David Reid Homes: How to build your business

There’s no doubt that builders are experts when it comes to their trade. Producing quality homes is their forté, but other aspects of the business – managing the day-to-day work of finance, HR, technology, marketing and advertising – can be more of a chore.

A great solution is to become a franchisee for a respectable building business where you will save time, minimise stress and achieve real satisfaction. Most importantly, you’ll be streamlining your workflow while maximising your cashflow.

When joining David Reid Homes as a franchisee, you will receive in-depth training in your region from its friendly team. This allows you to hit the ground running when you launch. You get instant access to a proven business model with advanced in-house systems for specifying, costing and project management. Whether you're already building or just getting your foot into the industry, their model and support will help you succeed.

How it works

A David Reid Homes franchisee is set up to run a successful business in your region with minimal stress and the opportunity for excellent returns. It also provides a range of stand-out homes that give clients an on-time and on-budget package. A win-win situation for both clients and franchisees.

Once you’re up and running, David Reid Homes offers user-friendly marketing tools and easy-to-use management systems. It also offers access to its leading team of designers, interior consultants and other qualified builders in the franchise network.

Need advice on costing and project management? The David Reid Homes team is there to help you 24/7. Ongoing support is available from head office for every aspect of your business.

David Reid Homes' business model

Established in prior years and taken over in 2010 by current management, David Reid Homes is led by Managing Director and CEO, Ken Beissel.

As well as overseeing the business, he’s also involved with franchisee recruitment, business development, cashflows and budgets.

‘David Reid Homes has become the most successful building franchise business in Australia,’ says Ken, who first entered the building industry as a carpenter apprentice in Canberra in the early ’70s.

‘After being in the industry for so many years, I understand the needs and desires of both the franchisees and the clients,’ he continues. ‘Our franchisees have access to working drawings that cover numerous stylish house plans, as befits a luxury custom home builder.’

These plans offer an array of different styles and materials, with a focus on quality fixtures and fittings. ‘So clients have the chance to choose their own dream home,’ says Ken.

As a franchisee, your builds will be organised efficiently, from ordering materials to back-of-house administration. This also allows you to manage multiple projects with ease.

Another positive aspect on the business side is that David Reid Homes franchisees have access to competitively priced building materials. ‘We negotiate with suppliers to get competitive pricing for quality materials,’ explains Ken.

Meet our franchisees

Kieron Rohrlach, co-director of David Reid Homes, Tamworth, NSW

Kieron Rohrlach became a David Reid Homes franchisee in 2015 with business partner Philip Poulsen. The business is based in Tamworth, the largest and most populated city in the North Western region of NSW.

‘We joined David Reid Homes to expand our new building business,’ explains Kieron. ‘Philip and I were great carpenters but needed some help with management and sales. Joining David Reid Homes was a great way to level up our business.’

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, regional areas such as Tamworth have experienced a boom in the residential property industry.

‘We’ve had such a massive increase in housing here, we would be struggling to complete projects and maintain margins with rapidly increasing costs of materials and contractors without the support and guidance of David Reid Homes,’ explains Kieron. ‘We have never been busier.’

In the industry, multiple state lockdowns have slowed down the flow of raw materials and finished goods. As a solution, Kieron and Philip have adjusted their timelines and the way they explain a new build to clients. ‘We’re managing the recent supply issues well,’ says Kieron. ‘It helped getting advice from the David Reid Homes team when making these decisions.’

To make their business run efficiently, they utilise many of David Reid Homes’ services, such as its 24/7 access to support structures and plan packages. Kieron has found that one of the essential services for their business is its estimating program. ‘We’ve received great support from head office and they are always available when we have any difficulties. We would be far behind where we are now without David Reid Homes.’

If a young builder or tradie is considering becoming a franchisee, Kieron has a few suggestions. ‘Make sure you weigh up all options and have all the information,’ he says. ‘If the franchise you’re considering suits your area and target market, working with David Reid Homes is a great option.’

David Reid, director of David Reid Homes, South Coast & Southern Highlands, NSW

After running his building business for nearly 33 years, David Reid [no relation] joined David Reid Homes in 2011. He decided to take the plunge after discussing the advantages of being part of a franchisee with Ken Beissel, David Reid Homes’ CEO/Managing Director. ‘I was attracted by the systems and systemised management,’ says David.

Another benefit was being able to liaise with David Reid Homes’ other franchisees from around the country. ‘They’re all going through similar experiences so it makes it easier to reach out to them when we have technical or construction questions. It’s very helpful to discuss management strategies and new ways of approaching people. Another advantage is exploring new products with suppliers who are affiliated with David Reid Homes.’

When David joined David Reid Homes 11 years ago, he found that building more homes under its banner was a win-win situation. ‘We were easier to find on Google, which in turn created lots of work for us,’ he explains. ‘We specialise in high-end construction and after joining David Reid Homes, we didn’t need to take on any work under $600,000 per house.’

He’s found that being selective when taking on new projects has improved his business. ‘The David Reid Homes management systems have educated us into only taking on the work we need and not every job that walks through the door,’ he says. This has been a positive outcome, particularly during the current property boom in regional areas.

If a builder is considering becoming a franchisee, David has some sage advice. ‘Make sure you do your homework before committing,’ he says. ‘If you follow the process and listen to your peers, you’ll soon learn that you can build a very profitable and successful business.’

The David Reid Homes advantage

Discover the key aspects David Reid Homes offers to make your business run smoothly. These include:

• 24/7 access to support and mentoring
• Plan packages, offering luxury custom homes, new land estates, vacant land, acreage designs and knockdown rebuilds
• Business model – from how to order materials to back-of-house administration. Multiple projects can be organised with ease
• High-tech CRM and project management with advanced IT software programs
• Marketing and advertising
• Policies, procedures and legal documentation
• Sales and administration processes and training

 For more information, go to David Reid Homes’ franchise opportunities.

 Further reading:

https://franchise.davidreidhomes.com.au/

https://davidreidhomes.com.au/

Interested in learning how to take your building career to the next level?

Australian Government’s Franchising page

ACCC Franchising code of conduct