As the property market cycles through its regular peaks and troughs, one thing stays constant: the need for quality, affordable homes that are energy-efficient and easy on the environment.
Since it was established in 2012 by successful Canterbury and Otago builders Neil Hawker and David Pickles, Trident Homes has enjoyed significant success across the South Island, with busy franchises in Southland, Otago and Canterbury – where Jason McKenzie is the man behind Christchurch South, and he too is an industry veteran.
“I started my apprenticeship back in 1988, completing my apprenticeship with my Trade Certificate and Advanced Trade Certificate, then I went out on my own and after some time overseas I launched my first company in 1997,” he says.
McKenzie’s business was steady and successful, with a couple of apprentices at any given time - then at a roof shout in 2012 he got chatting to a plumber he’d known for years.
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“He suggested that I should think about buying a Trident Homes franchise and at first I thought, oh, no, I still enjoy being on the tools and I don’t want all that other stuff to deal with, but I had met Dave Pickles a couple of times and I thought I might as well have a talk to him and that’s when the light dawned, really.”
McKenzie says that he appreciates the support structure Trident Homes brings to all its franchises, which have grown to include Tauranga, Franklin, Western Bay of Plenty in the North Island with exciting opportunities on offer for potential franchisees in other areas. As well as representing a trusted name they will also enjoy the benefits of Trident Homes’ cutting-edge training and software systems and strong relationships with major suppliers.
“Dave and Neil have put a lot of work and investment into the brand, but I don’t expect them to do everything, and I still do my own advertising locally, you have to really, to get us all to where we need to be.”
As part of that brand awareness McKenzie sponsors the Trident Homes Tactix netball team – a relationship which came about after the team’s former captain, Jane Watson signed up for a new home.
The company name has quickly become synonymous with the team’s success, and alongside McKenzie on the side-lines is fellow sponsor Pete Nisbet, who jointly owns the Christchurch North Trident Homes franchise with McKenzie.
“Jason and I both have daughters and we’ve spent our fair share of time on cold Saturdays, watching them play, so our support for Trident Homes Tactix seemed like a natural fit,” says Nisbet.
The pair also sponsor the up-and-coming Kaiawa Sports Club which includes the Men’s Touch Team and Netball Teams.
“I think these guys are going to do very well, and it feels good to give back a bit and help get people in the community talking and socialising, which we don’t always do enough of these days,” McKenzie says.
When the two aren’t supporting their teams on game days they’re both busy running their franchises. Nisbet, with a building background, also has extensive sales and sales management experience. He says that he and Jason are the types of franchisees and directors who are involved in a job from start to finish.
“From the very first enquiry to the end handover and a beer,” he confirms.
Trident Homes has built its reputation on being able to understand what Kiwis need and aspire to when it comes to building homes and the business is based on core values of honesty and integrity.
The company prides itself on innovation – especially in the areas of eco-building and environmental awareness, which is demonstrated in their successful collaboration with Formance in Christchurch for the Trident Homes Eco Spec range of SIP (structural insulated panel) homes, designed to maximise interior comfort and reduce CO2 emissions.
Trident Homes offers an extensive selection of options such as house and land packages and custom-made home design.
“The reason Dave and Neil like their franchisees having building backgrounds is that you really know your products and can liaise with customers on all aspects of a design and build,” says Nisbet.
He says the company is good at weathering hard times too.
“Obviously the Canterbury earthquakes and Covid gave us a bit of a hammering here and the resulting supply chain issues were pretty awful, but we’ve come through that now.”
Trident Homes currently has significant developments underway in and around Dunedin and at Queenstown, while in Canterbury they’re offering a number of very attractive properties at various locations. In the North Island, new residences are under construction at Tauranga and Franklin.
To learn more about Trident Homes or to view their range of home designs and regional house & land packages visit tridenthomes.nz
