TUCKED away in a small industrial estate in Brisbane’s south east is a HVAC company making a big impression with its company culture - and it all comes down to 8 simple rules.
“We call it the Chill Code,” says managing director Mark Merchant.
“These are the rules we live by, not just at work but in life. This is about making expectations clear for all our workers about the type of culture we are building here.”
Throughout its 7 years of operation Chill Merchants has been a quiet achiever in the mechanical services industry, slowly and steadily building pace and an unbeatable reputation with clients.
Now they’re starting to turn heads.
In the past 12 months the company has launched a series of internal projects including a comprehensive marketing campaign, 33% growth in permanent staff, the in-house development of a suite of customised and AI integrated software, and an undeniably strong focus on culture.
In March the company was named finalist in the Australian Business Champion Awards. The entry included the 8 culture rules.
The Chill Code covers a range of topics from quality work and accountability to communication and supporting your team mates.
Rule number 1 - protect the culture.
“Culture is the most important part of building a team,” Mark says.
“I’m all about supporting the boys, not just at work but in life. To be a part of this team means to hold the standard. You have to believe in the culture or you just won’t fit in.
“Yes, we work hard but we also know how to have fun and how to take care of each other.
“That’s how you build a loyal team. We’re not just work mates, we’re mates.
“This is a team people want to be a part of - I’ve never had a hard time finding people who wants to work with me.
“I did my time working in big companies and I was lucky enough to work with some really great people.
“But overall across the industry I felt that clearly defined culture focusing on the importance and value of the workers was a bit lacking. I promised myself that when I started my own company I would make sure culture was at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
“I truly believe trades and construction workers are the engine room of this country and they don’t get enough respect in general for the work they do, the sacrifices they make to do those physical jobs.”
