As we celebrate 20 years of Plan B Services, it’s essential to reflect on our journey — our origins, challenges, and milestones that got us to where we are today. Our story is one of vision, determination, and a commitment to excellence.

Plan B Services was established in 2004 by Pete Brenchley, who aimed to create an electrical design and project management firm that would distinguish itself from the competition. Drawing on his background in the land development industry, Pete identified a gap in the market for a company that could merge technical expertise with effective people management skills. “I always wanted to work with people – I thought I had a knack for managing people and motivating them to perform,” Pete recalls. After two years of planning and preparation, Plan B Services was ready to launch.

Like many startups, there were significant challenges in its early years. Financing the business was a constant concern. “The first five years are always the toughest,” Pete notes. Finding the right staff to match the company’s pace of growth was another hurdle. Despite these obstacles, the team’s determination and resilience saw them through. “We had some really great people on board, which gave me a lot of confidence,” he recalls.

Pete enjoys looking back on the company’s modest beginnings, when they operated from a small office with a team of four, eagerly anticipating incoming calls. “We would sit there and wait for the phone to ring, and when it did, we could offer a speedy electrical design service because we had nothing else to do!” It was a time of uncertainty but also one of determination and hard work. Sharing personal stories from those early days, Pete emphasises the challenges and successes of building Plan B — from the anxiety of waiting for calls to the excitement of reaching significant revenue milestones. “At one stage, I had to borrow money from the bank and even from my dad’s best mate to keep the business afloat,” he recalls. Yet despite these enormous challenges, his determination to succeed never wavered.

The turning point for Plan B Services came in 2006 when the business started to take off. “I still remember when we hit our first major milestone. It was like, wow, that’s crazy,” Pete reminisces. This success resulted from the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the years of trial and error and learning, the business refined its operations and attracted more professional talent, bolstering our offering.

Our enduring relationships with clients are key to our recipe for success. “We have clients who have been with us for 20 years, and that has been the backbone of our business,” Pete proudly shares. This longevity is a testament to the company’s commitment to client satisfaction and its ethos of exceeding expectations.

Another key factor in Plan B’s success lies in its company values and culture. Early on, the company adopted the motto ‘whatever it takes’ to reflect its dedication to exceeding client expectations. This mindset has become deeply ingrained in the company culture. “We did whatever was needed to get the job done, often without asking for compensation. It is now a standard part of our approach,” Pete explains. 

Plan B Services’ journey has also been one of personal growth for Pete. “I was aggressive and strong-willed in the early days, fighting for my team and clients. Over the years, I’ve learned to reflect and review in order to be a better leader,” he says.

Sam Nettelbeck, Adrian Snowden and Pete Brenchley of Plan B Group.

To foster a positive and inclusive work environment, we have developed and implemented a set of staff-driven values and behaviours. “Ten years ago, we put together a set of values to ensure we walk the talk when it comes to all of our interactions,” Pete says. This approach, now known as ‘the Plan B Way’ – helps the team maintain high standards and provides strong leadership. As a testament to its effectiveness, Plan B Services was voted into the top 10 of the Australian Financial Review’s Best Places to Work list within the industry in 2023.

As we look ahead, Plan B Services is dedicated to maintaining its position as the leading electrical and telecommunications consultant in the land development sector. Pete envisions expanding our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. “Understanding our clients’ businesses and adapting to their needs is crucial. We need to understand this if we are going to help our clients become successful. We will continue to put in the work required to provide the best service in this industry,” Pete emphasises. 

Plan B Services’ journey over the past 20 years is a testament to our team’s vision, hard work, and dedication. Starting from humble beginnings, we have evolved into an industry leader, showcasing resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As we move forward, we remain focused on our core values, which have brought us to where we are today, and we are devoted to providing the very best service to our clients.

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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.