Andrew Laidler operates AJL Construction with his partner Carly Thompson. The company, which has Residential Homes, Property Services and Commercial Building arms, is located in Port Elliot but services all the Southern Fleurieu. It’s fairly new, having been formed in 2020. A lot of their work is new custom builds, clients come to them with designs and AJL takes it from there.

The genesis of AJL can perhaps be best explained by that old proverb, “Necessity is the mother of all invention” as well as Churchill’s advice to “Never let a good crisis go to waste”. Just imagine - and we all can, I’m sure - as the pandemic hit hard being laid off in 2019 before Job Keeper was in place. On top of this, Carly was due to give birth to their second child. With Andrew’s experience as a carpenter in his earlier days and then project management at McMahon Services as well as Carly’s background in construction management at the same company, they decided to venture out on their own. A humble beginning it was. A trailer, some tools and a newly-acquired SA Builder’s licence. Business grew steadily in part due to the HomeBuilder Grant scheme. Next step to accommodate the growing business was to find a premises and a base in an area where the couple wanted to raise their young family. Plus, it had to be in an area where there was a sustainable growth potential for the business. Victor Harbor, Middleton, Goolwa and Port Elliot are growing faster than other areas according to Andrew. He sees the new work-from-home arrangements as the driver for this. The southern Fleurieu is not just holiday homes these days. Without the need to be in a CBD office or long commutes, people are flocking to the south coast for the lifestyle.

Both Carly and Andrew love the southern coastline and the beaches. And something that really resonated with Andrew was the similarity of Victor Harbor to the town where he grew up as the youngest of four boys. Ocean Grove is a smallish beachside town just outside of Geelong. (Profiler’s note: Andrew was duly ragged for stealing OUR Grand Prix.)

Business has been booming for AJL. Neither supply-chain issues nor labour shortages have hindered the business to date. Word is out, and they’re even getting jobs interstate. That said, Andrew is conscious that their expansion plans may make it difficult to find the qualified builders and supervisors they may need to complement their current staff of nine. But, all things considered, it’s a great place to find themselves in post-2019. Plus, as they both emphasise, there’s no better place to call home. Another thing that they love is the sense of community they have with those at other small construction companies in the area. They’re friends and they don’t really compete says Andrew. There’s plenty of work for all and it’s a mutually supportive community. AJL’s business grows through word-of-mouth.

As usual, we conclude the interview with Andrew and Carly’s top tips.

Best place to....

•         Grab a quick bite … the Beach House Cafe at Encounter Bay

•         Have a more serious feed … Mums Beard Cafe at Victor

•         Get a cuppa … The Goods To Go Cafe and Catering close to their office. See my May 22 profile!

•         Have a beer (or cold drink) … Hotel Crown at Victor. They also like to get to the Encounter Bay Football Club where they are club sponsors

•         Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ... Down the Rabbit Hole Wines at McLaren Vale. For the views and atmosphere, you must go to Dudley Wines on Kangaroo Island

•         Go for a dip … they both love the South Coast for the swimming and surfing opportunities. Children, Ruby and Billy, are being introduced to the water

•         Explore nature … when they’re not at work, Andrew and Carly like riding around on their bikes with the littlies in tow along the Encounter Bay foreshore

When we’re on the Fleurieu and/or KI, we …

•         feel … completely at home!

•         always make sure we visit… Waitpinga for the swimming and surfing

Best memory of being here: Andrew nominates a few days after last Christmas when he went to the beach, sat by the water and realised how happy he is with his lot in life

Most colourful character Andrew has run into: Barry Dewson at CHOP IT Axe Throwing Alley at Victor Harbor

Our best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Stick to the water! The southern coastline is just wonderful

To conclude, they say their motto is what AJL lives and thrives by “Our Family Building for Yours”. A true family affair.

More information on AJL can be found on the Fleurieu App