Building Better Builders
Locally Owned, Nationally Backed
Accelerate your business growth
Learn more about our network and discover how we can support your business success.
G.J. Gardner Homes History
Since 1983, G.J. Gardner Homes has built over 65,000+ quality and customised homes for families across the globe. With a national reputation as an industry leader for our building journeys and homes, we’re proud of the work we’ve done.
Our construction process provides the highest standard of workmanship and customer satisfaction to support our customers during this exciting but often overwhelming journey. That’s why each of our qualified builders and subcontractors has been hand-picked for their expertise and their commitment to excellence.
Our Story
Since home builder Greg J. Gardner started the business in Queensland in 1983, Greg’s motivation to provide a better customer experience in this industry has grown G.J. Gardner Homes to the international business it is today. His vision has led the company to be one of Australia’s largest and oldest privately owned builders, known for its strong and wide franchise network across the country, building thousands of homes across Australia every year.
Trent Gardner CEO
It’s central to what we believe in: achieving your dream home should be a joyful experience. It’s what we proudly refer to as the G.J. Way. The G.J. Way believes that a home shouldn’t just aim to perform well but be a joy to build.
In 40 years, G.J. Gardner Homes has expanded to be an international builder, operatingin Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Despite this astounding growth, we’re still a family business at heart, led by the same values and mission that we started with in 1983.
The G.J. Way is an accumulation of 40 years of work, honing the best practice, passion and professionalism to make people’s dream homes come true amidst this ever-changing industry.
Conrad Gardner Head of Network Growth (US)
Our Culture
We foster a culture of success, support, and camaraderie within the G.J. Gardner Homes family.
Our Franchise Owners collaborate, build strong relationships, and share experiences, backed by our unwavering support. As part of our team, you can rely on us to help you achieve your goals.
Our annual conference facilitates idea exchange, discusses modern business practices, hosts professional development sessions, and introduces new technologies from suppliers.
Beyond business, we also prioritise celebrations and networking opportunities, encouraging Franchise Owners to connect, share experiences, and form lasting friendships.
Values
Act with Integrity
In our dealings with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation, being transparent and trustworthy in our building process.
Practice Empathy
As local builders, we are closer to our customer and it is important to understand their perspective and provide them what they need.
Strive to be better
We are always looking for ways to adapt to a changing market and deliver a better customer experience.
Succeed through Collaboration
Whether it is with other Franchise Owners who have already been through the same things you have, working with local trades to deliver a fantastic result, or taking a caring, consultative approach with our customers through their entire new home journey.
Our Vision
• To be our industry’s best brand, which our customers, staff and business partners trust and respect.
• For each of our Franchise Owners to be profitable and trusted by more families than any of our competitors in our communities.
Our Mission
• Bring joy to a family’s home building experience, together.
Why Partner With Us?
At G.J. Gardner Homes, our growth and prosperity are intricately tied to the success and satisfaction of our Franchise Owners. We firmly believe that the cornerstone of our company’s achievements lies in the thriving businesses and contented Franchise Owners that carry our brand forward.
We’ve cultivated a symbiotic relationship where our Franchise Owners’ triumphs amplify our own, and in return, we offer unwavering support, a strong brand, and a proven business model. Our commitment to empowering small builders and providing them with the tools for success is what makes G.J. Gardner Homes an attractive choice for those seeking to establish or expand their construction enterprises.
As part of the network here are some of the perks you’ll enjoy:
• An established business model with a proven record of success
• Ongoing business support and mentoring
• A brand identity and reputation that has immediate credibility
• Access to group buying power and preferred supplier agreements
• A market-leading integrated software system custom built to the G.J. Way
• Specialist sales and marketing training and support
• Access to over 1,000 exclusive home designs
• Networking at quarterly Franchise Owner meetings and annual International Conference
“As a G.J. builder you have the tools, systems, buying power, plans and backing you need to compete with the larger volume builders”
- Sam Pearce, Franchise Owner
CRM & Sales
Recruitment
HR
Marketing & Advertising 55,000+ Homes Built
Estimating & Scheduling Universal Home Designs
Franchise Owner’s Success
Adam Ventieri Franchise Owner
“I bought a G.J. Gardner Homes franchise because it aligns with my values of quality, trust, and customer-first building. The franchise model lets me focus on people and homes, not reinventing processes.”
