Love Local.

Local business is at the heart of every community, and we cannot think of a better time than right now to pay it forward by supporting small businesses in and around Armstrong Creek, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.

Each month we are going to profile a small business owner drawn from the local community. This month, we shine a light on David Sanzaro from MJD Concreting.

Meet David Sanzaro from MJD Concreting.

While there is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and its long-term impact on the building industry, for Ashbury resident, David Sanzaro, it has been largely business as usual for his concreting business.

With the building and construction industry permitted to keep operating despite COVID restrictions, bolstered in part by the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme, people looking to build a new home – or renovate or extend an existing one, have continued inquiring at a steady rate amid the pandemic.

Based in Armstrong Creek, MJD Concreting has seen a steady flow of projects come through the door over the past few months, although David expects there will probably be a drop off later in the year.

David has purchased land at Ashbury in Stage 2 where he is planning to build a forever home for his family, and we took the opportunity to chat with David to discover what made him choose Ashbury, and to learn a little more about his business and how he is tackling the challenges of lockdown head on. 

How – and why – did you start MJD Concreting?

While I had been thinking about starting my own concreting business for some time, the real motivator was the imminent arrival of our baby daughter. There is nothing like starting a family to make you want to take a step forward and lay down some plans for the future. So, I decided to take the plunge and launch MJD. I would be lying if I said it hasn't been a bit terrifying at times, but now that I am up and running, I am really glad to have stuck my stake in the ground – and it’s great being your own boss!

When did you launch MJD Concreting?

I have been out on my own now for about 12 months trading as MJD Concreting. But prior to that I worked for another concreting company for 4 years on a wide range of projects.

How many employees do you have?

The business now employs four staff including me. I am really lucky to have assembled a great team around me and I love working with them. If you like your workmates it makes your job that much easier!

What do you love most about your job?

Well most things – like I said, it is fantastic being your own boss and working with your mates. But I think the best thing of all is seeing the end results and knowing we have met -and usually exceeded, our clients’ expectations. It makes me incredibly proud and always gives me huge satisfaction.

What is the most amusing thing that has ever happened to you at work?

Well, I am not sure it was amusing at the time – but definitely in retrospect! We had literally just completed a recent job, downed tools and packed everything up. But just when we thought it was home time, a dog decided to run directly over the top of all our freshly laid concrete. I think people probably heard me swearing from 10 miles away – I certainly did not feel like a dog lover at that precise moment!

What made you choose Ashbury and what are you planning to build on your lots?

I chose Ashbury because I really like the fact that the estate is located in a new and upcoming area. Plus, it’s so close to everything – Geelong, the Surf Coast and Armstrong Creek Town Centre, not to mention plenty of great schools, which will be important down the track. Once our new home is completed, it is going to be a fantastic place to live. We already have such amazing neighbours who feel like family. Our goal is to build our forever family home in a friendly and safe community.

Where is your ‘go to’ place for coffee on the Bellarine Peninsula?

No contest! Mr Grubb at Oakdene Estate. And, of course, their wines aren’t too bad either!

What are your 3 favourite things to do in and around Ashbury?

Well, it’s hard to narrow this down, but if I had to pick three… peaceful walks – Ashbury has over 30 acres of open space and conservation areas, not to mention plenty of playgrounds and sporting; chatting to our new neighbours who we love; and we are thrilled about the new Armstrong Creek Shopping Centre which is just about to open.

What are your top tips for surviving lockdown?

Eating lots of food and keeping the pantry stocked! I’ve also found tending our garden really relaxing and a good circuit breaker. But the best thing of all has been the unprecedented opportunity to spend more time with my daughter and watch her growing up.

For more information contact:

David Sanzaro, MJD Concreting, (M) +61 448 869 941, (E) [email protected]