Tauranga’s Most Trusted Awards

Creative Kitchens & Interiors We spoke to Sean Wood the owner of Creative Kitchens and Interiors about his business and personal journey. NZ Wide Winner: Most Trusted Kitchens (5 years running) Bay of Plenty Winner: Most Trusted Kitchens (5 years running)

What is the most interesting part of your work/business day?

The diversity of our clients. No two clients are ever the same. Whether it’s a couple who have saved for their dream kitchen, affluent clients who only want the best or a client who has repeatedly been using our services for over 30 years, each bring their own list of wants & needs.

How long have you been in business and what do you think drives your success?

We have been in business for 38 years now and the success has to be attributed to two things: The traditional approach to everything we manufacture & more importantly, our clients. They are not a number on a spreadsheet, they are real people whom we respect & cherish.

What did you do before you became Self Employed?

I was the GM & BD Manager for 3 divisions of a large construction company. My role included managing a large joinery manufacturing division & Interiors division.

What is the most challenging thing about your work?

Exceeding the clients expectations. I never want to deliver just what a client expects or pays for. We always look for ways to better everything about a clients experience.

What is a usual day for you at your business?

What’s a usual day? Mine starts around 5am, get into the office and get emails, etc, out of the way before the phone starts ringing. If I’m not at the drawing table designing the next project or quoting, I’m out meeting prospective clients or down on the factory floor talking to my guys, swapping ideas, etc.

What inspired you to become Self Employed?

After working for a large company, I found it too impersonal. I honestly believe clients should be treated like family & friends. That’s probably why we have such a huge return client base.

Did you have any mentors throughout your career and how did they influence your decisions?

In life you meet so many people, from the working class couple starting out to the multi-millionaires. Each have been an influence in their own way, but there are three guys whom I admire greatly for their successes & advice. One is the head of a hugely successful nationwide construction & interiors company, one is a farmer and the third is a KC Barrister.

All of whom are inspirational, knowledgeable and giving. It shows that mentors don’t necessarily have to be from your chosen industry.

What advice would you give to a person considering opening up a new business?

Your staff are your greatest asset but also your greatest liability. Just because you have a vision doesn’t mean they agree or drive to help you achieve it. My biggest mistakes in business have been around staff. Finding people who want to drive your company in the same direction as yourself are worth their weight in gold, reward them accordingly.

Prepare for the worst. It is never going to be an easy road.

What support do you have to help you be successful?

Obviously, the continued support of amazing clients, without them there is no business. Also, my fiancé. When I come up with some off the radar idea or I’ve had a really bad day, she’ll often put reasoning into the mix or simply say I’m being stupid but her advice is always in my best interests and that of the business.