Celebrating 75 years of trading Ray McKenzie and son Ltd, came from humble beginnings. The business was originally founded by Ray McKenzie. Ray completed his painting apprenticeship prior to setting out on his own in 1948, working from his home in Russell Street, Ray used the family garage as a storeroom for his equipment. Ray worked hard for two years as the sole operator, building up his clientele and solid reputation for ‘Doing it right the first time’, before taking on staff. Respect rapidly grew in the region, and clients appreciated Ray’s honest way of doing business, where his word was his bond and a handshake meant something.
By 1972, both of Ray’s sons Glenn and Terry had followed in their father's footsteps of picking up a paintbrush and learning the trade. Business was booming, Ray McKenzie and Sons Ltd had outgrown the garage and a head office was set up for Ray and his staff at 43 Parkers Road. At its peak, the business employed 38 staff members to undertake projects in and around the Nelson Tasman region. In 1986, after nearly 40 years of dedicated hard work, Ray approached his sons about taking the business on, who both jumped at the opportunity, Ray retired that same year.
As directors, the brothers continued to operate the business with the same ethos of loyalty, accountability, consistency, fairness, and quality that their father was renowned for. Using their vast knowledge and combined strengths in their fields, the brothers were keen to expand the business and they set to task working on goals they were keen to achieve. The installation of a specialised on-site spray-painting booth was developed over time, starting as an after-work project by Glenn, he would come in after working a full day on site and spray the joinery /kitchens into all hours of the night to get the company into the spray division in Nelson. The spray factory developed its own identity in the company, it was a true stroke of genius for the business and quickly cemented their reputation as leading contractors opening them up to a vast spectrum of work.
Ten years after Ray’s passing his grandson Nathan Delany joined the management team in 2013 bringing with him years of building trade experience. “The role was an opportunity I was keen to take on. I take great pride in being a part of the continuation in something that Ray started all those years ago, and we are keen to continue the strong reputation and high level of standard that the family before us provided.”
Continuing the family tradition, Glenn’s daughter Karin McKenzie has also earned her stripes in the company, nine years in the trade and becoming a fully qualified painter herself. Now a year on in her role Karin has found her stride. “It was a huge step going from being on the tools into management,” says Karin. “But preserving the family legacy and teaching the next lot of apprentices – especially the young ones – is what keeps my passion going.” Heavily involved in the day to day running of the business, Karin is not afraid to jump back on the paintbrush and get stuck in when the need arises. “For me it is great getting into things and helping get the job done. It is good for a balance, and I think it goes a long way with staff if you work hard for them, they will work hard for you.”
Although Glenn stepped back from the business last year Karin says “He is enjoying his retirement; he deserves it after 47 years! It is great to be a part of the family business and have him around to talk to. He knows the business inside and out and I feel very lucky that he is just a phone call away when I need it.”
Technology would be the biggest obvious advancement in the industry since Ray’s time, but Nathan and Karin both say that providing the personal touch is just as important as it was back then. “Businesses don’t seem to have the face-to-face contact anymore,” says Nathan. “Everything is automated, emails, invoices etc. We like to pop in for quality checks on our projects, make sure everyone is happy and things are ticking along. It all comes back to us being a family business, having those values and creating a great team culture and environment for our clients.”
Grateful for the seven and a half decades of support, the McKenzie team share their heartfelt thanks to their customers for their ongoing loyalty. “Thank you for standing by us. We wouldn’t be here today without the support from our community.”
