Sixteen years ago, a simple coffee at Sylvia Park with Warren Chan marked the beginning of a journey that would shape our company’s culture forever. Warren became my first worker, and together we tackled jobs with a contracted truck, soon realizing that we needed more hands. That’s when Warren introduced his nephew Sonny, and before long, the Chan’s became a cornerstone of our team. Over the years, the Chan family’s involvement grew and evolved, with new generations stepping in and others moving on to new adventures.
Our story is filled with similar threads—families joining, growing, and thriving together. From the Wihongis and Buckinghams to the Hills, Dunphys, Roskilleys, Storys, Clarks, Misériauxs, Quibans, Hamidis and Tongas, each family has brought their unique strengths, values, and energy to our business. Whether it’s recruiting at netball barbecues, welcoming siblings and cousins, or seeing three generations working side by side, our company has become a true family affair.
We’ve found that when someone vouches for a family member, recruitment becomes more than just filling a role. It provides a foundation of trust, loyalty, and shared purpose. Our team is built on these connections, and it shows in the way we work together, support each other, and celebrate our successes.
Stains has been a part of our company for over eight years now and we have Morgan his son helping Piet run the Beast and maintain our yard.
Netball was always a big part of our lives in Northcote, and it has proved a rich pasture for us to find recruits. We hijacked the mum’s netball BBQs, converting them into networking events where we screened candidates and carried out interviews. Tracy soon come on board. The followed her daughters, first Alexis, and then Brooke, who works for us today.
Tracy managed to convince Michelle to ditch her airport commute and join us. This has led to Grant (husband) and Emma (daughter) coming on board, and finally Papa Ken (father-in-law) to complete the Buckingham contingent.
Somehow word got to Claire that we needed someone special, and she turned up for an interview. I had only met Claire on the indoor netball court, but it was enough to know she would boost our business. Claire has introduced Kiera (daughter) and Oliver (nephew) to our company, and we are grateful to have them on board.
Being married into the Dunphy family has meant there is a lot of people to choose from. We have had Ruth, Marienne, Alice, Guy and hopefully more will come through the gates.
Yannick (bother-in-law) was having a cup of tea with Kate one morning and then found himself on a company motorbike coming to work. I was never sure how Matt (Yannick’s son) would get to work for two reasons. He did not have his licence, and he is very well known for sleeping in. When I suggested to his old man he come and work for us, he made found a way and now he is a regular during his university breaks
We had Jerry working for us and he suggested I interview his cousin – William. I met him at The Po and asked him what his spirit animal would be. What could I do when he said Jack Russell? I had Rufus at that time, so William was in. Last month, Sam (William’s son) has just donned our overalls his Dad’s aptitude is already on display. Epic.
Netball truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Imagine my surprise when my wife asked Mark Roskilley if he wanted to come and work for me and he was agreeable. We had a meeting, at the pub of course. His wife came too (not to supervise him, as she says), and the rest was history. He may not have been quite ready to take Old Girl out on the streets from Okura, but he did it and he hasn’t stopped. One day while Mark and I were walking a hose through the King George tunnel I asked him what his son, Jackson was going to do after school. Neither Jacko nor Mark knew, but after some convincing we managed to get Jacko over and here he is.
One business-as-usual afternoon this large Tongan man walked into our office looking for a job. His name was Saimone, and he has not stopped working since he joined us. His loyalty is without question and when he asked if his son, Phoenix could come and work here I had no hesitation.
We have three Quiban boys with the best names – Marlon, Lyndon, and Ricardo. When you meet Marlon, you must meet him again. He is just so cool and relaxed. I loved having him over from the Philippines and when he mentioned his two brothers were eager to come and join us, I put Tracy on a plane to Manila. Tracy quickly sorted the paperwork, and here they are.
One dusty afternoon in our old yard in Okura a gentleman walked over to me and asked if he could have a job. I asked him to load a van full of cartridges and take them to SW360 and bring back 20 full ones. I thought there was something quite special about this man. He returned an hour later with the full carts, and I knew he had a place in our company. Meeting Leila was a special moment as she mesmerised us all with her eyes. We have seen Masoud work hard for many years and now he is back with us. When he suggested his brother-in-law to come and work for us I had no hesitation to do what we had to, to get him. Now We have Said and Masoud who have boosted our business to no end. Thank you to them for joining forces and making this place better for the future.
Our last endeavour to prove family and business can work together has been getting Shamie (Amy’s husband) to come in and run our Greenspace division. Amy and Shamie are a dream team of honesty and loyalty, and we are so pleased to have them back.
The Dutton Stormwater family-first approach has materialised with intent. Although it’s feel good, it isn’t just a story. Nor did it happen by chance. When people bring their loved ones into the fold, it fosters a culture of trust and accountability. Our recruitment is easier and more reliable because every new hire comes with a personal recommendation. Families working together bring with them unity, loyalty, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to replicate.
It also means our values (flexibility, ownership, unity, and respect) are lived every day, not just talked about. Our team’s deep connections power us to weather storms, celebrate wins, and keep our mission at the heart of everything we do. As we look to the future, we’re excited to welcome even more families into our business, building a legacy that’s as strong as it is caring.
When I stand in a WIFLE (What I feel Like Expressing) circle with my three girls included, I know we are more than just a business. This sense of belonging means enough to our people that they invite their loved ones to join us. We love welcoming new family members and seeing households grow with our company.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to another year of growth, connection, and family.
