In profile: Vaughan Constructions' director and general manager, Andrew Noble
Agent: Andrew Noble
Company: Vaughan Constructions
Position: Director and general manager
How long have you been in the industry?
Started out in 1988 as an apprentice carpenter, 26 years ago.
What's happening in the area you specialise in?
Currently we have projects in all states around the county (excluding Tasmania) and we’re noticing a distinct trend line for long-term growth objectives. Businesses are thinking beyond the first lease term or their immediate requirements and ensuring their longevity is not constrained by poorly designed or inflexible facilities. This logic, whilst not ground-breaking, shows confidence in the mid to long term economic outlook.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold/leased/developed/managed
A Pet Hotel – It’s amazing how much people love and spend on their pets.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Surround yourself with people that are great at what they do and develop those that have potential to get there. And a fully charged iPhone!
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
The things I enjoy constantly change. The job and the business provides diverse exposure to people, projects and places.
Where would invest a spare $750,000?
Industrial yields are still attractive but always invest in quality.
Which football team do you support?
Richmond Football Club… and I still believe!!!
What's your favourite app or techno gadget?
I love the efficiency that technology can bring. Some technologies offer amazing things or tricks but aren’t what you need. You’ve got to start with the question: what do you need?
About 10 years ago we found our questions couldn’t be answered with what was on offer. We had seen many companies buy technology and shape their business around it, which made absolutely no sense to us.
So, we wrote a script or a detailed brief, sought out the best software developers from around the world and got to it.
We now have a complete project management, procurement and financial suite, and have automated most of our labour draining processes. It beats anything off-the-shelf and makes us efficient - just one of our competitive advantages and we’re always seeking to create more.
We continue to invest in our software year on year.
How do you use social media?
I follow people on my twitter account but I’m not a tweeter.
LinkedIn lets me know company news, if people move or have a milestone – apart from that I don’t think technology should replace picking up the phone.