Meet the founders: how LSR began, challenges and future plans

Welcome to the first part of our Meet the Founders interview series, where we chat with the directors behind LSR Construction Group, Mitchell La Fontaine and Bane Suboticki. 

 

We recently sat down with Mitchell and Bane to uncover how LSR came to be, the innovative techniques driving its success and the ambitious goals shaping its future.

LSR: Can you share a brief overview of your backgrounds including how you got into construction?

 

Mitchell: Absolutely. Bane and I met during our uni days, where we both completed our degrees in Construction Management and Applied Science. We quickly realised our shared passion for the industry and after gaining valuable experience, we knew we wanted to create something unique together.

 

LSR: Can you share with us the story behind LSR Construction Group and how it all started?

 

Bane: After working together for several years and noticing a gap in the market for a construction company that truly prioritised innovation and client satisfaction, Mitchell and I decided to take the plunge and start LSR Construction Group. 

 

Mitchell: We wanted to build a company that not only delivered exceptional projects, but also fostered a great company culture. Our team and our partners share our values and that’s so important. It makes working together so much more enjoyable when you surround yourself with great people.

 

LSR: What are some challenges you've faced along the way, and how have you overcome them to reach where LSR is today?

 

Mitchell: One significant challenge we encountered was navigating the uncertainties brought about by COVID-19. By remaining agile, maintaining open communication with our team and clients and focusing on delivering value, we were able to overcome these challenges and emerge even stronger.

 

Bane: To add to that, we actually grew the company quite significantly during that difficult period, which we’re really proud of.

 

LSR: Can you share a memorable project or achievement that exemplifies the values and ethos of LSR?

 

Bane: One project that stands out to us is the CS Hub development. It was a competitive tender and our design expertise allowed us to value manage the project to save over $1.5 million. 

 

Mitchell: This project was a great example of the integration of design with construction that we offer and how this changes the game. We have so much more oversight and it allows us to deliver quality outcomes while saving huge amounts on the project.

 

LSR: Looking towards the future, what are some goals or aspirations you have for LSR?

 

Mitchell: Our goal is to continue scaling the business while remaining committed to quality and client satisfaction. For us, that means continuing to build a team of great people with solid experience and maintaining our approach to ongoing collaborations. 

 

Bane: We aim to further expand our portfolio, continue to embrace emerging technologies and keep our positive team culture. It’s great to see new starters grow in their careers and achieve great things. As Mitchell touched on, our long-term partnerships also play a huge role in driving our success.

 

LSR: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring individuals looking to start their own construction business? 

 

Mitchell: There’s never going to be the ‘perfect’ time to start. Take the plunge and make sure you have the right support around you. A great business partner who complements your skills is a huge bonus. 

 

Bane: Surround yourself with a supportive team and be open to learning from challenges. Maintaining work-life balance is also important, so make sure you can continue to do things you enjoy outside of business hours. 

 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our recent interview, where we delve into the team, culture and collaborations that define LSR Construction Group.