Founded in 1999 by Mike with his wife Terese, TPT Group began as a leap of faith after Mike left his corporate desk job to pursue a business he passionately believed in. Today, TPT Group drives growth and development of a portfolio of entities in key business sectors such as electronic security, information technology, finance & leasing, and commercial-industrial property by providing governance, strategy, systems, and capital to allow the businesses to fulfill their market potential. 25 years on, TPT Group has founded 10 new start-up businesses, acquired 15 others, and founded 2 charities.
Can you tell us about your business?
In 1999, I made a life-changing decision. With only $500 in working capital and a modest car, I left behind a comfortable corporate desk job to pursue a business I passionately believed in, and with my wife Terese, founded TPT Group. Our first business was MJM Electrical, this was me out on the tools again, I fell back on my electrical trade, but we were out to grow this business. In 2002, a pivotal moment occurred when TPT Group acquired Siemens' electronic security business. This marked a turning point, transforming a struggling company into what is now known as Advanced Security, one of New Zealand's largest electronic security integrators.
With a hunger for growth, TPT Group continued its expansion through various acquisitions with group businesses today including Advanced Security, IT services business IT Engine, data communications business Cablenet., future technology incubator ASG Technologies, security monitoring and call centre business Everlert, corrections provider ASGSPL, finance and leasing business Technology Leasing, commercial and industrial property business Promessa Property Group, and in 2024 new start-up Trade Rentals, a business that provides rental vehicles for the trade.
Over 25 years, we have created ten successful start-up businesses, acquired 15 others, and founded two charities. The charities include The Runway Foundation and Innovation Franklin. The Runway Foundation supports young people and families impacted by ADHD with us providing a runway for them to thrive. Innovation Franklin is about positioning Franklin in South Auckland, and New Zealand for the future.
The team now comprises nearly 300 staff across 24 offices, and we are more excited than we have ever been around our future.
What has been your greatest success?
That we are a values driven business, that we genuinely care and love our people, and the communities we operate in. We also all have a responsibility for our communities, and I am super proud of what we achieve in the community every day.
What do you value about FBA?
I love with FBA that you can engage with other family businesses, understand how they have navigated having other family members in their business and how they have structured family offices and other things in the growth of their businesses.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
One of the game changers for us was when we appointed independent directors in 2014, it really changed us but in a good way. The directors were focused on strategy and risk but also about how we ensured that our values permeated throughout the business.
Support family business.