Rohan Smith Franchise Owner
“Previously operating as a small independent builder, opportunities to grow my business passed by as I did not have the structure nor tools to be able to manage growth successfully. Being introduced to the G.J. Gardner Homes franchise network gave me access to the systems, experience, support and branding required to establish a successful business capable of building over 100 homes per year.
Since 2006, our Geelong franchise has continued to grow from strength to strength. Without the systems, procedures, buying power, marketing, branding and support which G.J. Gardner Homes provide I would still be talking about lost opportunities rather than realising the results. I would highly recommend a G.J. Gardner Homes franchise.”
“We’ve been a part of the G.J. Gardner Homes family since Oct 1997.
One of the best things about being a part of this organisation is the strength of the brand. It’s such a well known and trusted brand you can’t put a price on it.
The brand’s ability to generate lead opportunities is second to none and would not be possible as a small independent builder.
That’s why we are still here and going strong!!”
- Tony Quinn, Franchise Owner Sunshine Coast South
Business Coaching & Mentorship
Embarking on a journey as a Franchise Owner with G.J. Gardner Homes means more than just joining a brand; it’s stepping into a dynamic network that prioritises your success.
Through dedicated regional guidance in business planning, meticulous financial support, and comprehensive HR and recruitment assistance, our commitment to our Franchise Owners goes beyond mere partnership. Discover how our tailored mentorship and unwavering backing set the stage for entrepreneurial triumphs within our thriving home-building community.
Regional Managers: Your Guides in Business Planning
In each region, our dedicated team of Regional Managers acts as the guiding force behind our Franchise Owners’ success. These seasoned experts bring a wealth of experience and industry insights, offering personalised support in crafting effective business plans. Whether it’s strategic expansion, market analysis, or operational optimisation, our Regional Managers are there to provide invaluable guidance, ensuring each Franchise Owner is equipped with a roadmap for success.
Franchise Finance Team: Driving Financial Excellence
Managing finances is a crucial aspect of any business. That’s why our specialised Franchise Finance Team is committed to providing ongoing support to our Franchise Owners. Through monthly reporting and in-depth financial analysis, they empower our partners with the tools to make informed decisions. From cash flow management to strategic finance planning, our team ensures that our Franchise Owners have the financial clarity needed to thrive in their business endeavours.
HR & Recruitment Support: Building Strong Teams
Recruiting and retaining top talent is pivotal for sustained growth. Understanding this, our Franchisor Team includes dedicated HR & Recruitment support. This role acts as a strategic partner for Franchise Owners, assisting in all aspects of human resource management and recruitment needs. From creating effective hiring strategies to implementing HR best practices, our support team is committed to helping Franchise Owners build robust, high-performing teams.
Tailored Support for Your Success
What sets G.J. Gardner Homes apart is our commitment to providing personalised support that meets the unique needs of each Franchise Owner. Our comprehensive mentorship and support structure are designed to not only address immediate concerns but also foster long-term success.
We believe that our success as a company is directly tied to the success of each of our Franchise Owners. By providing robust support systems, we ensure that every individual within the G.J. Gardner Homes family has the tools, resources, and guidance necessary to thrive in the competitive world of home building.
Our Exclusive Software
The G.J. Gardner Homes software has been developed solely for our Franchise Owners and is one of - if not the only - building system in use that integrates all the procedures of building a new home from start to finish.
Functions include sales, estimating, job administration, accounting, supervising, management, and client management. This software has been built with the view to take the guess work out of building, facilitate fast quoting, and safeguard your business from margin erosion.
Sales
This component enables the sales people to manage the progress of each sale through to the ultimate completion. It includes a sales quoting function allowing full quotes to be produced in hours along with CRM (customer relationship management) abilities to assist you with managing current and future customer interactions. The Franchise Owner is provided with a number of reports to track leads and prospects and to keep track of completed sales.
