl, who grew up in the region.
Catching up with Cameron, it was clear he was bullish about our prospects in the area.
What were the main factors that led to the conception of a Bundaberg branch?
Since establishing our presence within the Wide Bay region, we have seen increased growth and demand for our services thanks to the support of the generous business community.
We felt that to support the demand we needed to establish another base for our qualified tradespeople and also ensure our teams are managed and supported with one of our most experienced operational managers in Matthew Steers.
How will your knowledge of the area and local community help forge the Bundaberg branch?
Bundaberg is a terrific regional community and a great place to grow up. Reliability, trust, and good work will carry you a long way, but most of all giving back to the community is the key.
We don't want to be seen as just a painter but a partner within the community and I think that's where myself and a few of our other staff at Higgins who have a close association with the Bundaberg region can really ensure we are successful.
What made Matthew an ideal candidate to lead our expansion into the area?
Matthew Steers has been a long-serving Project Manager in our business and quite simply his values are invaluable! Persistence, professionalism, and drive are all key dynamics that Matthew executes on a day-to-day basis.
Matthew showed a willingness to relocate to the region and become one of the locals, whom I'm sure will have no trouble in warming to him. We have no doubt Matthew will really drive our business and brand forward within the Bundaberg community.
Suffice it to say our team of local experts know Bundy and with the strength of our national network, commitment to community and the highest quality outcomes - success is just around the corner.