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A quarter of a century in business is a feat worth celebrating…at least twice. On 17 October we were thrilled to join with our clients, partners and team at the Root Partnerships’ 25th Anniversary party in Melbourne.
We thought it might be hard to top our Sydney event in July, but our Melbourne celebration at The Capitol certainly gave it a run for its money. There was glitz, glamour and a little bit of magic from our roving entertainers thrown in as well, as our photo album from the night shows.
As CEO David Gundy – a proud Melburnian – noted on the night, “Let me say standing here and admiring such an architectural icon as The Capitol, the first reinforced concrete structure in Melbourne and an art deco interior that has truly been returned to its finest form, that we do glamour pretty well in Melbourne.”
It was wonderful to celebrate in the recently renovated theatre, The Capitol, given Root Partnerships were members of the project team for the refurbishment.
It is a hallmark of our business that we forge strong partnerships with our clients – we value our enduring relationships, support our clients in achieving their visions and, of course, celebrate their successes too.
“That The Capitol has been returned to its current and spectacular state by our client RMIT, and today is being run by another of our clients, ACMI, truly made it a fitting venue for our party,” says David.
While Root Partnerships was founded in 1994 in Sydney by Peter Root, Melbourne was soon in his sights as an important focus for the business.
“Shortly after setting up the business in Sydney, I quickly understood it was important to have a presence in Melbourne with the many exciting opportunities this city afforded,” says Peter. “There is a rich history of great ideas and achievement in Melbourne in regard to the built environment and I am proud we have been able to play our part here.”
It is notable that one of Root Partnerships’ first projects in Melbourne was for our long-time clients Melbourne Airport – a partnership that spans 22 years. And it was another early project for the Melbourne Museum that first brought David Gundy into the business.
“What has really mattered to me over my professional lifetime is the quality, longevity and resilience of the many relationships that have been so fundamental to our history,” says Peter.
“Of our some 1500 projects over the last 25 years, it is a great source of satisfaction that many of these are truly spectacular and of great value to our community. And while many of these are very memorable, my strongest memories are primarily those relating to the people with whom we have worked,” he says.
“All successful projects are the result of well-managed, highly motivated teams of very talented people,” continues Peter. “My business partners David Gundy, COO Mac Lydiard and I, are fortunate to continue to have the opportunity to work with great teams – from our staff who are the engine room of our business, to our clients and stakeholders.”
With the business more than doubling in size over the last five years Root Partnerships has been on a tremendous growth trajectory, but the essence of the business remains the same – to forge successful outcomes and convert our clients’ visions to reality by defining and delivering the optimal solution each and every time.
In line with Root Partnerships’ strategic growth plan, the business recently announced a new investment partnership with Anacacia Capital.
With Peter continuing as Managing Director, David as CEO and Mac as COO, the investment is confirmation of Root Partnerships’ intention to further expand our project management and advisory services footprint in the infrastructure and property sectors.
“We have been clear about our growth plans for some time,” says David. “However, it is very important to the whole leadership team that we continue to provide the same high level of independent, tailored service that our staff, clients, contractors and partners of many years have come to expect from us.”
So while we have taken some time to reflect on, and celebrate, 25 years of Root Partnerships’ success this year, for the whole team it is clear that the focus is very much on continuing to deliver great results for our clients in the future.
“Over the past 25 years we have never stopped learning; we have never stopped growing – personally and as a business; we have never faltered in embracing new challenges; and we have never stopped having fun,” says Peter.
“With Anacacia as our new partners we embark on the next 25 years with unbound enthusiasm!”
Click here for more photos of the event