“You’re only as good as the people around you,” says John Kidner.

Paynter Dixon’s Senior Project Manager believes clear communication is the foundation of good building practices.

“When managing subcontractors and suppliers, it’s vital that everyone goes on the journey together.”

Drawn to woodwork and technical subjects at school, John started out as an apprentice carpenter with a prestige housing builder. He eventually stepped into commercial building and embraced the diversity of project types, from aged care facilities and schools, to shopping plazas and even telecommunications. The latter involved the construction of a prototype centre – the first of ten – for the NBN Co.

His career eventually led to Paynter Dixon. “I felt reassured knowing that Paynter Dixon is one of Australia’s oldest builders. I loved hearing about their internal design and construct process and now that I am part of the team, I can see how beneficial this process is to the outcome.”

“I was also keen to work for a company that genuinely gives back to the community in so many ways.”

John is currently overseeing construction of the 25-bed Cooinda Aged Care centre in north-west NSW, and a modular special education facility for Maitland Christian School in the Hunter area.

From Balmain to Broken Hill, Paynter Dixon has a proud heritage of working in local and regional communities. The Coffs Harbour office also underlines a commitment to servicing northern NSW.

Regardless of site location, John’s personal discipline is core to maintaining a tight ship.

“If I’m not organised, my subcontractors will be impacted. This is best demonstrated in programming and coordination of trades where timing makes all the difference. By handing over an area that is ready for the contractor, they are in the best position to complete the work on time.

“Everything is a partnership between stakeholders, from the client outwards. It’s a way of driving productivity and creating long-term relationships where contractors work with us again.”

The benefits of collaboration flow both ways.

“Management is not about having all the answers – it’s the ability to define the problem and find the solution or information. I’ll harness the expertise of those around me.”

A martial arts practitioner for many years, John enjoys participating in weekly classes of Han Mu Du with his teenage son.

“The training is family time and it helps clear the mind as well.”

Who has the upper hand in father-son contests? John laughs: “I have experience and weight on my side!”