Steller Group – Client Spotlight

I always enjoy catching up with Adrian, owner and director of Steller Group, and we do have fun and share a few laughs along the way, though this feature is a pretty raw and honest interview with Adrian, which isn’t all smiles. Most business owner interviews tend to focus on success, and we often don’t hear the truth of the everyday struggles the business owner faces. This one is different – read on for a heartfelt interview with a true fighter in the building game.

Adrian is so determined to make his business a success and we are proud to support him and his business and help him to fight the good fight!

Let’s dive into the spotlight and discover the world of Steller Group…

Adrian, please tell us about your business and what you do…

“We’re a high-end residential building company with in-house carpenters, focused on the premium market.”

How did you get started in your industry and what has your journey been like?

“I went through multiple apprenticeships – electrical, plumbing and then completed carpentry though Cumberland Building, which exposed me to a lot of high-end work.  This included learning the acute attention to detail that is essential for the market we operate in. I then moved onto Evolve Building Group, which also exposed me to further premium projects.

I decided to open my own show in 2016. Since then, I have built a highly reputable company to the point where Steller Group is sought out by respected architects to price and complete their design works.”

What has your journey been like?

“The journey has had some great highs and major lows!

In hindsight, I was too trusting and assumed all service providers were there to help me and were experts in their fields. Unfortunately, I’ve been let down a few times. I was ripped off $25k for a sub-par website and refused to pay halfway through because the company was not delivering. My lack of understanding of the dispute process at the time lead to a court judgement documented against the business which I did not realise the implications of. 

For a long time, I did not have financial control of my business, I didn’t understand the numbers, the breakeven point, or know what weekly budget I should target. I was running in the dark, which created a lot of stress. 

I subsequently had a run of bad clients that did not pay. I have now learned how important it is to have the right client and not just take on any client in desperation, because the ripple effect lasts a very long time, and it will scar you mentally.  

I’m much more discerning now.”

Tell us about a good part of your journey…

“I actually think going through the bad times and coming out the other end has helped me to build a better, more robust business. Without those lessons I would not be the business owner I am today.

It took some time, but building my team has been highly rewarding. I’ve learned that hiring slow and firing fast should be a default in anyone’s business. I have churned through wages and burned through $500k in salaries unnecessarily over the years, by not following this philosophy.

Hiring people who are educated and qualified, with great personal traits, who are competent problem solvers has set us on the right track. We look for their focus to be on taking pride in their work and having integrity as a personal value. Essentially aligning with our own company values, which we have fully defined.

Currently the team is the best it has ever been.”

Have you ever had a business partner?

“I had a business partner from 2018 for 6 months. I’m sure it can work when structured correctly, though having a partner without having clearly defined roles led to loss of friendship and resentment towards one another.

You have to draw a line and decide who brings what to the company and harness each partner’s greatest attributes and skills to benefit the business.”

How would you describe your leadership style and how does it influence your team?

“I question myself every day, whether I’m a good leader.  

So long as communication and tasks are happening, I am happy for the team to work very independently. I don’t want to be that boss where I’m shouting at people or creating an unpleasant environment. I’ve made the business task oriented, so as long as everyone is executing their roles and achieving their objectives then we’re all happy.

I like to bring the team together for outings, barbecues, and events. I think it’s important for people to gel socially, so they enjoy working together and become naturally more productive. Our events dissolve the stigma of separation between the office team and site team and ties them back together.”

What makes your company stand out in the market?

“I’d say it’s our knowledge and expertise, our attention to detail, our non-negotiables and complete transparency – with our clients, with our partners and with our team.

I feel these standards should be fundamental and echoed throughout the industry.”

Please share a little about your purpose and aspirations for the business.

“I want to be known as an honest and trustworthy builder that can execute intricate designs and become a recognised and highly regarded brand.

I want to provide an environment where everyone within the company can strive to fulfil their business and personal goals whatever they may be.  

Going beyond our business obligations, we’ll do whatever we can to help our people. For example, we recently helped one of our staff with a disability gain disability support that significantly assists with their daily living.”

How would you describe your core values?

“Honest and trusted, with high integrity, and a strong work ethic.”

What drives you every day? What feels most important about the service you provide?

“I want to break the narrative in the industry. By providing transparency financially and clearly articulating risks to clients in certain aspects of their build, prior to signing contracts. I want every client to feel they were fully informed all the way, with flowing communication. Ultimately that the experience was a pleasure – and every bit as polished as the finished home.”

What advice would you give to others looking to solve similar challenges?

“Never be afraid to ask for help, even though you may feel insecure and don’t want others to know the issues you’re up against.  People generally do want to help and not see you fail.

Start your business as early as possible so you get through all the hard times and learn the difficult lessons early rather than when you have bigger responsibilities like a family.”

What innovations in your industry are you most excited about?

“I’m excited to see how AI and robotics will disrupt the whole construction industry by eliminating error and creating efficiencies. I believe it will enhance our project management and scheduling capabilities and will become invaluable in mitigating high-risk tasks and site safety.”

What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received from a customer?

“This was ironically from one of the cheapest jobs we’ve completed. Despite the dollar value, it was executed on time and with high quality. Even though we lost money on the job, we did the right thing and delivered beyond expectations.  

The client said, “You and your team had integrity, despite the loss of money”. This meant everything to me.”

How do you define success for your business?

“I define success in our company by how we deal with hard conversations and situations. How we approach and satisfy (and wherever possible, delight) a disgruntled client.”

You can find more about Steller Group HERE

And connect with Adrian on LinkedIn

You can also request a capability statement to see more of their beautiful work.