Jim The Builder (JTB) was established in 2005 by Operational Director, Jim Stenberg, a Christchurch builder with over a quarter of a century of experience in the industry. Since 2005 JTB has grown to become a leading Canterbury building company, with over 40 employees and recognition in numerous local and national awards for building excellence.

The fast growing high-end construction company was affected by the Christchurch earthquakes and wanted to ensure long-term sustainability. They realised that the key to their sustainability was their people.



Career Steps were asked to write and administer a company-wide engagement survey. The questions were given in advance of 1:1 interviews by Career Steps consultant to every member of the JTB Team.

The surveys were collated and reported back to the Leadership Team with recommendations for change to ensure the business continued to invest in its people and its long-term sustainable growth.

One of the recommendations was to have a one-day workshop with all staff. This Team Day focussed on effective communication, Team Roles (Belbin’s Model), sticking points and blind spots and valuing diversity.

Another recommendation was to place a Senior HR Practitioner into the organisation for a number of months (on an Executive Lease) to establish the HR systems and to coach a permanent member of staff to be able administer and maintain the systems going forward.



The feedback received was that “momentum” was gained and that team cohesiveness was improved. Career Steps’ recommendations gave the Leadership Team clarity about what needed to be implemented to ensure sustainable growth and deepening of the JTB family culture.