Thread: Duck Flats changes hands

Well that cat is out of the bag! David is the knowledgebase of duckflat in many ways, a very experienced builder. Pat has been the backbone of organising some of the larger projects over the last few years and holding all the details together. Dianne is continuing in the office.

Will be interesting to see what the new flavour will be.

MIK

Ted states this in the December AABB I bought just before Xmas.
am surprised but understanding.
I wonder how the value of the business has changed over the last 15-20
years...

Hi AJ,

The main thing for customers is that most of the people who have been the backbone of the business are still there.

David has been there since about '93 (about when I left) and Pat has been there the best part of 10 years - not quite sure exactly how many, but I would guess 7 or more. He left to do some other things a year or so ago, but has come back.

Pat managed the detail fitout and installations for Tern, the 38ft yacht they built to go to Sydney three years ago. The systems were quite complex because the owner was keen on technology. I was a bit boggled about what went into the boat, but Pat got it all done even though one of the sparkies had signed off a job without finishing it.

I think as far as value goes ... not fair to say. At the moment the boating industry, and particularly the sector the Ducks are in where they service the lakes and river is in a really low situation and will be until they get water. That must affect the value in a big way.

And the value will go up as boating returns to the lower lakes - if. Or if Pat and David improve the business.

The Ducks have survived this because they have a wide range of services, not much debt, and not many competitors because of the range of services they provide.

Also because Pat and David know the business well they have a realistic idea of what it can do week to week.

This is of course a biased because they are my friends and I want them to do well, but I think it is pretty true too.

How was that for a DISCLAIMER!

Best wishes
Michael

Originally Posted by Boatmik

Hi AJ,

The main thing for customers is that most of the people who have been the backbone of the business are still there.

Ain't that the truth !!

I wish them every success , I want them succeed.
Rob J.

I havnt had MUCH experience with them, however i obtained 2 deliveries of supplies, one while Ted was there, and one from Dave.

Daves delivery included a hand written invoice, wishing me luck in my build.

Might not be much to say, but i felt it was a very nice touch, and as a customer a good sign. I'll definately deal with the duckery again, and MOST definately refer people to their services.

Mike