Shane Nominated as Entrepreneur of the Year

There are some stories in the world of business that resonate deeply with those who have ever faced adversity, persevered through hardship, and come out on the other side with a vision for positive change. Shane’s journey, leading to his recent nomination for the Australian Small Business Champion Award as Entrepreneur of the Year, is one of those stories. It's a tale of passion, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to raising the standards within the construction industry.

Shane’s career began in an unconventional way, rooted in a love for woodworking. From a young age, he was drawn to the art of turning raw materials into something meaningful. What started with small jobs and a keen eye for detail evolved into larger, more complex projects as his reputation grew. By the age of 22, he had completed his apprenticeship as a Carpenter and Joiner, learning from seasoned tradespeople as he travelled around Australia. But Shane didn’t stop there; he went on to expand his skill set by taking up plumbing, despite the personal challenge of doing so while his wife, Lara, was eight months pregnant. By 38, Shane held dual trade qualifications, along with an Unlimited Domestic Building License, which enabled him to manage entire construction projects.

It was after working for a volume housing builder that Shane recognised the flaws in the industry, specifically the lack of attention to detail and quality in the work being produced. This realisation was the catalyst for his decision to step out on his own and start his own business. Shane didn’t just want to build homes—he wanted to build a better industry. His aim was to raise the bar, focusing on excellence, integrity, and customer service, values he believed were sorely lacking in the industry. Starting his own business was about more than just financial gain; it was about creating a legacy of high standards, skilled tradespeople, and quality craftsmanship that would stand the test of time.

Shane’s philosophy has always been centred around three key pillars: raising standards, passing on knowledge, and building something that lasts. His approach to business has been grounded in mentorship, with a special emphasis on helping young people who may have felt lost or disengaged from traditional education. Shane has always believed that with the right guidance, anyone can succeed, regardless of their background or struggles. He provides apprentices not only with the technical skills they need to excel but also with a mindset of hard work, precision, and a genuine pride in craftsmanship. This commitment to shaping the future of the industry, while helping others achieve their own potential, is one of the driving forces behind Shane’s success.

His business philosophy, founded on core values like trust, honesty, respect, and quality workmanship, has been key to building a strong reputation within the industry. Every project, no matter how small, is treated with the same level of care and attention. Shane believes that there are no shortcuts in construction, and quality is non-negotiable. This commitment to excellence has not only garnered respect within the industry but has also earned Shane multiple accolades over the years. His business, Plumbstruct Industries, was recognised with the 2024 Australian Small Business Champions Award in the Home Builder/Renovations category, and Shane himself has been nominated for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2025.

But Shane’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2023, he suffered an aneurysm and stroke, leaving him unable to work for several months. During this period, his business faced a crisis, with ongoing projects and no clear second-in-command. However, rather than succumb to the pressure, Shane used this time to reassess his business structure. With the support of his team, mentors, and his wife, Lara, significant changes were made to ensure the business could continue to thrive without him at the helm. These changes included training team members to take on leadership roles, introducing more efficient systems, and ensuring a more distributed leadership model. The experience taught Shane the importance of building a business that is resilient and able to function smoothly, even in the face of adversity.

Another significant challenge came in the form of rising material costs, subcontractor shortages, and poor project management, which nearly led to financial ruin. However, Shane and his team worked tirelessly to overcome this setback. They implemented better pricing strategies, improved their quoting and job tracking systems, and restructured payment schedules for improved cash flow. These adjustments helped the business weather the storm and emerge stronger than ever before.

For Shane, the journey of entrepreneurship has been one of constant learning and growth. Despite facing challenges like ADHD and dyslexia, he has always embraced the concept of continual self-improvement. He has actively sought out mentors, joined networks of like-minded tradespeople, and has never been afraid to ask questions. Shane has learned that success is not just about working hard; it's about working smart, surrounding yourself with good people, and continuously striving for excellence.

His vision for the future is just as strong as his past accomplishments. He wants to continue building Plumbstruct Industries as an industry leader, committed not only to high-quality service but also to community engagement and employee development. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, Shane’s business is not just about constructing buildings; it’s about shaping the future of the construction industry and creating a lasting legacy of excellence.

Being nominated for the Australian Small Business Champion Award as Entrepreneur of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of Shane’s hard work, passion, and the significant impact he has made on his industry. It’s a testament to his dedication to improving the standards of the construction trade, the mentorship he offers to his apprentices, and his unwavering belief in doing things the right way. As he continues to grow both personally and professionally, Shane remains focused on his ultimate mission: raising the standards, passing on knowledge, and building something that will last.