Job Estimating
Our exclusive software also includes an estimating function to assist you with quoting jobs ensuring that you maintain your profitability in each and every build. Precise quotes for our standard house plans can be stored in the system while job estimates can also be produced for custom home builds that are highly accurate.
Job Administration
The job administration component of the G.J. Gardner Homes system provides functionality to maintain general job details, prepare specifications using templates and finally complete jobs.
Our software also provides you with a real-time view of your budget enabling you to ensure that costs do not blow out.
Accounting
All of your construction accounting requirements including general ledger, payables and receivables are also accessible within the platform. You will have the ability to manage your bank accounts with any transactions automatically recorded in the general ledger so you will be aware of where you are financially at all times.
Job Scheduling
The system additionally creates schedules depending on the size of the home or complexity of the build. All dates created through the job scheduling function are then automatically transferred to job orders keeping your suppliers and subcontractors informed on what is to happen and when.
Contacts Database
An inbuilt customer relationship management system will help you manage your contact interactions at the supplier, employee, customer and supervisor level and enable you to keep your database up-to-date.
Internal Messaging System
The platform also has internal email capabilities that stores every message received as well as dispersing communications to those required. The system will also generate automatic messages in line with the project at hand.
Post-Handover Management
Post-handover when warranty issues are input in the system a notice is printed for the relevant contractor to complete the maintenance work. This allows for total control of warranty work and keeps track on what has been or has not been done.
Ben Morton Franchise Owner
“G.J. Gardner Homes has equipped me with the branding, marketing, processes, systems and support to enable me to progress from being a subcontract carpenter into becoming a new home builder. G.J.’s has enabled me to change my mindset from being a hard working tradesman into a smarter working businessman and turning over figures that I would have never dreamed of.”
Training & Support
Being part of the G.J. Gardner Homes team you will have a range of experienced professionals ready to support you on your journey.
Our Franchisor Team have decades of experience in construction and new home sales. They have learnt from their experiences and will readily impart this wisdom to assist your franchise office. Our team will contact you frequently with monthly or quarterly business health checks based on your requirements to ensure your growth and cash flow are sustainable.
Meetings and conferences staged at the international, national and state level will also be fundamental to fostering individual development, networking and in the identification of new trends and techniques to improve your business.
You and your team will also receive training on critical success factors and running your own business to drive performance in your team.
And don’t forget, you will also have available to you a network of supportive and like-minded Franchise Owners who are always happy to help - that’s the G.J. Way.
“You and your team will receive training on critical success factors and running your own business to drive performance in your team.”
Marketing Support
Rob McMaster Franchise Owner
“The branding and brand recognition certainly helped us get results right from the start.”
As an integral part of any business, our marketing team provides initial launch and ongoing brand and retail campaigns to support your business.
Our marketing team builds the brand both nationally and locally to ensure the success of our franchise offices.
Nationally, we deliver strategic campaigns that generate leads and enhance brand visibility on a grand scale.
At the same time, we offer dedicated support to each franchise office, equipping you with tailored strategies, creative assets, and data-driven insights that empower you to excel in your local market. This collaborative approach not only strengthens our brand presence but also allows you to shine as local industry leaders.
Website
The G.J. Gardner Homes website is a key driver of leads. Included in your online presence is the management of Search Engine Optimisation (CRO) requirements, online content strategy with regularly refreshed article posting, eNewsletter account and email marketing service with monthly content provided. This will all be conducted on your behalf by your marketing support teams.
Campaigns
As part of the G.J. Gardner Homes network, you’ll have the opportunity to leverage a multitude of campaigns from national, state and local / regional levels that will assist in getting your business in front of the right audience. Additionally, our specialist marketing advisors will assist with the creation of stand-alone, local campaigns for your region.
You will also reap the benefits of leveraging our strong partnerships with both national and local suppliers providing you with added-value you can pass on to your customers. Media partnerships will also ensure you get the best return for your investment.
Marketing Resources
As a G.J. Gardner Homes Franchise Owners you will also enjoy the support of our marketing advisors at your finger tips. A marketing team ready to support you and your business’ journey to being the number 1 builder in your region.
Further to this, a range of industry experts engaged from a Franchisor level will also help pave the way and inform you and the wider group on best practices.
