NEXT LEVEL

A few years ago, Abby Ley and Cam Bird were finding business ownership frustrating: a lack of brand awareness was preventing their own start-up home building company from gaining sufficient traction to meet their ambitious goals.

Fowler Homes, with its long-established reputation and 13 licensees across New Zealand, provided an ideal solution. In June 2023 and after thorough due diligence, Abby, who has a travel agency background and Cam, a Master Builder, took up the opportunity to become Fowler Homes’ Christchurch North licensees – a territory covering Central Christchurch to Kaikōura and inland into the Waimakariri District.

“Most group home builders really just work from a limited range of standard plans”, explains Abby, “but what attracted us to the Fowler Homes model is that they primarily work with clients’ own ideas for their bespoke dream homes. Talented architects turn these ideas into exciting house plans and then we take it from there, providing fixed-price building contracts with end-to-end support as well as encouraging client involvement in such fun aspects as finishing details and landscaping.”

The license arrangement gives Abby and Cam the right to use Fowler Homes’ intellectual property for branding and marketing, and to tap into its preferential supplier agreements. “Becoming part of Fowler Homes has helped us take our business to the next level and given us a credibility that operating independently just couldn’t provide,” says Abby.

Scaling up business and builds

With Fowler Homes’ support and by growing a team of builders on their own payroll, rather than using contractors, Cam and Abby say they have been able to scale their business while maintaining rigorous quality control – and they are winning awards for their efforts. Their Fowler Homes Christchurch North show home in Rangiora received a silver award in the Canterbury Master Builders House of the Year 2025. The couple were also awarded the title of Fowler Homes Regional Operator of the Year for 2024-2025. “It really is time for the north of Christchurch to shine,” modestly acknowledges Abby. “Sections are generally larger here, with scope for some stunning landscaping.”

A purpose-built dual occupancy home, also known as a ‘home and income’, is an increasingly popular option with clients, providing Abby and Cam with new building projects throughout much of the coming year.

For Abby, this would be her Fowler Homes dream home. The inclusion of a self-contained two-bedroom unit supports modern multi-generational living and provides additional flexibility under one roof.

New builds picking up

“At Fowler Homes there are no big egos,” says Abby. “We’ve found all our fellow licensees are happy to help share their knowledge and Fowler Homes’ Managing Director Jason McGirr and his wife Jen are wonderful and available any time we’ve needed guidance. We’re in for the long haul, with expansion a strong maybe.”

Jason says that there are new opportunities for Fowler Homes licensees in the following regions: Wellington, Auckland Central, Marlborough, Tasman and the Bay of Plenty, with investment levels from $75,000 + GST for a 10-year license period. “The personal qualities we most value include professionalism, a growth mindset, community-mindedness, and complete integrity. We want more people like Abby and Cam, passionate about building and delivering quality homes to all their clients.”

And the last word goes to Abby and Cam. “Based on our experience here in Christchurch North, there is a definite uptick in confidence in new builds. If you have a building or sales background and you are looking to build a successful future and meet some awesome people, waste no time contacting Jason McGirr about a Fowler Homes license.”  

See this advertorial on page 24 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 34 Issue 04 

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