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9/24/2018 0 Comments

Fair & Square: Building more than just a business

After years of being a co-director and part owner for other constructions firms, Galu Letiu, 44 decided it was time to branch out on his own.

His company Fair & Square Building Services Limited has only been in operation for nine months, but Galu already has work ranging from residential to commercial builds.

“I was director and part owner of Southcoast Construction Limited previously for seven years and naturally the next step was to head out on my own,” he says.

“I think sometimes you can get a bit too comfortable and find yourself just cruising through day to day so new challenges are always refreshing.”

His vast knowledge and background in the construction industry meant that he was able to form solid connections along the way enabling him to hit the ground running when his own company launched. This steady stream of work has earned him a Samoa Business Network Award ‘Start up of the year’ nomination.

“So far our Clients and Contractors are very happy with our work and that’s really encouraging too.”

The New Zealand construction industry is a profitable one and this means that good workers are in demand and not always available, sometimes posing a challenge for Galu.

But he believes every obstacle presents an opportunity.

“The positives out of that is we've managed to develop and invest in some of our young guys which
will hopefully bode well for us in the future.”

Galu, whose parents come from the Samoa villages of Vaiafai, Iva and Sapapalii, certainly lives up to his company name.

One of his most recent achievements to date is being able to pay his young employees a minimum ‘living wage’ of 20.55, something he is proud of particularly in his first few months of operation. He believes that happy employess contribute to a long term business vision.

“Look after and appreciate the people that matter - your employees. A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected.”