we’re the steady one that keeps the shop open,” he says, invoking the Australian speed-skater who won Olympic gold by not falling when others did. That steadiness informs supplier relationships. The promise to vendors is simple: be easy to do business with first, then negotiate. Orders are clean, errors reduced at the source, and back-office systems minimize friction.“Once we’ve shown diligence and predictability,” Stroud says, “we’ll ask for the best price—and we earn it.” RECRUITING FRANCHISES—DELIBERATELY During the most turbulent months of COVID and its aftermath, Stroud slowed recruitment to protect and support existing builders. With markets stabilizing, franchise marketing is back on. Australia and New Zealand are 50% subscribed—meaning prime territories remain. What Stroud looks for: builders who want to run a business, not just a job; leaders who value process; and teams that buy into the Friday-call culture.“We 31 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 10 STROUD HOMES
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