Little did Wim Van Der Pols know when he built Jason Sherriff’s first home 25 years ago that this initial encounter would result in a partnership which is changing the face of the region and making dreams come true.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wim, through his own building firm, undertook several construction projects for Jason in the early 2000s, so when he spotted a development opportunity in Perth, where he has lived for 30 years, he immediately thought of Jason.
In 2007 they created Shervan and began developing 45 blocks of land which Jason admits caused some trepidation.
“It was a big step and a big financial commitment, but Wim knew the Perth market better than I did,” he said.
The gamble paid off. The company has since developed around 200 blocks in the Northern Midlands municipality, bringing to more than 300 the total number of blocks developed around the region.
From their first building project, an eight-unit complex in Perth, they have graduated to multi-million dollar developments like Alanvale Estate which will eventually contain 82 homes.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, however Wim and Jason have successfully navigated their way through the ups and downs of the local property market with Growth Developments becoming one of the largest residential developers in Northern Tasmania.
Wim explained that it was their individual businesses that carried them through.
“They helped ease the pain and keep construction going,” he said.
This momentum also maintained a positive approach to the projects.
In 2012 the market stabilised and both agreed it was time for a change.
Shervan became Growth Developments to reflect the evolution the business was undergoing and the direction it was taking, and what started as an exercise in profitability, now also focuses heavily on affordable, very livable housing.
“We develop areas where people can create a lifestyle,” Wim explained.
Jason agrees.
“We spend a great deal of time researching these projects and choosing the right ones and we both need to get excited about it.”
This consultation process means that the company selects around 50 per cent of the projects it reviews.
They also like to share the benefits, using local products, companies, contractors, and subcontractors wherever possible.
Clearly, it’s a very successful partnership with both bringing complementary skills to the table, and a great passion for what they do.
“From a paddock, we can create a city, “ Jason said.
The pair joke that they have a mobile office with a car bonnet as a desk and a front seat for a filing cabinet.
Now that’s vision.
