The Greenzone team pride themselves on the strong relationships they’ve built with their customers. But how well do their customers know them? We asked the Greenzone team to tell us a little more about themselves.
Greenzone Termite Barrier is a small Australian owned company, launched in late 2017.
Led by general manager Brett Bowey, Greenzone’s national growth is supported by a dedicated team of account managers: Nathalie Clerk (Queensland and the Northern Territory), Ross McKenna (Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia), and Mark Harrison (New South Wales).
The Greenzone team pride themselves on the strong relationships they’ve built with their customers. But how well do their customers know them? We asked some questions to get to know the team.
What led you to get involved in the pre-construction termite prevention business?
BB I fell into the industry after being retrenched from a job I had for 27 years. Paul Commerford (Greenzone founder) needed someone to run his termite business, and the rest as they say, is history.
NC I’m passionate about supporting Australian manufacturing. Greenzone develops and manufactures quality Australian products, and I wanted to help grow an Australian company while protecting Australian homes from termite damage.
RMCK Brett reckoned I was the right person to get out and talk to the pesties. He said I could strike up a conversation with anyone – and I haven’t proved him wrong yet!
MH Total accident. I’m a Kiwi and we don’t have termites there. What got me was the people. It’s a small industry full of characters who run their own businesses and don’t suffer fools, and once they trust you, they’ll ring you for a chat about their kids as often as about product. That suited me.
Do you have a favourite Greenzone product and why?
BB Expansion Foam, as no one else has it in their range of products. A close second is Altis Pro.
NC Hands down – Greenzone Paint. It’s versatile, easy to use and solves so many challenges on site.
RMCK Foam, it’s on its own in the industry. No other product like it on the market.
MH Expansion Foam. It’s patented, it’s a joint filler and a termite barrier in the one product, and there’s nothing else like it. It’s also how most pesties first try us. Get someone on foam and they usually end up on socks, then sheet, then paint. The grey version has been a huge hit, it just looks professional on site.
Why should installers choose Greenzone products over alternatives?
BB As a company we are trustworthy and willing to help onsite at the drop of a hat, and we’re also Australian owned.
NC Greenzone Foam is world-class and provides a premium solution that builders are asking for and installers can confidently recommend.
RMCK We’re a one stop-shop for all pre-con products.
MH Three reasons. We’re 100% Australian owned and privately held, and the two main incumbent barrier brands are now both owned by one overseas multinational. Our CodeMark certification carries exactly the same legal standing at a materially better price per roll. And when you ring, you get service. That last one converts more accounts than anything on the price list.
What advice would you give to installers looking to improve their termite management solutions?
BB Keep learning, go to conferences, roadshows, etc. There are always new and innovative products on the market. Not all sites are the same; inspect the area you need to protect and use the correct product. One product does not fit all installs.
NC Keep learning, follow the Australian Standards, communicate with builders early and never cut corners. Best practice not only protects homes – it builds your reputation, grows your business and creates long-term success.
RMCK Explore all options and don’t be afraid to seek advice from experienced technicians.
MH Charge for what you’re already doing. Corners, collars, extra visits, documentation. Most blokes are giving away hundreds of dollars a job out of habit. And look hard at the reno market. Backer rod, sealant and paint together is a proper system and there are operators pulling $10,000 to $12,000 jobs out of it. That’s the best margin work in pre-con and most people aren’t touching it.
Okay, now to find out a bit more about the Greenzone on a more personal level.
Do you have a nickname and why?
BB Bowser, as in petrol bowser.
NC Tical. My father used to call me that, it means ‘Little Nat’.
RMCK Rosco. Every Ross gets a ‘co’ tacked on their name.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
BB Playing golf and watching my kids play football.
NC Bush walking, jet skiing, shooting, camping, quality time with the family and enjoying the occasional party with friends.
RMCK Golf, Hawthorn footy team, playing darts and greyhound racing.
MH Gym and most mornings a swim at Manly beach. Plus, visiting bookshops. I did a history degree, so I read far too much.
What is your most irrational fear?
BB Finding an answer to this question.
NC Clowns chasing me.
RMCK Eaten by a shark or crocodile.
MH When the tines of forks interlace, there’s no logic to this, but it gives me the heebie jeebies.
What is the most ridiculous conspiracy theory you actually believe?
BB Donald Trump winning his 40th Club Championship with a 2 under par.
NC Trump is cloned and the government killed Charlie Kirk.
RMCK Walking on the moon.
MH Supermarket trolleys are deliberately built to pull to the left, so you drift into the expensive aisle. I know, but watch for yourself next time.
What is the most useless fact you know?
BB Cows have regional accents in their mooing depending upon where they live.
NC Honey never spoils, it can last thousands of years, making it one of the few foods that never goes off.
RMCK The inventor of Pringles loved the container so much that part of his ashes were buried inside an original Pringles can.
MH Australia lost a war to emus. 1932, Western Australia, machine guns and everything. The emus won.
What is the most memorable sporting moment you have witnessed?
BB Melbourne winning the AFL Grand Final in 2021 and my son Jake Bowey playing a significant role.
NC Watching Duncan Armstrong winning the 1988 Olympic gold medal in the 200 m freestyle. I was actually in labour at the time and when his coach celebrated, my waters broke!
MCK 1989 AFL Grand Final Hawthorn v Geelong. Hawks won by six points.
