From humble beginnings in 1983 to Australia’s largest franchise builder, G.J. Gardner Homes has surpassed more than four decades making The Great Australian Dream come to life.
Namesake founder Greg Gardner first established the business in Queensland in 1983 and since then, G.J. Gardner has become a household name, having delivered more than 55,000 high quality homes through its network of almost 150 franchises across Australia, the United States, and New Zealand.
G.J. Gardner Homes Chief Executive Officer Trent Gardner said he was proud to be leading a successful home building franchise network and continuing his family’s legacy in the industry.
“I grew up watching my father lay the foundations for the business and seeing it go strength to strength taught me the principles to continue his legacy of building great value, quality homes,” Mr Gardner said.
“From what started out as a small local builder, our formula around building homes designed to meet individual customer needs, quickly established itself with a great reputation in Queensland.
“The business as it stands has grown into a franchise with locally owned and operated offices, and it’s wonderful to celebrate the talented professionals that stand before me, including my father.”
In the late 90s, G.J. Gardner Homes ventured into the international market after recognising an opportunity in New Zealand. This was followed by a successful entry in the US market in 2005, establishing operations in California, Colorado, Texas, Florida, and Indiana.
The company’s growth continues with plans to expand into South Carolina in 2024.
Mr (Trent) Gardner said becoming CEO in 2020 was a great opportunity to step up and pave the way into the US market.
“As part of the expansion into the American market alongside my brother Conrad, it was important for me to maintain control of the family-builder aspects and legacy that made the business so successful back home in Australia,” he said.
In Australia alone, there are now 32 staff at G.J. Gardner Homes’ franchisor office on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, that support a network of nearly 100 local building companies. Mr Gardner said the business’s growth is a testament to the right team with the right skills.
“The accumulation of over 40 years of work, honing best practice and professionalism amidst the ever-changing industry, has been all about embracing the ‘G.J. Way’,” he said.
“A lot has changed in the industry, and we continue to evolve with it through embodying our brand values by offering a transparent build process – with no gimmicks and hidden costs, but simply an honest price upfront.
“Reflecting on the past year, we’ve navigated economic headwinds marked by rising interest rates and inflation, which have impacted property prices and borrowing capacities.
“This nuanced shift saw dwelling approvals experience a slight contraction, yet the value of new residential buildings surge, reflecting a robust demand for new projects.
“Despite the challenging landscape, the sector remains resilient and we’re still a family business at heart, led by the same values and mission that we started with in 1983.”
One of G.J. Gardner’s longest standing franchise businesses is based on the Sunshine Coast, which has operated for 27 years, and contributed to the success and reputation of the brand.
The Sunshine Coast South franchise services the Southern and middle of the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland regions, including Caloundra, Beerwah and Maleny.
Proud owner-operator Tony Quinn said the franchise has established itself as a local leader in the custom home building market.
“My sister Julie Holst, her Husband Trevor and I joined the G.J Gardner group in 1997, but it wasn’t until 2004 when we seized the opportunity to expand our business and relocate to the Sunshine Coast where our passion for building beautiful new homes remains to this day,” Mr Quinn said.
The doors to the Sunshine Coast South franchise opened at the same time the G.J. Gardner Homes head office was established on the Sunshine Coast.
“The group has grown so much during our time here, it’s great to be a part of it all really,” he said.
“Over the years, we’ve taken pride in the fact we are continuing on the fantastic legacy that commenced all those years ago, delivering outstanding value, service and quality to our customers.”
G.J. Gardner Homes has plans to further expand its network with a number of franchise locations now available across Australia, for more visit gjgardner.com.au/franchise HYPERLINK “https://www.gjgardner.com.au/franchise/”.
About G.J. Gardner Homes
Since home builder Greg J. Gardner started the business in Queensland in 1983, G.J. Gardner Homes has built over 55,000 quality and customised homes for families across the globe. As a franchise organisation, G.J. Gardner Homes is Australia’s most successful home building network with over 150 franchises internationally in Australia, the United States and New Zealand.
G.J. Gardner Homes is committed to providing its customers with the absolute best experience when building their own home ensuring an enjoyable journey. For more visit: www.gjgardner.com.au HYPERLINK “http://www.gjgardner.com.au/”.