In 2025, that commitment was recognised at the HIA North Queensland Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards, where John Munro Builder took out the Small Business Management Award. The business also secured multiple honours, including Residential Design, Display Home, Outdoor Project, Emerging Builder, and People’s Choice Home awards.

Judges praised the business for its strong growth, investment in apprentices, and structured approach to operations, noting the opening of two display homes as a key milestone in showcasing the company’s design capability and build quality.

Now John Munro shares insight into the business’s journey, achievements and future plans.

Can you give us an overview of John Munro Builder?

The business has been operating for over nine years with a team of 11 staff, plus 87 subcontractors. We service Townsville, the Burdekin, Ingham, Charters Towers and surrounding areas, working with clients across all stages of home ownership. No matter the budget or vision, our goal is to help people build homes they’re proud of.

How do you support and grow your team?

We invest heavily in the future of our workforce. We currently employ several apprentice carpenters and have supported many through to full qualification. Our strong staff retention reflects the positive, supportive culture we’ve built, where communication is open and people feel valued.

What role does customer service play in your success?

Customer service is central to everything we do. Most of our work now comes from word-of-mouth referrals, which we see as the strongest measure of success. Clients are supported throughout their build by a dedicated Contract Administrator, Site Supervisor, and direct access to me personally. That hands-on approach removes stress and builds trust.

How do you manage business and financial operations as you grow?

We’ve implemented strict systems for financial management, including detailed tracking of revenue, expenses and job costing. Every project undergoes a full cost review to compare estimates against actuals, allowing us to continually refine our processes and maintain profitability.

Regular quarterly financial reviews, monthly management meetings, and close collaboration with our accountant ensure the business remains financially strong and well positioned for sustainable growth.

What are your goals for the future?

Over the next five years, we aim to double our turnover while maintaining the personalised service and quality we’re known for. We’re also looking to expand into spec home development alongside our custom builds and renovations.

As we grow, we’re committed to creating more employment opportunities and increasing our support for local clubs and community organisations. Giving back is an important part of who we are.

How do you attract and manage new clients?

Our marketing approach is simple but effective, with a strong focus on digital platforms. Social media, our website and Google continue to be our biggest lead drivers. Every enquiry is tracked through Buildertrend, allowing us to monitor performance and ensure prompt follow-up.

We believe it’s essential that every potential client meets with me personally before proceeding. That connection sets the tone for the entire build and is something clients consistently tell us they value.

What are some of your key business achievements?

The past few years have seen strong growth, particularly in new home construction. Our portfolio now ranges from compact luxury homes through to multimillion-dollar residences, and in the past 12 months alone, our new home builds have tripled.

Opening two display homes has been a major milestone, allowing clients to experience our workmanship, design detail and practical layouts first-hand. We’re equally proud of the renovations we’ve completed – transforming existing homes is just as rewarding as building from the ground up.

Being recognised through multiple HIA awards, including the 2025 Small Business Management Award, is a significant honour and reflects the hard work of our entire team.