What do you get two people who have worked hard, have a successful business and a son who wants to honour their 35 years in business? That’s a tough question but hopefully sharing their story is a gift in itself.
And what an inspiring story it is. Andrew Darby, Strata Manager with Chris Darby Strata is the son and he is, it is fair to say, immensely proud of the business his father Chris and mother Jennifer have built over 35 years.
Andrew takes the story up from here.
“The business started in Wollongong, just down the road from where we are currently located on Kembla Street.
“It was started by Dad and a business partner with just several staff members and he met Mum along the way.
“The business has grown other the last 35 years and more substantially over the past four years with two business acquisitions growing our portfolio.
“We currently employ 15 staff members all of which are currently holding or are working toward holding their certificate of registration.”
Strata management wasn’t always in the Darby’s blood. Chris studied teaching at teachers college but decided to make a move into real estate. After Jennifer joined the team they started to receive enquiries about strata and saw the need to provide services within this sector, overtime they made the decision to focus solely on strata management.
Andrew says that the business has had its ups and downs, like any business does, but he is pleased to say the ups have far outweighed the downs and this is due to the steady hands and good business sense of Chris and Jennifer.
“I feel we currently have a strong and positive team who enjoy coming to work and getting the most out of the day while providing exceptional service to each of our clients. This due to the way Mum and Dad have weathered the storms and built solid foundations for a productive and enjoyable work space.
Andrew says he has often heard both Mum and Dad talk about how the industry has grown over the years and became such a professional industry.
“In my experience I have seen growth and also see the potential for future growth which is an exciting prospect.”
Congratulations to Chris and Jennifer for a fantastic 35 years. It looks like Chris Darby Strata Management is in very capable hands and is likely to be celebrating in another 35 years.