Being a small business owner in today’s modern world is something completely different to what we have historically been accustomed to. Not only has covid forced us to step outside of our comfort zones in business, it has shown us that it is healthy to reinvent the wheel from time to time for continued growth.

This is where a structured approach to daily operations has been a necessity for survival. In the drilling world, you either exist to support your family via the family business model or you choose to take that next step and expand to encompass all that the drilling game has to offer.

GeoDrill Australia has done just that; stepped outside the comforts of small business and entered the territory where the big guns play. Has this been confronting, yes. Has it been stressful, yes. Has it been exciting all at the same time, absolutely yes! When Emma and Tom, owners of GeoDrill Australia and son of founder Steve Partleton embarked on their journey as business owners in 2017, the family legacy was the key focus to sustained growth and relationships that were formed over time would ensure the family business remained intact.

However; one key goal was to take a more strategic approach and diversify in drilling methodologies to cater to a wider customer base for long term sustainability. How? The right team accompanied with the knowledge and skills to ensure this strategy’s success was put into place. This took time, courage, energy, effort and financial investment, but it was all worth it!

Today, GeoDrill Australia are recognised as preferred suppliers for Tier One companies throughout Australia, for geotechnical and exploration drilling programs. They are also recognised as the preferred supplier for water bore drilling in Queensland. Key factors for success are attributed to people, processes, planning and strategy for excellence in customer service, safety and capabilities.

An integral part for the success of this expansion has seen the drilling fleet and team grow to meet customer demands. “Our team is our secret weapon and the key to success; we could not have succeeded without each and every one of them”, Tom Partleton. “To say that we haven’t learned a lot about our business and ourselves over the past four years is an
understatement. The trials and tribulations are what makes it all more worth the while.”

In closing, if we could offer anything at all by way of advice for other business owners, it would be to surround yourself with like minded individuals who understand you and your business. They will bring invaluable insight and share the passion that you have for your business. Secondly, don’t be afraid of change or stepping outside of your comfort zone, because as they say, this is where the magic happens!

Article by Kym Rayfield