In 2009, Homes By CMA started with just one build. Sixteen years later, they’ve delivered nearly 2,000 homes and grown into a serious force in Queensland’s building scene. But behind the sales figures, impeccable branding, and growth charts is something you won’t always find in volume construction: a family that’s still in it, together, every day.

When we sat down with Chris Baptista, CMA’s founder and Director, it quickly became clear that what sets CMA apart isn’t just the scale. It’s the structure. At the heart of it all is a tight-knit family unit that runs the business like it’s an extension of their home.

“From the start, it was always gonna be a family business. We all work together.”

“I manage the whole business… my dad’s on-site, and my mum’s in accounts. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses and it just works perfect.”

Chris’s dad, a builder by trade, is still on the ground checking jobs and solving problems. His mum manages the cashflow, and, as Chris puts it, she’s the reason the business is debt-free.

“My dad and I have really zero care about the numbers. I have no idea how much is in the bank account. I have no idea about nothing. And he has no idea either.”

“My mum controls all that, which is really good, because I’m not good at it.”

It’s honest, a bit raw, and exactly the kind of grounded insight you don’t get outside of The Good Builder community. The business didn’t grow overnight, and there was no secret formula.

Just hard work, risk, and an unrelenting drive to do things differently.

“The first year we did one build. Second year, two builds. And then it just slowly escalated… before we knew it, we had 50 jobs on the ground.”

For the first seven or eight years, Chris admits he lived like a monk, seven-day work weeks, no social life, total sacrifice.

Chris reflected on the early years,

“Don’t talk to me unless it’s about building houses. Don’t talk to me unless it’s about building a business. That was it.”

And that drive paid off. Last year, CMA turned over $150 million, surpassing Chris’s original goal of $100 million.

But it’s not just about the numbers. It’s how CMA has maintained a personal, hands-on approach even while scaling. Chris recalls building that first spec home in North Lakes with his dad, doing everything themselves except the plumbing, electrical and waterproofing. Slab, frame, stairs, render, paint… all done by hand.

Even today, CMA is known for sharp pricing, customisation and strong after-sales service. They’ve got a dedicated maintenance team because, as Chris says, “You can’t call yourself a good builder if you just hand over the keys and disappear.”

“Maintenance is one of our biggest things.”

Maybe that’s the real takeaway, CMA’s approach feels personable. It’s a business that’s grown fast but hasn’t lost touch with where it started or who’s behind it.

“Honestly, I’m proud of CMA and everything we’ve done. But finding the right person to share life with… I’d trade it all for that. You work so much that you become like a machine. I’m glad I found someone that reminded me why I do this.”

That’s the thing about family businesses. They’re not just about profits. They’re about people. About building something that lasts, not just something that sells.

So here’s the reflection: If you’re growing your own building business, are you building it around your values or chasing volume without the backbone?

How are you making sure your business still feels like yours?

Author: The Good Builder

The Good Builder is a media platform that provides news and insights for Australia’s home building industry. From exclusive stories and curated insights to bold industry perspectives, we deliver the news and updates that keep builders, suppliers, and the entire home building industry inspired and ahead of the curve.