Shaun began his working career as the local paper boy at just 8 years old. After completing his school certificate, he begun an apprenticeship as a painter, moving onto an apprenticeship as a fitter, then as a bricklayer before moving onto a plumbing apprenticeship. By the end of his third year, he and 2 of his friends started a plumbing business in April 1988, formerly known as KSM Plumbing.

In the last 12 months, Shaun sold the majority of his investments in order to start his own business – Mini Excavator Sales – a multi-brand yard with Airman mini excavators imported from Japan, ECM mini excavators and compact track loaders imported from Italy and XGMA wheel loaders imported from China. Mini Excavator Sales recently also secured a contract to import IHI mini excavators, track loaders and dump trucks from Japan. 

The aim for the business over the next 12 months is to keep overheads low and to continue to provide a quality service to customers. With the increased proposal of infrastructure work in NSW, business for Shaun looks promising. However, there have been some challenges facing the business – “The main challenge restricting my business growth at the moment is capital,” Shaun says. 

“Without the help of Robson Partners over the last 2 years, I probably would not have a business. They have been awesome with their support in all aspects, from getting me out of a previous business (bad partnership) to setting up my new business.”

For the past 7 years, Shaun has supported the Maitland Motor Cross Club, also being a major sponsor of the Australian Super Cross for 4 years of which his son is a competitor.

In the coming years, Shaun hopes to grow his team to about 6 or 7 employees that can all multi-task well and work as a team to get the mix right with low overheads and maximum profit.

If you would like to learn more about the success of Mini Excavator Sales or would like to enquire about the machines available, click here or alternatively, visit www.minies.com.au