Grammar Group expands multi-trade services across New Zealand
Auckland’s Grammar Electrical has rebranded as Grammar Group, bringing electrical, plumbing, roofing and soon HVAC services together as the third-generation family business expands its multi-trade offering.
Founded in 1948 by Graham Dempsey, the business is now led by his grandson Aaron Dempsey, who has grown the operation from four staff to 112.
Since Dempsey returned to the family business in 2015, Grammar Group has serviced more than 10,600 customers, supports 3,000 commercial clients and completes more than 700 jobs each month. The company has a goal of completing 100 jobs a day within the next three years.
Dempsey says the development of Grammar Group followed years of listening to customers and understanding what they needed from the business.
“When I wanted to grow the business, I bought into projects because I thought that was the next logical step. What I realised was our customers weren’t asking us for more projects, they were asking who we trusted in other trades.
“Every recommendation put our reputation on the line, so we decided to build those capabilities ourselves. Today we’re bringing electrical, plumbing, roofing and soon HVAC together under one roof, making it easier for customers to know who to call.”
More than 66% of Grammar Group’s work now comes from repeat customers. The business has a 36-person customer service and administration team in the Philippines, allowing its New Zealand-based tradespeople to spend more time on trade work.
“Tradespeople get into the industry because they enjoy solving problems, working with their hands and relating to customers, not sitting behind a desk,” says Dempsey.
“We’ve built specialist roles around people’s strengths, so everyone gets to spend more time doing what they’re best at.”
Grammar Group completes more than 8,000 jobs each year, while around 90% of its leadership positions are filled internally.
General manager Matt Wannenberg says his previous career in strength and conditioning has influenced his approach to leadership.
“When I joined Grammar, I realised leadership isn’t that different from coaching,” says Wannenberg.
“It’s about helping people become better tomorrow than they are today. Aaron saw potential in me before I saw it in myself, and that’s now how we lead across the business.”
Grammar Group’s expansion has included the acquisition of Water Works and subsequent launch of Roof Works, with HVAC planned as its next specialist division. The company is now seeking acquisition and licence partners across New Zealand as part of its growth strategy.
“We’re not interested in becoming the biggest overnight,” says Dempsey.
“We’re building a 100-year, high performance company that’s known for exceptional service, outstanding people and doing what we say we’ll do, every single time.”