Making a difference

Blackbird Projects founder Ollie Mules likes to think his business offers something a little out of the ordinary – and to do that, he needs to know his suppliers can do the same for him. That’s why he trusts PlaceMakers to support him on the wide range of project he undertakes

With an interest in landscaping and building, Auckland-based Ollie Mules founded Blackbird Projects as a one-stop shop to take a client’s project from design to completion across construction, landscaping and painting, while keeping all the work in-house. It’s the kind of company that does things a bit differently and makes a big difference to its clients. 

“It’s a unique selling point for us and I’ve always thought there was an opportunity in the market for a company like ours,” explains Ollie. “I enjoy the visual side of landscaping and have worked in construction, so the two seemed like a natural fit for me.” 

Ollie has always been interested in design. He considered studying architecture in Wellington before being seduced by working in the ski industry in Japan, Austria and Canada. On his return, building came calling. 

“I’d worked on building projects during my last two years at school, so when I returned from overseas, it felt natural for me to jump back into it,” says Ollie. 

“Then I got into the renovations game and played to my creative strengths by including landscaping. I think you can get huge value for money from a good landscaping job. Sometimes all we did on a house was improve the landscaping and give it a lick of paint and we’d be able to turn a good profit.” 

From hobby to career 

With his building, landscaping and painting skills honed, Ollie combined them into a multi-discipline business. Now Blackbird Projects has 38 staff, including 14 landscapers and four painters, and has received endorsement of its top-quality building ability through various awards, including a Registered Master Builders Gold Award.

“Our mission is to make life as easy as possible for our client. By having three skills under one umbrella, we can do that. Our project managers handle all aspects of a job, so we control everything.  

“It means we can collaborate closely on each stage of work. For example, we can start painting a finished section of a house before overall construction is complete.” 

Unlike some other companies in the industry, Ollie says he hasn’t found it too hard to recruit or retain staff, which he puts down to the culture he’s fostered. 

“I work hard to put the culture of the company ahead of everything else, including profit. I want to work with people I enjoy being around and who I trust, and that flows through into a good work environment for everyone. As a result, our staff retention is good, as people feel like they’re a part of something. 

“To be honest, it’s been scary having so many people involved in something I’m so passionate about, which is why ensuring the company retains a culture I can be proud of is so important to me.” 

Expecting the best 

When Ollie talks about maintaining standards, you can hear the passion in his voice and sense the pride he feels when talking about the positive client feedback his workers often receive. 

“A lot of our clients are female and the last thing we want is for them to feel uncomfortable with a large team of men in their space – often for up to 12 months at a time,” said Ollie.  

“To make sure that doesn’t happen, I place an emphasis on making sure our staff understand and respect the situation at all times.” 

Confidence in his suppliers  

Maintaining excellent relationships alongside quality doesn’t just come down to the skill of the team. When Blackbird engages in a project, Ollie knows that the material supply side of things is covered – thanks to PlaceMakers. 

“The relationship between myself and our PlaceMakers Wairau Valley reps Fiona and David McConchie is awesome – they know our business inside and out, including what we need to be able to
run smoothly.   

“Their business support is excellent and comes down to doing simple things right, such as making sure that we receive materials in a timely manner – whether that’s great service at the branch or deliveries on site. 

“As a result, they have been the one constant throughout the growth of the business.” 

Ollie also praises the duo’s product knowledge and says it’s a big part of why he’s remained a loyal PlaceMakers customer for so long.  

“Their product knowledge is exceptional. Even though PlaceMakers is a big company, I feel like they’re always looking after you and have a vested interest in your success.” 

Stand out project 

One project that PlaceMakers went above and beyond for was Blackbird’s installation of 12 pools at The Pool House’s display centre. 

“We’re The Pool House’s preferred landscape design and installation company,” explains Ollie. “We saw the opportunity for PlaceMakers to get involved and they supplied everything from decking to pool fencing, different displays of timber, and retaining and blockwork.” 

It’s a unique project which Ollie says “will never happen again”. 

“You’ll never have the opportunity to put 12 pools into an area like that and landscape it all – and it wouldn’t have come together without the brilliant support of PlaceMakers.”