Fergus Builders has solidified its position as a leading name in Mackay's construction industry, renowned for its commitment to excellence, integrity, and forward-thinking. Since its establishment in October 1983 by visionary entrepreneur Garry Fergus, the company has been instrumental in transforming the region's building and construction landscape.
Garry, driven by a passion for innovation, took a bold leap into entrepreneurship alongside his wife Jann. Despite facing personal and economic challenges, their determination led them to establish Fergus Builders. Starting from modest beginnings, the family operated out of a simple shed while fueling their dreams with Garry's unwavering self-belief and relentless dedication.
With an eye for untapped potential, Garry turned ordinary projects into extraordinary achievements.
He saw potential where others saw obstacles, and his unwavering commitment to excellence set the foundation for what would become a legacy.
Tragedy struck in 2006 when Garry passed away unexpectedly. It was a devastating blow, not just for Jann, but for the entire Fergus Builders family. Garry was not just a founder; he was the heart and soul of the company. His loss left a void that seemed impossible to fill.
Ben Hilder is now one of the company’s three directors, but at the time of Garry’s passing, he was still being mentored in project management.
“For Ferg (Garry) to go down to Maroochydore for a Christmas family holiday at the end of 2005 and for him to never set foot back in the office or on any site, the loss was inconceivable,” Ben recalled.
Jann, determined to honour Garry's memory and legacy, stepped up and assumed the role of Managing Director. She was no stranger to the business, having been by Garry's side since its inception. She knew that the company had to carry on, that Garry's vision had to live on.
She was supported by the team members who would help to ensure Fergus’ legacy; from the current directors, Ben, Nathan Borg and Adam Wright, and former director, Shannon Ackerman; to the long-standing members of the crew who have given decades of service.
Shannon started his apprenticeship in 1994 and Ben said that he “was one of those young lads that got on with everyone and fitted into the Fergus family with ease”.
“About a year or so after Ferg passed away, we needed to reinforce the project management team. Shannon left the nail bag in the ute and started his next journey with me in the office. Nathan followed a similar path soon after and the three of us, who started as apprentices in the field, were now developing our skills and leading the charge through project management,” Ben said.
“The opportunity for the three of us to become partners was a dream come true.
“Shannon ended up taking a big step to move to Brisbane, to allow his kids to pursue their swimming passion at a higher level.”
Upon Shannon’s departure in 2016 the team was strengthened by the addition of Adam, who rejoined the team after beginning his career with Fergus as a cadet in construction management.
Ben said “Like any good home or building, longevity starts with the solid foundations.
“It is these foundations and core values that Garry and Jann built this business on and we are proud to carry this legacy forward.
“Our core values are pillars that Garry and Jann lived by and are the fabric that binds us together.
“INTEGRITY – LOYALTY – FAMILY – COMPASSION”
Adam agreed and said that the true quality of a building lies in what you can't see, and that's what Fergus strives to deliver.
“Even though our systems and processes have changed over the years, how we do business and how the business is run is exactly the same as 40 years ago,” he said.
Nathan, who started with Fergus Builders as an apprentice, said the early principles instilled in him at the start still ring true for the business today.
“We look after each other, deliver a quality job and exceed client expectations,” Nathan said.
The longevity of key team members plus the feeling of belonging to a family is another factor attributed to the success of Fergus Builders.
“The key word for us has always been FAMILY,” Ben said.
“People want security with their place of employment, and we strive to maintain a stable and safe work environment for anyone who what’s to be part of the team.”
Adam added, “At last count our average employee time with Fergus was 11.5 years.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on, being able to have long-term employees. We have multiple staff who have been with us for more than 20 years.”
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