PUTTING FAMILY FIRST

COUNTRY LIVING HOMES MANAGING DIRECTOR MARK RAVENSCROFT HAS OVERSEEN IMPRESSIVE GROWTH, BUT NEVER LOST SIGHT OF WHAT MAKES THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS SUCH A SUCCESS.

- PAUL MERRILL

NAME: Mark Ravenscroft

COMPANY: Country Living Homes

POSITION: Managing Director

LOCATION: Moonta, Australia

Calling Country Living Homes a family business is something of an understatement. Managing Director Mark Ravenscroft founded the company 15 years ago after spotting a gap in the South Australian market for transportable buildings and took no chances when it came to filling a number of key roles.

“It’s family owned and we’ve got three generations of Ravenscrofts,” Mark tells The CEO Magazine. “That sort of thing is important for our customers – they want to know they’re dealing with a company that’s going to be around for a long time to come.”

His dad Ian, a former Chair of the South Australian Country Cricket Association, is one of the firm’s sales consultants, Mark’s wife Julia works with clients during their initial consultations and their son Jack is a sales executive. Their daughter Hollie used to work in the finance department, but left to join an accountancy firm.

“She hasn’t completely left though,” Mark smiles. “The firm she works for does our books and she works on our account. I want the family to continue serving the community for generations to come. It’d be great if one day my grandkids can get involved as well. I’m really just setting up a legacy for my family and for my son, who’s going to eventually take over the business.”