As a young leader, Gareth had transferred values into his business life that Rugby had taught him; with the importance of teamwork, leadership, crisis management, culture and values, and discipline. As in a rugby team, no one person is the success of the team, but a combination of all the members of that team. He is all too aware that this is exactly the same in construction.

From the conception; SDW’s was geared to provide construction related support services for the conglomerate and its affiliate companies. With a background in Architecture, Gareth pivoted the business core as a General Contractor and introduced additional design services as part of the company’s’ capabilities. He wanted to target the buoyant commercial sector, particularly within the BPO and Offshore industry here in the Philippines. With SDW’s new Design + Build capabilities coupled with HMR’s reverse logistics chain; they could provide complete turn-key solutions for businesses not only locating, but expanding here in the Philippines.

“The synergies between HMR and SDW are unparalleled; with SDW proposing complete design & build services, and HMR offering disposals through various retail channels and secondary markets. We can now address the whole life cycle of a project by providing a ‘cradle to grave’ solution”. By systematic networking with some contacts even acquired from his rugby playing days, he was able to win his first third party commissions.

The construction of AF Payments Inc (BEEP) head office, led to other projects with similar consortiums such as the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), and most recently GMR Megawide Mactan Cebu Airport. Gareth started to provide construction support services to the growing Public Private Partnership sector and started to increase SDW’s market share. SDW now boasts a wide and diverse portfolio, with projects ranging from Hotels and Restaurants, Commercial and Corporate Offices, to their own housing developments which is a testament to the dedication the organization and staff.

Gareth started from just having six staff members and a labor group of 20 people in 2013. SDW has now grown to employ 70 people comprising Architects, Interior Designers, Engineers and Technical Administrative team, and a manpower of 700 operatives working across various projects. Gareth is a believer and advocate of organization growth, and has developed internal programs called ‘Spotlight Schemes’ that not only cater for office based staff, but also for unskilled and skilled workforce, instilling possible career paths and aligning his vision; to become a True Employer of Choice. Gareth boasts of an unconventional way of leading the SDW.

“We have a deliberate policy not to be this stiff stereotypical construction type of company. We imbibe what we call, ‘sexy contractor.’ We’re trying to bring this fresh, innovative approach in terms of project, and also to our management style. Everyone has roles and responsibilities, and obviously, the buck stops with me, but parity is achieved with an open-door policy that applies to everybody. There are no boundaries that separate upper management from rank and file employees. We want to create value not only for our clients but also for our staff.” he shared.

Gareth has naturally humility, and when asked how he is able to achieve recurring annual performance, he said:

“Of-course you have to be able to spot the opportunity and develop it, but the key to any success is always the team and the management of that team. From the labourers and builders, the creative design and marketing, to the financial control, we all have important parts to play in the team’s success. Our core values and culture is very strong within the company, and I feel this is evident at all levels of our organization. We live and breathe what we call ‘Our Kaya Spirit’ – can-do mentality”

Gareth is a resourceful entrepreneur and has envisions to make SDW the first-choice contractor for construction in the Philippines as he leads the company towards his goal to maximise the opportunities. He continues and strives to develop strategies; whether working with new innovative construction technologies from a practical perspective, or trying to modernize and streamline internal processes and operations with the implementation of new automated systems. He believes in five principles that he adheres: Team, Environment, Planning, Partners, and Communication. “The team is the glue that binds the business together and the environment is the culture in that team. Planning is essential for the on time and successful completion of any project and partners are the reason to be. Effective communication at all levels is essential and with partners, whether it is imparting good news or bad, it is a fundamental part of the business which is sometimes missed or overlooked in the progress of a project.”

SDW has advanced a five-year plan to diversify activities and utilise the synergies that exist within the group. Gareth wants to develop into other sectors not only within Design or General Contracting but in terms of his developments, in order to take advantage of the huge opportunities that exist in the Philippines today, and to also cushion any particular downturn in a particular sector.