Ready to take on new challenges, Shaun and Michelle Young were first attracted to the Versatile franchise for not only its integrity and recognition as a trusted brand, but also the diverse portfolio they could offer to their customers.
“While most people recognise Versatile as New Zealand’s most trusted Garage and Sleepout builder some don’t realise Versatile is also a significant house builder,” says Shaun.
“We don’t churn out the numbers of the big guys but there is a reason for that. We customise every home for each customer’s requirements ensuring the build quality will provide a secure investment for many years to come. We have a huge selection of house plans to choose from and can customise to fit every budget, site and lifestyle.”
The couple took over Versatile Nelson, from Ged and Caroline Hammer, in April and say when the opportunity came up to discuss the business, they jumped at it. “We have always talked about owning our own business and Versatile Nelson fit our ideals. Taking the baton from a veteran of over three decades of the brand gives us the confidence to continue the legacy and we hope to do justice to what they have built up over the years. Versatile Nelson is part of a large nationwide franchise that has been operating in the New Zealand market for over 40 years. They are a 100% family-owned company underpinned by family values, honesty, integrity and a good old fashioned kiwi way of doing business. Within the Versatile network, the Nelson franchise was runner up ‘Franchise of the Year 2022’ and currently holds the #1 position for customer satisfaction for home builds. It is a testament to the work that Ged and Caroline have put into it.”
“Both Michelle and I have extensive business experience covering all areas from sales and marketing to logistics, contract management and IT, and together with our analytical strengths we feel we are in a strong position to start from. We know about customer service and treat people as we would expect to be treated with a high level of attention to detail. We have not come from the building industry but have always had an interest through renovating our own properties, and our experience in manufacturing transfers over perfectly to this industry. We have retained the existing Versatile Nelson team members and builders, some of which have been with the company for over twenty years and bring the same level of commitment to the business.”
The ability to offer a complete package to their customers, is something the couple look forward to building on. “We look forward to pushing deeper into the core market while growing the segment of affordable housing. Nelson is a growth region, particularly the Tasman district. A lot of these areas are semi-rural and with Versatile Nelson, customers can have not only their houses built, but also their sheds, garages and sleepouts. We can build tailormade homes that are individual to each customer's needs – whether that be a new home or additional housing or buildings.”
Why Versatile?
“They offer diversity through a balanced portfolio of solutions for our customers' requirements. The brand has integrity, they stand behind every branch and more importantly every customer. And they are a trusted New Zealand brand having won the Reader Digest Trusted Brands award (Garages and Sleepouts) for the past seven years and is a still a family-owned company.”
Why enter the building industry when it is in a downturn?
“Everything is cyclical, what better time to learn the ropes, improve the processes and get ready for the upturn. The Nelson/Tasman region is a growth region with a lot of development to come. Versatile is well placed to cater to the regions developing needs from a beautiful new home to a farm shed for the ride on lawn mower and boat and garaging for the family vehicles, camping equipment and kids' toys, with Sleepouts and small house options to maximise existing land potential.”
Do you have any exciting promotions coming up?
“We are excited to offer a free Fisher & Paykel appliance package to our customers, worth over $5,800, to those who purchase a selected Versatile Nelson home before September 30, 2023.”
