In the bustling world of construction, where time is money and precision is paramount, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Focus Machinery’s Jarryd Lockhart, the esteemed fleet manager, recently shed light on their journey, values, and the strategic partnerships that has fuelled their success as a company that is deeply rooted in the ethos of reliability and quality.
“G’day, I’m Jarryd from Focus Machinery. I’m the fleet manager here at Focus Machinery”, Jarryd introduces himself with a warm smile, his voice carrying the confidence of someone deeply rooted in his profession. “I’ve been with Focus for around five and a half years now, so I came on board as part of the family business in 2018,” Jarryd reminisces, his tone tinged with nostalgia. “Back then, we were a small team with big dreams. I remember the excitement of being part of something new, something with the potential to make a real impact in the construction industry.”
As Jarryd reflects on his early days with the company, he recalls the sense of camaraderie and shared vision that propelled them forward. “Joining Focus was like joining a family,” he says. “We worked hard, but we also had a lot of fun along the way.”
Transitioning into his role within the company, Jarryd’s responsibilities grew alongside Focus Machinery’s expansion. “Initially, I started with sourcing and fleet management, looking after equipment needs and purchases for our growing fleet,” Jarryd recalls, reflecting on the early days
of his tenure.
Over time, Jarryd’s role evolved, and he found himself taking on more leadership responsibilities. “As the company grew, so did my role,” he explains. “I took on more responsibility, overseeing not just the fleet but also the team that operates it.” Jarryd explains that Focus Machinery’s history dates back over 14 years, tracing its origins to humble beginnings in the GFC. “We began by importing second-hand equipment from America and reselling it. However, as demand grew, we ventured into the hire market, which paved the way for our exponential growth,” Jarryd recounts, highlighting the company’s evolution from a handful of machines to a fleet boasting over 400 units today.
“What sets Focus apart is our commitment to providing reputable, top-quality equipment,” Jarryd emphasises. “We understand the pain that downtime causes for our customers, so we’ve got some pretty good systems in place to make sure that all our equipment up to scratch and ready to work as soon as it gets to site.”
With a nod to the Volvo 35-tonner behind him, Jarryd delves into the specifics of the equipment and its relevance in major road infrastructure projects. “We’re experiencing quite a lot of demand for this size machine in some of the major road infrastructure projects. Being a reduced radius, it’s great for working in tight areas, maximising productivity with its 35-ton capacity.”
Jarryd emphasises that reliability is crucial, particularly for tier-one projects. “For tier one projects, reliability is paramount,” he explains. “That’s why we focus on reputable brands of equipment and attachments. This Volvo, equipped with Attach2 equipment, is specifically designed not to break down, meeting the rigorous demands of tier one sites.”
“In terms of our machinery and range,” Jarryd continues, “At Focus, we’ve got a huge array of equipment and attachments to cater to major infrastructure projects. We offer excavators ranging from one tonne up to 35 tonnes, tip trucks, posi-tracks, site dumpers, rollers, and over a thousand unique attachments. These attachments are designed to increase productivity and make our customers’ jobs easier, ensuring they have everything they need to get the job done efficiently.”
With a comprehensive range of equipment and attachments, Focus Machinery remains a trusted partner for construction projects of all sizes and complexities.
Discussing the challenges faced by Focus Machinery, Jarryd reflects on the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity. “So we’re finding a lot of our customers are finding challenges in the construction environment. Labour costs are increasing and the safety is a big requirement on a lot of these major projects which we’ve come to realise that we can kind of address those problems by providing equipment that’s up to spec and obviously if we can minimise the downtime that customers have on site, then that obviously saves them in delay. Obviously delays cost money, so we try and eliminate that.” Despite the challenges, Jarryd remains optimistic about
the future.
Looking ahead, Jarryd’s vision for Focus Machinery is clear. “Our goal and focus is to keep growing. We’ve got some excellent customers that we deal with and we provide them really everything that they need for their projects.” he affirms, his confidence in the company’s trajectory evident.
Jarryd is excited about the possibilities that lay ahead. “We’re living in an era of unprecedented innovation and change,” he observes. “And I believe that Focus Machinery is uniquely positioned to lead the way in shaping the future
of the construction industry.”
Jarryd’s eyes lit up as he dove into the collaboration between Focus Machinery and Attach2, highlighting the seamless integration of Attach2’s equipment into their operations. “Our partnership with Attach2 has been instrumental in enhancing our fleet’s capabilities,” Jarryd explains. “They’ve been our trusted supplier for several years now, providing us with tilt hitches, a range of buckets, grabs, and other attachments.”
“What sets Attach2 apart is their dedication to customer satisfaction,” Jarryd continues, emphasising the importance of local support and outstanding service. “They have a strong presence here in Victoria, which makes it easy for us to access the support we need. Their performance package, which includes perfectly suited hitches and buckets, has been a game-changer for us, optimising our equipment’s performance on site.”
As Jarryd reflects on the benefits of Attach2’s products, he highlights its cutting-edge design and compatibility. “One of the key advantages of Attach2 products is their seamless integration,”
he notes. “The hitches and buckets are designed to work together, maximising productivity and efficiency on site.”
When asked about the standout aspects of Attach2’s offerings, Jarryd doesn’t hesitate.
“For us, it’s the local support and the comprehensive warranty,” he states. “Attach2’s three-year warranty gives us peace of mind, knowing that their products are built to last.
Their prompt and responsive service has always exceeded our expectations.” Jarryd’s endorsement of Attach2 is unwavering. “I would highly recommend Attach2 to others without hesitation,” he asserts. “Their products are top-notch, and their tilt hitches, in particular, are equipped with innovative features like built-in bracketry for GPS systems.”
Jarryd also offered insights into the practical applications of Attach2’s equipment, citing the example of the Volvo 35 tonner fitted with Attach2’s tilt hitch and Topcon GPS system.
“This machine’s versatility enables our customers to tackle bulk earthworks and final trim with ease,” he explains. “The integration of the GPS system ensures precise digging to grade, minimising errors and optimising efficiency on site.” Focus Machinery’s partnership with Attach2 has been instrumental in their success, driving innovation and excellence in their operations.
As the interview drew to a close, the conversation shifted to Jarryd’s life outside Focus Machinery. Jarryd’s demeanour brightened as he shared insights into his hobbies and interests beyond the construction site. “Outside of work, I love following sports, particularly football and rugby,” Jarryd replies enthusiastically. “My heart lies with the Melbourne Storm when it comes to footy,” he adds, a touch of pride evident in his voice.
We sensed Jarryd’s excitement and probed further: “Are there any other activities you enjoy in your free time?” Jarryd’s face lit up as he responded, “Oh, absolutely! I’m a big fan of hosting barbeques and spending quality time with my family. With a baby on the way, I’m feeling both excited and uncertain about what the future holds,” he admits, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness in
his tone.
In these moments, Jarryd’s passion for life beyond the confines of the workplace shines through, offering a glimpse into the person behind the professional facade. As he prepares to embark on the fatherhood journey, Jarryd’s dedication to his family and work becomes even more apparent, underscoring the balance he strives to maintain between his personal and professional life.
As Jarryd wraps up the interview, his passion for his work and dedication to excellence shine through. He paints a vivid picture of his journey with Focus Machinery—a journey marked by growth, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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