5 Minutes with Hutchinson Builders Managing Director Greg Quinn

Recognised as Brisbane's leading business leadership event, the QUT Business Leaders' Forum kicks off again this month with Hutchinson Builders managing director Greg Quinn.

The forum is moderated by distinguished Australian journalist Kerry O'Brien.

Hutchinson Builders is Australia's largest privately-owned construction company and Quinn is the first non-family member to hold the position of managing director at the 106-year-old company.

With a $2.7 billion annual turnover and more than 1600 employees, Hutchies' (as the business is affectionately known in Queensland) ranks seventh in Australia's Top 500 private companies.

In the lead up to the QUT Business Leaders’ Forum, The Urban Developer spoke with Quinn on his leadership values, career highlights and future outlook for a fast-changing construction industry.

Related: 5 Minutes with Mirvac CEO Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz

TUD: What has been your career highlight to date?

GQ: Over the past 25 years, I have headed up the Queensland Master Builders and the New South Wales Master Builders’ Associations, and for the last 17 years, I’ve been Hutchies' managing director.

I think being instrumental in the restoration of a flailing New South Wales Master Builders in 1998-99 would be up there.

Also, being a part of the great Hutchies' machine that has developed not only into the largest private builder in the country, but also one of the most reputable.

TUD: What leadership values are most important to you?

GQ: Work hard, be fair – whatever the circumstances – and act with integrity on every front by always doing the right thing.

TUD: What are the greatest challenges facing the building and construction industry right now?

GQ: Industrial relations are up there, alongside maintaining all-around building and construction management skills so that our people have the ability and confidence to take on a project from start to finish.

Many builders have transitioned into managers of projects, or managers of subcontractors, as opposed to the traditional builder. People are being trained for this model.

TUD: Will the industry look different in 20 years' time?

GQ: Everyone is talking about innovation at the moment. We have seen many changes over the years, such as improved formwork systems, greater use of pre-cast concrete and modular bathrooms and ensuites.

However, at the end of the day, construction is a highly labour intensive industry in a relatively dangerous and unsafe environment. Seeking greater productivity, resulting in shorter building programs, whilst still protecting our workforce is a challenging dynamic.

Also, the cost of change going wrong in construction is very high and can be a disincentive to innovation. Consequently, I don’t think building and construction will look a great deal different in 20 years, except for the IT component.

Tickets for the QUT Business Leaders’ Forum with Hutchinson Builders Managing Director Greg Quinn are now on sale.

When: Tuesday 23 October 2018

Where: The Grand Ballroom, Hilton Brisbane

Time: 12pm-2pm

Tickets: $175 per person or $1,650 per table of 10

To purchase tickets and find out more, visit the QUT Business Leaders’ Forum.

The Urban Developer is proud to partner with Hutchinson Builders & QUT Business School in support of the the QUT Business Leaders’ Forum.