Summary:

The fractures left by COVID-19 still run deep in Australia’s construction sector — but leaders like Joseph Kanaan, General Manager – Building Markets Selection Steel, are working to restore trust between builders, trades, and suppliers. His simple ethos? If we look after the industry, the industry will look after us.

The lingering scars of COVID-19

Australia’s construction industry is still navigating the aftershocks of the COVID-19 era. Builders, trades, and suppliers — once bound by strong relationships, now often find themselves working in silos.

Supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and skills shortages during the pandemic pushed many companies into survival mode. Relationships were tested, and in some cases, trust was eroded.

But while the sector wrestles with these new realities, there are voices advocating for a more collaborative path forward.

Joseph Kanaan’s philosophy: “We run our business like a barbecue”

One of those voices belongs to Joseph Kanaan, General Manager of Selection Steel.

Kanaan’s philosophy is disarmingly simple: “We run our business like a barbecue — everyone’s welcome, and everyone gets looked after.”

At a time when many builders feel squeezed by dominant suppliers or left to fend for themselves in a volatile market, Kanaan and his team are offering a different approach, one based on fairness, transparency, and true partnership.

Backing the whole industry, not just the biggest players

Selection Steel, along with Group innovations like Go Frame It, has focused on empowering both large and small players across the construction ecosystem.

Rather than chasing monopolies or focusing solely on volume, the company supports independent rollformers and builders with quality products, education, and competitive pricing.

“If we look after the industry, the industry will look after us,” Kanaan said, an ethos that feels increasingly rare in today’s highly competitive market.

This approach is not only good business, it’s also helping rebuild the trust that was fractured during the toughest years of the pandemic.

Focusing on solutions — not just surviving the past

Kanaan acknowledges that COVID-19 left lasting challenges:

Supply chain fragility, strained builder-supplier relationships, and a lingering skills shortage.

But he’s quick to point out that dwelling on these challenges won’t move the industry forward.

Instead, Kanaan champions solutions and proactive collaboration across every link in the chain.

By offering builders practical tools, educational resources, and a supplier relationship built on integrity — not just transactions — Selection Steel is modelling what post-pandemic partnership should look like.

Relationships are everything

In Kanaan’s words: “Relationships are everything. We want to be a positive influence in the industry, not just a supplier.”

And it’s clear this philosophy is resonating.

Across the market, builders and suppliers are increasingly looking for partners they can trust — not just in good times, but when the next challenge inevitably comes.

Selection Steel’s leadership serves as a reminder that success and integrity can go hand in hand.

A blueprint for healing the divide

Healing the divide between builders, trades, and suppliers won’t happen overnight. But with leaders like Joseph Kanaan helping set a new tone, there is real cause for optimism.

By focusing on collaboration over control, and relationships over short-term wins, companies like Selection Steel are helping build a more resilient and united construction industry.

As the sector continues to rebuild trust post-COVID, it’s clear: healing the divide isn’t just possible — it’s happening.

If you’ve got a story about positive leadership or collaboration in our industry, we’d love to hear it. Get in touch with The Good Builder.

Contact us at [email protected]

Author: TGB Editorial