PJM Project Management Ltd’s Post

Our fearless leader Paul Miller looking back over the past 18 years and his decision to start PJM. Congratulations Paul, we're looking forward to the next 18! From the whole team at PJM 🥂

View profile for Paul Miller

Director & Project Delivery Leader @ PJM Project Management Ltd Delivering successful outcomes in construction project management with a client-focused approach.

So, LinkedIn just reminded me that I started PJM Project Management Ltd 18 years ago last month – at 31, I was young once…..... It wasn’t really planned at the time – I never set out to grow a company (honestly, it was a contract gig until the GFC finished and there were jobs again). Looking back, it took about five years to realise (have the self-confidence) to know I was now self-employed and could sustain this. In early 2007, I was working as a Development Manager with a high-flying developer (who eventually went broke, along with his finance company - Hanover?) and couldn’t sleep well knowing we were still employing people who wouldn't be paid. So, I made myself “redundant”. A tough decision as I couldn’t replace the job as these roles ceased to exist at the time - (maybe its a bit like that now for some? - this too will pass). But, thanks to good relationships and a good reputation from my days at Arrow and RCP, the phone rang, and a few people offered contract work. Initially, I finished upmarket houses and distressed GFC projects. Then an ex-employer (RCP) opened the door for contract work at SKY TV. This was the start of SKY TV's golden period, and over several years, I delivered (with Alaska Interiors, at the time not much more than 2 trucks) around 50 projects. This led to relationships with Spotless (holding the DOC contract) and 50+ prison projects nationwide. I also worked with Richard Hansen (Telco) for a decade delivering dozens of fitouts, making a good, independent living serving a few repeat clients. Several years ago, key clients and business friends urged me to think bigger and grow a company. It was easy to say, "Nah, I have a good gig," but I took the leap. A strange thing happened – when clients see there are more of you, more doors open, and they offer more work. The team’s combined skills help grow the company, something I needed to experience to truly understand. These days, we are several people, and I need to find 2 new team members in the new year (a rock-star EA and maybe a Project Director). We now handle around 50 projects a year, ranging from $50K to $50M. After 18 years, I think the key to survival (and success) is to be excited and enjoy the work (you can't fake this), to genuinely care about successful outcomes (to give a shite), to know that growth and success is the by-product of doing good work, to have clients’ best interests at heart, to always think long-term – even if it means taking a short term $$ hit, to build strong, professional client and industry relationships. They are your strongest advocates and the source of future work. So, just a little note of thanks and gratitude to the many who have supported me (now us) along the way…....

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Fabio Armesto

Business Development Manager at H2OFF

3mo

Congratulations Paul.

Byron Naude

Franchise Owner - GJ Gardner Manukau Major Projects

2mo

Great effort and a huge congratulations Paul. Good luck for 2025 !

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