When most people hit their early forties, they start dreaming of slowing down.  Imagining long weekends, more time with the kids, maybe even sneaking off to the local for a bevie. For Gold Coast builder Neil Whittred, life was going the other way. Constant travel, and weeks away had become the norm.

“I was working for a large construction company, working long hours and often spent many weeks working away from home and away from my young family,” Neil says.

Then came the turning point, a literal lightbulb moment, delivered via glossy pages in a hotel lobby.

“I was on a training course in Brisbane one day and picked up a franchising magazine and was attracted to an ad for a new franchisee on the Gold Coast with Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions. After 25+ years of experience in the building and construction sector, I saw this as an opportunity to change my lifestyle for the better, that was my lightbulb moment!”

That glossy advert set Neil on a path to founding Smith & Sons Gold Coast Central and South, and it’s now a  prosperous family business and proud finalist in Australia’s Favourite Family Business competition.

Going back to basics

Starting a business from scratch is hardly ever smooth sailing. For Neil, those first few years were a test of determination, resilience, and how many hats one bloke can wear at once.

“The early days were a big challenge, it was all down to me to do everything. Initially winning the jobs and then finding staff or subbies to help. The fear of failure kept me going.”

Winning the work was just the beginning. Delivering it, while trying to build a team and keep the lights on, meant every day was a learning curve. But that drive paid off when his first major contract landed.

“My first big break came when I secured a renovation contract for $400k!”

That win proved he was on the right track — and the business began to grow.

Cheered on at home and work

Neil might have started alone, but he didn’t stay that way for long. His biggest champion from the start? His wife.

“My wife instantly encouraged me and drove the idea as she knew how important it was for me to be around for my young children.”

Family support soon turned into family involvement. Six of the 13 people on the payroll now share the same surname, or are close enough that they may as well.

“Today I have six family members on my payroll of 13. My sister (aka the boss!) is my chief financial officer, my brother-in-law is my estimator. My son is a fully qualified carpenter already managing jobs, my sister-in-law assists with data entry and leave cover, and my dad, who is 85 years old, is still floating around to help with whatever is required.”

Neil says it works because everyone brings something different to the table.

“I have learnt that (luckily) we all have individual business strengths that complement each other.”

And they’ve set the tone early: respect first, no egos, plenty of laughs.

“Tricky moments or disagreements are very rare because we all have respect for each other’s knowledge and experience. Our office space is happy and cheerful environment.”

Old fashioned renos with matching values

Ask Neil to describe what sets Smith & Sons apart, and the answer is pretty simple.

“To the uninitiated, we are a successful established family business with good old fashioned family values and traditions ( we still have a family roast on a Sunday,” he smiles.

Their approach to renovations and extensions is steeped in those values, and Neil says his clients can feel it too.

“The way we conduct our business is a reflection of our family values which are: trust, respect, responsibility, honesty and kindness – with a fair chunk of family fun thrown in for good measure.”

That genuine connection often becomes lifelong.

“Many of our clients continue to follow us on socials and like to maintain a connection with us years after we complete a job for them.”

When a builder gets invited to a client’s barbie years later… You know you’ve cracked the relationship game.

A winning business

There are industry awards… and then there are pinch-me moments and Neil and his family have had their share of both.

“My proudest moment so far has been winning the International Franchisee Of The Year in 2023.”

The best part? Neil had packed up the extended family and taken them along, completely unaware this was going to be their night.

“I had taken my extended family to the Annual Team Conference in Fiji unaware that we were about to be rewarded for all our hard work in building the business to the level it is today. Let’s just say that the celebrations were big, and it turned into one of the best family holidays ever! Love the Fijians!”

Growing pains are real

From a one-man operation to a 13-strong team, growth has been impressive, but Neil is adamant about what must stay the same.

“The biggest change to the business has been the growth over the last 13 years… However, my desire to maintain a happy and cheerful workforce hasn’t changed. I believe that’s a major contributor to our success.”

Still, the growing pains are real, especially when you care deeply about all parts of your life.

“The toughest challenge for me has been to find the right balance between workload, staff and family time. Every job and contract is different, so the challenge is an ever-evolving learning curve that becomes easier over time with experience.”

Community and customers

For Neil, business success is an opportunity to make a difference.

“An important part of owning a successful business, is the opportunity to give back.”

From giving apprentices their start, to charity events and local sponsorships the business shows up where it matters most.

One experience stands out:

“We recently participated in a surprise home renovation for a well known and loved local community member who was battling brain cancer. She was overwhelmed with gratitude. She was able to enjoy her final days in a bright comfortable space and I’m so happy we were able to be part of this.”

Australia’s Favourite Family Business

Neil hopes the business inspires not just customers and staff but the next generation.

“I hope that my family business is and continues to be a shining example of good old-fashioned service to both our staff and clients. I think that we are setting a good example of work ethics to the next generation of our own families.”

Being shortlisted for Australia’s Favourite Family Business 2025 has only cemented that pride.

“I am absolutely stoked to be nominated and shortlisted for this award, it’s confirmation that I chose the correct path and have executed my career to date with family interests at the fore!”

And the recognition means even more because they’ve done it together.

“This recognition is proof that as a family, you can achieve great things with dedication and a shared ambition and desire to succeed in growing a trusted business… All whilst not forgetting to party hard now and again to enjoy each other’s company!”

A legacy and a well-earned road trip

The future looks bright for the Whittred family, but not at any cost.

“What’s next? I would love to see continued growth and success for my business but not to the detriment of the culture we have built over the years.”

Ultimately, there’s a goal that’s calling: pack up the caravan and hit the road.

“My wife and I want to hit the road in our caravan to do a lap of this wonderful country of ours.”

And when that day comes, the business will be in safe hands.

“My legacy is to be able to pass over the reins of my business to my son who at only 22 years old is already a fully qualified carpenter with his own home and fiancé! Succession planning is under way… This family business will carry its traditions into the next generation for sure!”

Asked for just one piece of advice for would-be entrepreneurs, Neil’s answer probably won’t shock you:

“One piece of advice would be to encourage a happy and cheerful environment from day one!”

Because when the workplace is built on trust, respect and good humour, the whole business thrives.

Neil’s come a long way from that exhausted man reading a magazine in a hotel lobby. The Sliding Doors moment proves that the right move at the right moment can change everything. Especially when you’ve got the backing of your family.

And after all this? Well… There’s that caravan waiting…

Smith & Sons is a finalist in Australia’s Favourite Family Business Competition. You can vote for them and find out more about the rest of our finalists here.

Want more? Get our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! Follow Business Builders on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.