In an industry where staff turnover is expected and burnout is commonplace, Murphy Group is writing a different story — one built on relationships, loyalty, and genuine leadership.
Today, the business boasts 14 team members who’ve been there for over a decade, including one who’s clocked up 27 years. That kind of commitment doesn’t happen by accident.
“We celebrate our 10-year-plus team every year… next year it’ll be 14 of them,”
– Brooke Bastien, Director, Murphy Group
In an 80+ person business, that level of retention signals something deeper than policy or perks — it’s culture. And it’s one that’s been carefully shaped over 50 years.
From the Tools to the Top
Unlike many who inherit management titles, Murphy Group’s current leadership team earned their stripes the hard way.
“We didn’t walk into these roles. We started from the ground up… that helps us lead better,”
– Mark Berry, GM, Murphy Group
Whether it was Brooke on reception and deliveries, or Mark starting as a carpenter and climbing through the ranks, the experience on the ground now drives how they lead.
“It helps us understand every part of the business. We’ve done the ‘real’ stuff,”
– Brooke Bastien
It’s no coincidence that staff respect the leadership team — because the leadership team respects the staff.
Holding Onto the Family Feel
As the company scaled into three divisions — including multi-residential, retail, and commercial — keeping the small-business heart became a deliberate mission.
“The bigger it gets, the harder it is to keep. But we really try to keep that family feel throughout the business,”
– Brooke Bastien
That means visibility. Accessibility. People knowing they can reach the top if they need to. And when times got tough during COVID, leadership didn’t hide — they stepped up.
“I went back and supervised for a few months in Newcastle. You’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do,”
– Mark Berry
This wasn’t a one-off gesture. It was a reflection of how seriously they take responsibility — for their people, their projects, and the values they represent.
Structure That Protects the Vibe
With growth came new challenges. It became impossible for everyone to report directly to the top, so the team built a leadership layer to support the business — without diluting the culture.
“It just got to the size where we couldn’t handle it all anymore… so we built a senior leadership team,”
– Brooke Bastien
It worked. Today, that leadership team is known for being not only capable, but approachable — a trait that continues to shape the Murphy Group reputation internally and externally.
“The vibe comes from the people who lead the business… they’re approachable, and that just filters down,”
– Brooke Bastien
A Legacy of Loyalty
What started as a small family business on the Sunshine Coast is now a well-structured, multi-regional operation. But the heart remains the same.
“We’re super aware of how amazing our team is — at every level. There’s so much dedication and loyalty here. We’re really grateful for that,”
– Brooke Bastien
This kind of culture doesn’t just build good projects — it builds good lives.
Are You Building a Culture That Lasts?
At The Good Builder, we spotlight companies like Murphy Group — businesses proving that people matter just as much as projects.
If your business is creating a great place to work and grow, we want to hear from you. Get in touch with us on [email protected].
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