National and State Based Agreements
While we have an abundance of internal opportunities to get your business out there, we will also work with our advertising partners to provide you with the best chance of success possible.
By being part of the group and leveraging national and state buying power we are able to secure some of the best advertising rates, resulting in great value to you.
Social Media Presence
Social Media is an important part to any business’ marketing efforts and at G.J. Gardner Homes, we have a strong presence on every major social platform including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. You will also benefit from having access to exclusive content that you will be able to leverage on to your local accounts.
G.J. Home Designs
As a G.J. Gardner Homes Franchise Owner, you’ll enjoy the unique advantage of having access to our extensive plan bank, featuring hundreds of meticulously crafted designs.
These designs have been thoughtfully created by our teams of architects and designers, drawing inspiration from today’s leading home trends and the diverse lifestyles found in communities across the country. Our commitment to streamlining the living experience has earned us a world-renowned reputation for exceptional design.
Our wide-reaching and well-connected franchise network ensures that our designs are continually influenced by real communities and their unique ways of living. With the privilege of building hundreds of family homes each year, we possess unparalleled knowledge of what truly makes a house feel like a home.
This extensive nomenclature not only provides you with a wealth of options to offer your customers but also saves you time and resources typically spent on design development. It’s just one more way that G.J. Gardner Homes empowers you to deliver customised, beautiful, and functional homes while maximising your efficiency and profitability as a Franchise Owner.
Our Design Principles
Buildability
When we create our home designs, we make sure to focus on the design’s buildability. With our level of experience in the home design arena, we understand the intricacies of home designs and how that translates to the build once it gets properly underway. Feel reassured that your build plans can turn into reality, keeping current trends, our suppliers, and efficiencies in mind.
Liveability
Our homes are designed with liveability as key. At the end of the day, a home should never be the cause of undue stress or frustration, which is why liveability is a keen focus in the design process. Our teams specialise in shaping homes around the individual customer and their lifestyle, to make sure the home can be enjoyed for years to come.
Sustainability
G.J. Gardner Homes’ designs are created with sustainability in mind - ensuring the environmental impacts of the build are limited. Our cutting-edge home design skills allow our experts to hone in on their sustainability practices, ensuring peace of mind and allowing long-term cost savings, too.
The design team considers economical design choices, energy efficiency, and the overall environmental impacts as part of the process.
Flexibility
As a builder, you play a vital role in turning our customers’ dreams into reality. At G.J. Gardner Homes, we recognize the importance of customization when it comes to creating the perfect home for our clients.
Our approach to custom homes doesn’t require starting from scratch; it’s about taking our designs, floor plans, and features and adjusting them to our customers’ vision with precision and care.
Ask a Builder Q&A
Where do you see the value in being part of the G.J. Gardner network?
Rob: It was a big step for us to go off the tools and go into an office environment, and run a team with 2 sales people right from the start. The ongoing support and training we receive really helped us get our business going, and the things we learned back then we still use today.
Wayne: I believe the value is in the fact that you have instant access to the people you need to help and support your business. You can pick up the phone and there is always someone that can help and support you through everyday.
The brand and marketing support is a big selling point for joining the franchise. How do you feel it has impacted your business?
Rob: The branding absolutely helped us deliver results right from the startG.J. Gardner's brand recognition is huge.
Wayne: We've got professional marketers that work for G.J. Gardner, they support us and give us strategies to move forward. Whether it's socials, local media, sponsorships or local advertising in the community.
Can you summarise your experience as a G.J. Franchise Owner?
Rob: I would say that no matter how hard we would have worked on the tools, we would have never been able to achieve the results that we have. Joining the network and our business growth has definitely exceeded our expectations.
With the support of the team, we have built a successful business in the community, delivered fantastic homes to our customers, and the fact that we can walk down the street and run into our trades and suppliers with pride, we've been able to nurture some of these other businesses as well that have come on this journey with us.
There is no doubt G.J. Gardner's will give you the tools to succeed, straight away, from day one. But - ultimately it is up to you. You need to have that fire in the belly to succeed and so you have to make sure you actually want to go onto that journey first.
What advice would you give someone looking to join the network?
