Supreme success

It seems ironic that after cutting back day-to-day involvement with Landmark Homes, the company they founded in 1977, Paul and Debbie Clarke are now better known than ever. 

The reason for this is the marketing campaign developed by Landmark Homes’ Marketing Manager Jeneva McGall that, at the 2024 Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards, won Marketing Campaign of the Year.

Through videos produced for social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, the campaign celebrates Building Landmark Homes for 45 Years. A launch video underscores the Landmark Homes heritage, values and commitment to excellence. Debbie and Paul are first up, explaining how, as a 19-year-old nurse and a 21-year-old fulltime builder, “We started out building affordable little two-storey houses in Tauranga on half size sections.”

These first homes laid the foundations of financial success, giving Debbie and Paul the confidence and resources to focus on designing and building the bespoke upmarket homes that Landmark Homes is known for now. In 2002 Landmark also became one of the first New Zealand home-building companies to embrace the franchise business model.

Winning means so much

Landmark Homes’ CEO Gary Woodhouse explains just how important it is for the franchise to win an award like Marketing Campaign of the Year. Before becoming Landmark’s CEO three years ago, Gary had 20 years’ experience in the supply, construction and building industries, including terms as General Manager of Operations for both Placemakers and Mitre 10.

“External awards put Landmark Homes up against tough competition. That’s why making it to the finals and, ultimately, winning means so much. For clients and prospective franchisees, external awards really do help raise levels of reassurance, confidence and credibility.
“Our marketing campaign achieves much the same, by showing how aware franchisees are that having a home built is highly emotional, calling for connectivity with clients and the ability to put ourselves in their shoes. 

“The stronger the relationship, the easier it is for a client to understand and accept the complexities of the building process,” says Gary. 

“I’m equally proud of the genuine and heartfelt way all our franchisees congratulate award winners. Something they have become used to with Taupō and Hawkes Bay franchisee partners, Steve Painter and Gerry Schumacher, winning our internal Franchisee of the Year for five consecutive years. 

“Then at this year’s Westpac Franchise Awards, Landmark Homes Taupō had the well-deserved honour of being named Supreme Franchisee of the Year as well as Home and Lifestyle Franchisee of the Year.”

When Steve met Gerry

Steve’s journey to Landmark Homes started in Hawkes Bay when, after his 7th form year, rather than going to university, he took the advice of his builder-turned-car dealer father to get a building apprenticeship. In 2004, Master Builder Steve moved to Taupō to build his parents’ home and, following this, started a building company, going on to employ nine staff.

“My building company brought me into contact with Gerry who, as a Landmark Homes Franchise Development team member, approached me about buying the Taupō greenfields territory, which also included Rotorua and Whakatāne.

“As impressed as I was with Landmark Homes, I paid a visit to the Tauranga head office to say in person ‘thank you, but no’ as I felt the territory was too big for a solo franchisee. On my way out, Gerry caught up with me to suggest we buy the territory as franchisee partners.”

“As they say, the rest is history. I was just 30 and Gerry a little bit older. We divided our responsibilities: Me – building and quality control, Gerry – accounting and office management. Over our 10 years together we have grown into a strong team and good friends. A couple of years ago we sold the Rotorua/Whakatāne territory to buy the Landmark Hawkes Bay territory.

“A partnership like ours is a great way to own a Landmark Homes franchise. It’s key though to bring different skills and be able to handle without animosity situations such as workload where one partner can be flat out and the other not at all busy. There must be trust in what each other does, and a shared vision for what you want your business to achieve. 

“Across our two territories, we have built around 270 mostly unique homes with a median price of around $1.1million and have received over 50 awards. Landmark Homes has a portfolio of over 108 designs, that we use as inspiration for our clients. Design and build is what we do best. Through Landmark’s group buying benefits and supplier networks we consistently deliver clients quality-built homes that represent real value for money.”

Franchise opportunities in both islands

Gary says he is keen to hear from potential franchisees in Northland, Nelson/Marlborough, South Canterbury, Central Otago, and Otago/Southland. All are new greenfields territories requiring a $175,000+gst investment, with an initial deposit of $50,000.  

“This sets in motion all the training, supply, and support benefits of being a Landmark franchisee. However, the proviso is that any potential franchisee must embrace the Landmark Homes’ vision and values. 

“This is why I recommend that, before I welcome their call, they Google or search YouTube for ‘Landmark Homes 45 years’ videos.” 

See this advertorial on page 31 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 33 Issue 04 

Contact details for Landmark Homes 

For more information and advice on buying a franchise get your FREE copy of Franchise New Zealand magazine. 

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