About Us
We build homes around your life, delivering quality construction
with clarity, care, and craftsmanship.
Israel
Director, LBP Builder
I grew up making things, spent my twenties learning the trade, and have spent the last decade building IJM into something I’m genuinely proud of. I care about good work, strong teams, and doing things properly the first time. Outside of work I’m a husband and dad, and most of my time is spent with family, which keeps everything in perspective. I know what good quality looks like, I care about the details, and I want every client we work with to feel confident they made the right call choosing us.
Melissa
Operations Manager, Health and Safety
Melissa has spent over 21 years in management roles across both small and large businesses, along with a 10-year background in natural therapies and life coaching. She used to travel often, but these days you’ll usually find her at home working on renovation projects with her partner, putting her creative side to good use. As Operations & HR Manager, she’s brought real structure and organisation to the business. She brings clarity, warmth, and a genuinely caring approach to both clients and the team.
Dax
Projects Manager, LBP Builder
Mike
Qualified Builder
Jason
Qualified Builder
Jason completed his apprenticeship with IJM and has grown into a builder who enjoys the process of creating something from nothing. Outside of work, he spends a lot of time on music production, creating and experimenting with AI-assisted tracks for platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Whether it’s building or music, he enjoys creating things that feel considered and real.
David
4th Year Apprentice
Every team needs someone who just quietly gets things done, and that’s David. He’s a father of four, which probably explains both his fitness and his calm, no-fuss approach on site. He’s the kind of guy who will shift a concrete table before most people have had their first coffee, then still finish the day with energy to spare. He cares about doing things properly, looks out for the people around him, and brings a steady, reliable presence to every job.
Stefan
4th Year Apprentice
Stefan comes from a background in software and web development and brings that problem-solving mindset into everything he does. He’s a father of two, enjoys a bit of downtime on the golf course when he gets the chance, and approaches work in a practical, straightforward way. He’s not overcomplicated or flashy — just focused on finding solutions and getting things working the way they should. He brings a relaxed, easy-going energy to the team.
Ethan
2nd Year Apprentice
Ethan is the youngest on the team, but you’d never know it from how he carries himself. He started out teaching himself coding before going on to complete a computer science degree, and he’s brought that analytical way of thinking into construction. He’s friendly, respectful, always willing to help, and genuinely keen to learn and improve wherever he can. Whether it’s supporting the team or picking up new skills, he’s always moving forward.
How it all began:
I have been swinging a hammer for over 20 years now, yikes. I discovered the woodworking arts in High School, when I chose on my own accord to spend my lunch breaks fussing over my latest Pine, Oak or Rimu creation. By no great design, actually rather by the lure of clever marketing (free tools!) I found myself enrolled at a local pre-trade course following my school years, G&H Training. My distinctive memory of that time was eternally failing my practical wooden mallet making assessment. At first I grew wildly resentful of my tutor making me completely start over for the slightest imperfection. However I quickly embraced the challenge and became intrinsically motivated to make the world’s most perfect wooden mallet … I went from 1 or 2 mallets per afternoon to 10 or more discarded imperfect mallets per day. Through this process I learned the art of a finely sharpened carpenter’s pencil for maximum accuracy, how to sharpen my chisel so sharp I could shave the hairs off my arm, and millimeter perfection with my square and rule. Whether I succeeded in making the perfect wooden hammer I genuinely can’t remember, I assume they eventually gave me a pass so they wouldn’t run out of wood for the other students.
I secured a building apprenticeship the next year with a start up business called Premier Homes. I was Mike’s first apprentice, and for the first two years I had his full attention. As a carpenter trained as a finishing hand, Mike was an extraordinary teacher, I am very grateful for the time I had with him.
This set me down a path of a total love affair for building houses. I bought my own run down doer upper project at the ripe old age of 19. Here I was free to learn, make mistakes, and get creative. Since then I have had the absolute privilege of building two of my own houses. It’s a funny feeling waking up after 18 months of living in a house you’ve built for yourself thinking, time to do it all again! But once you’ve got the bug, that’s it really.
IJM Construction started very small. My first client was Triesta Smiley. I replaced her kitchen. Then her bathroom. Then her front door and kitchen door and entry. She promoted my new business on the hospital intranet for years to come. What an absolute delight. I hired my first apprentice who trained with me all the way to becoming qualified, and slowly the company grew. I have an amazing team around me that I’m exceedingly proud of, Melissa is a powerhouse in the office. Dax runs the show on the ground and keeps everything running smoothly. I’m very grateful for my team, my lovely family, and to be able to serve the community of Hawke’s Bay.
Why Choose Us?
Built around your life — not just a plan.