Wayne: The advice I would give someone looking to join the G.J. Gardner network is this - go out and talk to the adjoining Franchise Owners to get feedback first hand. And if you have the desire and passion to succeed, this is the place you want to come to.
“Joining the network and our business growth has definitely exceeded our expectations.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my business?
You continue to operate under your own business name, it’s just re-branded under our trading name, e.g. “Bob Smith Builder DBA GJ Gardner Homes – Helotes.”
What are the ongoing fees / royalties?
It’s a collaborative partnership designed to ensure your success. Our top priority is to empower you as the most prosperous builder in your area. You’ll retain the entire profit margin, as our fees are incorporated into the home’s cost price, ensuring a seamless process. This system has proven highly effective, as attested by our satisfied franchise owners.
What is the initial franchise fee, and what does it cover?
Our initial franchise fee is an investment in your future success. It covers everything you need to get started, including comprehensive training, marketing support, site selection assistance, and access to our established brand and business model. This fee is your ticket to becoming a part of our thriving franchise family.
What kind of ongoing support is available for Franchise Owners?
Our commitment to your success extends well beyond the initial phase. You can anticipate continuous assistance encompassing marketing support, operational guidance, product sourcing, and regular training updates. Our dedicated team remains steadfastly by your side, ensuring you reach your business milestones seamlessly.
How much does it typically cost to open and operate a franchise location?
While the total investment can vary depending on location and other factors, we're proud to offer a transparent breakdown of all costs involved in our Franchise Disclosure Documents. Our Franchise Owners often find that our efficient business model and proven strategies make it possible to operate a successful franchise with a manageable budget.
Could
you share details about the potential Return on Investment (ROI)?
Ensuring a robust ROI remains a cornerstone of our commitment, evident in our thriving 40-year legacy. Our franchise opportunity boasts a proven track record of success. You’re encouraged to engage with existing owners to gain insights into financial performance, providing a transparent overview of what to anticipate. Our primary aim is to assist you in cultivating a profitable and fulfilling business venture. Upon joining, our initial focus lies in comprehensive business planning and effective cash flow management to set you on the right path.
What
sets your network apart from competitors?
We take pride in our unique value proposition here at G.J. Gardner Homes - “Building, Better, Builders”. We offer a winning combination of a proven business model that's been refined over 40 years, a strong brand, a loyal customer base, and a supportive franchisor team. You'll be part of a community that's dedicated to your success providing excellence and innovation, giving you a competitive edge to compete in your local market.
How do you help with site selection and lease negotiation?
We leverage our experience and market research to assist you in finding the perfect location for your franchise office. We'll guide you through the lease negotiation process to ensure favorable terms and conditions, setting you up for a successful start.
What marketing and advertising support do you provide?
Our marketing team is dedicated to your success. We equip Franchise Owners with marketing materials, tailored strategies, and impactful campaigns aimed at increasing customer traffic and elevating sales. Our focus remains on bolstering brand awareness and directing business to your doorstep. Joining the network grants you a significant advantage in credibility with your customers. The local attachment to an international brand that has constructed over 55,000 houses sets you apart from the competition!
How do you handle training
for Franchise Owners and their staff?
We offer comprehensive training programs to ensure you and your team are fully prepared for success. From initial onboarding to ongoing development, we’re here to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to run a thriving franchise office. We combine both online and face to face training, and at all times our Franchise Owners and their staff have access to our online Learning Management System (LMS). This helps onboard and develop new staff, refresh existing staff and further develop their skills. This kind of support allows you to stay focused on managing your business.
What’s
the satisfaction rate among your franchise owners?
We take immense pride in the consistently high satisfaction reported by our Franchise Owners. We’re delighted to facilitate connections with existing Franchise Owners so you can glean insights from their experiences and successes within our system. Ultimately, our ethos revolves around supporting your journey. Your success remains our priority, and we’re here to ensure you navigate your business journey with ample support, embracing the idea of being ‘in business for yourself, yet never alone’.
Ready to explore the exciting world of franchise opportunities with G.J. Gardner Homes? Contact us today to kickstart your journey towards business success. Let's build the future together.
Enquire now!
Visit gjgardner.com.au/franchise