Tell us about your business?
Grant Hood Contracting was established in 2002 by Grant Hood, a second-generation contractor. After spending over 20 years working for Doug Hood Ltd, the company founded by his father, Grant decided it was time to forge his own path. Together with his wife Carolyn and their three young children, he launched Grant Hood Contracting to meet the civil earthmoving needs of a primarily rural client base, in and around Ashburton and Mid Canterbury. Carolyn’s father was a machine operator and foreman, and the company’s first employee. He retired at the age of 76.
The business experienced steady growth on the back of a reputation for committing to our clients and delivering excellent results. A cornerstone of our business and an example of our focus on achieving client objectives has been working long term with NZ Ski on Mt Hutt Ski field to maintain and clear the access road and car parks in the winter for the past 20 years and in summer improve the access road, ski field facilities and trails. Our early work focused on dairy conversions, water storage ponds, and water race cleaning. One of our first major contracts was with the Selwyn District Council, clearing their extensive network of water races for 3 years.
As the business grew, we had a choice to remain in 'our comfort zone' or develop GHC into a more expansive business capable of undertaking civil engineering projects throughout the South Island. So, we employed our first Operations Manager after about a decade, allowing us to expand into larger-scale contract work. Today, we are proud to have a dedicated team of 25 employees including the ability to offer all types of rural and civil earthworks, along with a construction side to the business with a team of builders and concrete placers.
What makes our journey even more special is that all three of our children are now actively involved in the business, each contributing their unique skills and perspectives.
What has been your greatest success?
Our greatest success is that we have created a company and legacy that our family all want to be a part of.
It also lies in our ability to scale up and compete with larger companies, taking on the role of head contractor in several high-profile projects. A standout example is the transformation of the Dalgliesh farm at Millbrook into a 9-hole golf course and a 42-lot premium residential subdivision, involving 450,000m3 of earthworks, also building and lining a 30,000m3 storage lake. We also successfully managed the construction of a fish screen for a local client. One of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Involving 80,000m3 of earthworks, processing 25,000m3 of aggregate and 20,000m3 of Riprap on sit. Supply and installing 127 precast walls, a total of 955m3 of concrete. This demonstrates our capability to deliver complex projects while maintaining the agility and resilience of a smaller, family-run business.
Included is a photo highlighting our top priority of always being able to sit around the table together.
What do you value about FBA?
We joined Family Business Association (FBA) to connect with like-minded businesses that share the unique challenges and rewards of being family-owned. FBA provides a valuable network of support and learning opportunities to help us navigate the challenges of integrating the family into Grant Hood Contracting. We value shared wisdom, and the chance to learn from others who understand the dynamics of working with family.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Embrace the strengths that come from working with family—trust, shared values, and long-term commitment. At the same time, it’s important to set clear roles, communicate openly, and bring in outside expertise when needed. Don’t be afraid to evolve and adapt, and always invest in the next generation. Their fresh ideas and energy can take the business to new heights.
Learn more about Grant Hood Contracting
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