By: Rena Marie
The Australian dream of homeownership has long been a fundamental part of the nation’s identity. However, the path to that dream has often been paved with stress, confusion, and overwhelming choices. Turnkey Building Group, a relatively new company, aims to change that.
Founded by Justin Engelke and Jordan Wilson, Turnkey Building Group has quickly made an impact on the property market. Its approach simplifies the home-building process, making the experience easier for many Australians.
Justin and Jordan’s Journey: From Employees to Entrepreneurs
The story behind Turnkey Building Group is one of two young entrepreneurs who transformed their shared vision into a thriving business. Engelke and Wilson’s journey began straight out of university when they both started working for Dennis Family Homes, one of Victoria’s largest builders. Their first assignment placed them together in a display home, where their youthful energy and innovative approach quickly set them apart.
“Our employer took a chance at pairing two young guys in the same display home, unsure if we’d rise to the challenge. But we quickly proved ourselves and started performing at our best,” says Engelke. “In no time, our sales center was performing as one of the leading in the company, and customers enjoyed coming into our office because we offered a more laid-back and customer-focused experience.”
However, despite their success, they realized they could only do so much as employees. While working in the industry, Engelke and Wilson noticed room for improvement in how customers’ needs were prioritized. Driven by their passion for delivering a better experience, they boldly decided to start their own business. Thus, Turnkey Building Group was born.
“We saw that builders, especially the bigger ones, didn’t always prioritize the customer,” Engelke reflects. “The builders just wanted to build homes but didn’t always want to deal with the clients. We realized we could fill that gap by acting as the intermediary, ensuring the customers got exactly what they wanted while allowing builders to focus on what they do best—building homes.”
The pair likens their role to that of a mortgage broker: “We’re the bridge between the builders and the customers, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”
The Turnkey Difference
The success of Turnkey Building Group lies in its novel approach as independent advisors in the home construction market. Unlike traditional builders, who often offer a limited selection of packages, Turnkey assesses each client’s needs and with access to a range of builders connects them with a builder that is best suited to their specific goals.
This flexibility has attracted a wide variety of clients, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors and upsizers. Turnkey’s ability to simplify the building process has been a game changer. They ensure a fully transparent process, offering homes where “what you see is what you get.” This includes everything from the landscaping to the fence, the letterbox to the clothesline—allowing clients to move in without the hassle of additional projects that can add stress, time, and cost.
One client, Bella C., a first-time homebuyer from Greater Melbourne, shared her experience:
“We are still in the early stages of our building process, but Bridgette has been nothing short of exceptional! Right from the start, we appreciated Bridgette’s professionalism. She has reassured us along the way and has always been incredibly prompt with responses and providing helpful information, which is crucial for first-time home buyers like ourselves! She has absolutely gone above and beyond for us, and we are incredibly grateful to have her and the rest of Turnkey Building Group guide us through this exciting journey!”
Turnkey’s services come at no cost to the customer, allowing clients to benefit from expert advice without additional financial strain. “Our model supports clients while connecting builders with the right buyers,” Engelke says. This balanced approach has driven the company’s growth and its growing presence in the market.
Building More Than Homes
Turnkey Building Group plans to expand with a new office in Bendigo, Victoria. The company aims to bring its client-focused services to more regions across Australia, contributing to changes in the home construction market.
“We’re not just building homes,” Engelke says. “We’re building communities and guiding our clients through the entire process. And this is only the beginning.” Reflecting on their work, Engelke notes that supporting clients through their home-building journey remains central to the company’s mission.
“In the end, it’s about providing people with the homes they want and helping them feel confident in their decisions. That’s what makes Turnkey different,” he adds.
Redefining Homebuilding for Future Generations of Australians
In a market known for its complexity and stress, Turnkey Building Group focuses on providing clear guidance and support. As Australia works to address housing challenges in the coming years, companies like Turnkey could play a role in building houses, creating homes, and supporting communities.
Engelke and Wilson’s journey from young entrepreneurs to established leaders highlights how advancements and a client-focused approach can reshape traditional industries. As the Australian property market changes, Turnkey Building Group is ready to continue improving the home-building experience for the next generation of Australians.
Published by: Josh Tatunay