Throughout its 40 year history, the FKG Group has developed an enviable reputation as a leading Head Contractor, known for delivering a wide variety of outstanding building and engineering projects in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
The privately-owned, diversified company undertakes projects across all sectors for both government and private clients. Building projects proudly undertaken include industrial facilities, schools and tertiary education buildings, hospitals and medical centres, aged care and retirement facilities, retail centres, performing arts centres and community facilities, hospitality and tourism buildings, defence, aviation and transport infrastructure.
The civil business is an active contractor in a broad range of sectors, including the coal seam gas sector, state roads and infrastructure for Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), private developers and the regional aviation sector.
The company is particularly experienced in design and construct projects, supported by a large team of highly skilled in-house design managers and services engineers.
As a leading Tier-2 contractor with an unrivalled safety record, the FKG Group of companies employs more than 850 direct employees through eight offices and prides itself on its commitment to supporting the local communities within which it works.
The FKG Group is built from a 40-year construction and engineering heritage, established by Francis Gardner, a local builder in the South West Queensland Region of Brookstead, 180 kilometres West of Brisbane. The business soon expanded as Francis was joined by his five sons, Gary, Frank, Bruce, Paul and Wayne.
Today, the FKG Group has an enviable, diverse portfolio of projects. This experience, coupled with sound reinvestment decisions, has formed the robust financial platform that has enabled the FKG Group to grow to the top Tier-2 contractor that it is today.
Gary Gardner, the Executive Chairman, and his son Nick Gardner, the Managing Director, have ensured the core family values remain central to the FKG Group’s operations, building a culture of honesty and integrity while delivering quality outcomes for clients; performing beyond expectations.
In everything we do we go beyond, acting with honesty, openness and care. Not because we have to, but because we want to. Acting with integrity is its own reward; but by investing in our people, our clients, our community and our environment we can also develop strong foundations for future growth and innovation across the industries we operate in.
We are practical people who look for efficient and cost-effective solutions to any problem. We use logic, but we use it in our own way: creatively. We solve problems with imagination, inventiveness and an eye for innovation, looking at them from every possible angle, until we settle on a dynamic solution for our client.
We are not just smart. We’re smart and quick, and this makes us flexible. We make sure we’re always properly prepared, because the better we understand a situation, the quicker we can adapt. The quicker we can adapt, then the more we can evolve, and the more successful we will be.
Gary Gardner Executive Chairman
A carpenter by trade, Gary Gardner has worked his way through the business, started by his father, and has now been at the helm of the FKG Group for almost 40 years.
Gary’s entrepreneurial ability and focus on managed expansion has seen the FKG Group grow from a small business to a diverse organisation that provides integrated construction, engineering and support services for the property, resources, infrastructure and government sectors.
Nick Gardner Managing Director
BASC (Construction Management), DipPM, Dip Building
As the FKG Group Managing Director, Nick’s strong business acumen has adapted and diversified the business over the years to maximise business opportunities resulting in continued growth and ongoing success for the FKG Group.
Nick’s expertise in business operations ensures that vital issues are adhered to at a high industry standard, and he is highly respected for his proactive approach to safety and dedication to ensuring all employees operate within safe work environments. Over the years he has spearheaded and promoted several safety initiatives including FKG’s highly successful Planning for Safety and 100 Days of Safety campaigns, aimed at educating office and site staff on common safety issues and risk mitigation strategies.
Ben Mendl Chief Financial Officer
BFA, CA, GAICD
Ben is a Chartered Accountant and Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, with 24 years’ experience gained in both public practice and commercial roles. His extensive financial knowledge and strong business acumen assist in providing strategic financial support to the entire FKG Group, as our Chief Financial Officer.
Ben leads a team of finance professionals who provide accounting, financial, treasury and payroll services, as well as providing guidance on cost management, forecasting, corporate financial analysis and investment due diligence.
Grant Statton CEO - Digital Innovation and Energy
B. Comm, CA, Member Institute of Chartered Accountants
Grant is the CEO for Digital Innovation and Energy for the FKG Group and is currently leading the development of a Global Agrifood Innovation Precinct. The development will be a multi-faceted world-class technology, innovation and fresh food district which will incorporate an integrated agriculture community; transportation and freight access; low cost energy solutions; and collaboration and technology focuses.
With over 20 years’ experience working in commercial accounting and business consulting roles, Grant has been an integral part of the FKG Group since 2006, including 12 years as the company CFO – a role which he held until transitioning into the newly created role of CEO for Digital Innovation and Energy.
Jack Gardner Group Manager - Developments
Jack joined the FKG Group in 2011 and has extensive property development experience, managing complex projects through the development lifecycle, from feasibility studies through to construction.
Working closely with his clients, Jack shares his knowledge and experience while gaining an understanding of their needs, which formula has proven a recipe for success in delivering exceptional projects in a timely manner.
As Group Manager – Developments, Jack leads an experienced team of professionals, sharing his vision and the strategic direction of the business, while managing the FKG Group’s extensive property portfolio.
Rob Power Group Manager - Civil
BEng (Civil)
Rob originally joined the FKG Group in 2006. With a career spanning over twenty years in the civil construction industry, Rob is an accomplished and knowledgeable engineer. His civil background spans across various disciplines including bulk earthworks, pavements, services and concrete structures.
As Group Manager – Civil, Rob leads the development and delivery of the FKG Group’s Civil business throughout Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. His role also includes the development and implementation of the team’s business plan, conversion of opportunities, and ensuring our projects are successfully delivered.
Dave Vicenzino Group Manager - Construction
BAppSc (ConstMgt)
Dave Vicenzino has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry delivering large, complex projects for clients in the government, health, industrial and educational sectors. With many years’ experience Dave understands the importance of building strong stakeholder relationships and partners with his clients, offering them innovative and practical solutions.
As Group Manager – Construction Dave leads a dedicated team of professionals and with a highly developed business acumen provides the strategic direction in developing and implementing the construction team’s business plan to further expand into Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
Hayley Hubbard Group Manager - Corporate Services
B.Sci(Psych), B.Bus (HRM)
Hayley holds over 16 years experience working across Human Resources and Corporate Services functions, predominately in the heavy industry sector including transport, construction, engineering and resources. The roles Hayley has undertaken throughout her career have provided her with a thorough knowledge and understanding of Industrial Relations, Human Resource and Corporate Service functions.
Within her role, Hayley is responsible for all support services including Human Resources, Payroll, Marketing, Information Technology, Systems and People Development. Hayley is focused on working collaboratively with the FKG Group business units and corporate service specialists to provide solutions and support that enables the delivery of quality projects.
The FKG Group is committed to going above and beyond delivering quality workmanship, building long-term client relationships and providing cost-effective, project solutions. Our extensive award wins are testament to our commitment and track record.
THE FKG GROUP IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.