The STAARK Experience: Learning from the Industry
In construction, strategic choices can shape not just individual projects but long-term reputations and success. Builders face the temptation of short-term profit strategies, like putting pressure on subcontractors for financial gain. While these moves might appear beneficial in the short run, they often lead to a decline in work quality, strained relationships, and missed future opportunities.
The STAARK Approach: Building Relationships for the Future
At STAARK, we’ve seen these dynamics firsthand. Our team’s background working with some of Australia’s largest construction companies has shown us how short-sighted strategies, like squeezing subcontractors for extra profit, can backfire. While this might offer a temporary margin boost on a single project, it damages relationships. Subcontractors under financial pressure are more likely to deliver lower-quality work, resulting in project delays or failures. And once relationships are harmed, it’s much harder to attract reliable subcontractors in the future.
The same is true for clients. Treating clients as mere profit centres damages trust. They recognise inflated costs and unnecessary variations, and they know when they’re being taken advantage of. In an industry as interconnected as construction, reputations spread quickly – and once damaged, they are difficult to repair.
A clear vision is essential to keeping STAARK moving in the right direction. We regularly ask ourselves: Where are we heading, and why? With well-defined goals and a sense of purpose, we align our team to deliver value to everyone involved in our projects - clients, subcontractors, and suppliers alike.
We hold ourselves accountable by regularly integrating both subcontractor feedback and client feedback into our performance reviews. Additionally, we send a job completion happiness survey to every client. This system keeps our team focused on how our actions affect others. It’s not just about meeting our internal goals but about building relationships that lead to long-term success.
Our ethos is grounded in integrity, trust, and respect. We know no one is perfect, but we strive to make decisions with the right intent. These values guide us to self-correct when necessary and help us maintain the high standards we set for ourselves.
Building for the Future
At STAARK, we’re focused on the bigger picture – delivering high-quality projects on time, aligned with client expectations, while building and maintaining strong relationships with subcontractors. This approach has led to stronger partnerships, repeat clients, and a dependable network of subcontractors who trust us to always do the right thing.
In an industry where reputations are everything, long-term success isn’t built by chasing profits at all costs. It’s about creating a business founded on trust, respect, and collaboration. At STAARK, we’re committed to this vision because we know it’s the key to sustainable growth and success in the construction industry.
See our infographic on the long term impact of positive subcontractor relationships HERE.
