As we continue our series celebrating Plan B Services’ 20-year milestone, we dive deeper into the company’s heart with insights from Adrian Snowden, the General Manager of Operations. Having been with Plan B for 17 of those transformative years, Adrian offers a unique perspective on the growth, evolution, and expansion that have shaped the company into the industry leader it is today. This article not only reflects on the milestones achieved but also captures the essence of what sets Plan B apart from others in the industry.

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership

Adrian joined Plan B Services nearly two decades ago in what was then a Project Superintendent role – a position that has since evolved into what we now recognise as Project Management. “When I started, the company was still finding its feet in many ways,” Adrian recalls. “My role initially focused on electrical tenders and pre-audits, and there was very limited project management, unlike today.”

Adrian’s career progression mirrors the company’s growth, adapting alongside Plan B to industry changes. He advanced through roles in Project Management and Design, eventually becoming the General Manager of each team. In 2021, a slight restructuring combined the design and project management roles into the General Manager of Operations, a strategic move to better align services with client needs.

The Plan B Way: Culture and Values at the Core

According to Adrian, what truly sets Plan B apart is the company’s unwavering commitment to its people, clients, and projects. “Our approach was born in the early days when the business needed to be service-oriented. We’ve now established a culture built around the Plan B Way, a set of five guiding values that are at the core of every single interaction we have, be it with our clients & staff or when making business decisions” he says. This ethos, deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA, drives every decision, ensuring that Plan B remains a leader in innovation and client satisfaction.

Adrian describes the Plan B Way as a core philosophy that shapes every facet of the company. “It’s about the passion and dedication of our team. It empowers individuals to develop while maintaining clear expectations. We’ve cultivated a positive environment where everyone feels engaged and challenged every day,” he says. “Our culture fosters personal growth, opportunity, excitement, and enthusiasm, which in turn ensures that our clients benefit from having the best people driving their projects to success.”

Filling the Gaps: Innovation Through Necessity

One of the proudest achievements during Adrian’s tenure has been the company’s ability to identify and address industry gaps. “A standout moment was when we ventured into Asset Detailing with an innovative approach using GPS technology,” Adrian recalls. “Initially, it wasn’t something we thought we could do, but client demand drove us to take it on.” This move wasn’t just about expanding services; it was about applying the unique Plan B approach to solve significant challenges for clients.

“We learned a valuable lesson – our clients often direct the industry, and as long as we stay closely engaged with them, we can deliver what’s needed,” Adrian says. This approach has become a hallmark of Plan B’s success. The company continuously evolves its services to meet the critical needs of major projects, ensuring that every gap is filled with expertise and innovation.

The Evolution of Services: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Over the years, Plan B has evolved significantly. What started as a company focused on electrical consulting and design has grown into a critical player in the successful delivery of major projects. “Our services have become essential to the projects we work on. We don’t just do what’s asked of us; we bring what’s needed to make these projects successful,” Adrian explains.

Plan B’s proactive approach offers clients unique benefits by de-risking projects and ensuring timely delivery. By prioritising the quality of our services, we guarantee that every project we handle meets the highest standards, an approach recognised by the highest industry ratings. This is achieved through the expertise of specially trained individuals, each responsible for their specific area, and playing a part in delivering exceptional results. Plan B is the pivotal group in setting the exceptional industry standards we see today and acting as the conduit between electrical authorities and industry bodies, such as the UDIA.

Client Feedback: A Testament to Success

Client feedback is the backbone of Plan B’s business model. “We actively pursue feedback from both our staff and clients on a regular basis,” Adrian shares. “Hearing how our team embodies the Plan B spirit is always gratifying, but it’s the full spectrum of feedback that drives us forward.” This continuous feedback loop sharpens our commitment to excellence and underscores the deep, trust-based relationships we’ve cultivated over the years.

Adrian emphasises the importance of these relationships, not just with clients but also with industry partners. “The relationships we’ve built over time – with staff, clients, and industry stakeholders – are the most rewarding aspect of my journey here,” he reflects. These connections have been instrumental in driving Plan B’s growth, providing the foundation for the company’s continued success.

The Future: Embracing Change and Innovation

As the industry undergoes significant changes, particularly with the rise of renewables and the shift towards all-electric communities, Plan B is poised to stay ahead of the curve. “The electrical industry is going through its biggest shakeup in the last 20 years. It’s our goal to stay up to date with these changes and work collaboratively with industry partners to build successful projects,” Adrian says.

Looking ahead, Plan B remains committed to innovation and growth. “Our team loves the challenge of pushing service and delivery boundaries. We approach every project with a positive mindset, asking ‘what if it works?’ This attitude keeps us ahead of industry trends and ensures that we continue to offer unparalleled services to our clients,” Adrian explains.

A Journey Far from Over

As Plan B celebrates two decades of success, it’s clear that the journey is far from over. The company’s growth, evolution, and expansion over the years are a testament to its strong foundations and the dedication of its team. “It’s been an amazing journey, but we’re only just getting started” Adrian reflects. “Business development and growth have kept it engaging and energetic. We’ve built something special here by getting the right people and creating an environment where they want to succeed.”

As Plan B Services looks to the future, this sentiment rings true. The company’s commitment to innovation, culture, and client satisfaction will undoubtedly drive its continued success for many its continued success for many years to come.

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This October marks 20 years since Plan B Services first opened its doors. We have exciting plans to commemorate this incredible milestone, including articles like this one covering how we got started, some of the challenges we’ve overcome along the way and what we’re most excited about in the future. Thank you for being a part of our story.