In a year characterized by soaring inflation, rising geopolitical tensions, and widespread conflicts, a few influential leaders have demonstrated their remarkable strength and resilience. They faced numerous challenging situations that tested their resilience and redefined their leadership skills. Through insightful interviews with leaders from various regions and industries, The Enterprise World has gained a comprehensive understanding of their excellence in the face of adversity. The magazine is proud to feature Mike Kavanagh (COO at S&techs Limited, Hong Kong) as the Most Inspiring Business Leaders to Watch in 2024. He is one of the most accomplished business leaders who have transformed the industry by propelling their company to unprecedented levels of innovation and growth.
Professional Construction Services
S&techs was founded to provide professional construction services to international clients who required commercial office fit-out in Hong Kong. At that time, Mike Kavanagh was working in London as Regional Director for StructureTone, a US-based Construction Manager/ Main Contractor headquartered in New York. StructureTone (Now STO Building Group) was approached by some of their multinational corporation clients to provide this service in Hong Kong. StructureTone joined forces with Nobuo Shigemitsu (CEO of S&techs) to form S&techs in 2000.
S&techs initially focused on interior fit-out and refurbishment programmes and expanded into out-of-ground construction in Mainland China in 2003. As the company grew, it diversified its interests and expanded into different sectors of the market. Mike Kavanagh faced numerous challenges over the years and highlights one of them especially during COVID-19. The team collectively demonstrated resilience and diversified its offerings to sustain the business throughout the pandemic.
Commitment to Excellence
Established in 2000, S&techs has emerged as a prominent and influential player in the Hong Kong market. The remarkable success can be attributed to its commitment to excellence and sustained focus on prioritizing the needs of its clients. The team of 300 professionals lies at the heart of the company’s success when each of them is driven by a passion for their craft. Their collective expertise and commitment to excellence ensure that every project undertaken is executed with meticulous attention to detail while adhering to the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.
S&techs relies on innovation and efficiency, using advanced technology and industry best practices to complete projects on time and within budget. This dedication to excellence has earned the organization the trust of its clients, establishing it as a go-to construction partner in the industry.
Best-in-class Services and Solutions
S&techs initially focused on out-of-ground construction and specialized fit-out services. As the company grew, it started providing a plethora of services in construction and development to serve a broader domain. The company presently specializes in providing best-in-class services and solutions in design and build, traditional lump sum, construction management at risk, and construction management consulting. Moreover, it offers tailor-made services to a diverse range of customers from different sectors like banking & finance, law, insurance & corporate services, aviation, and many more.
Expanding in the Asia Pacific region, S&techs has earned the trust of clients and has become the only true regional construction management & main contracting company in APAC.
The company is dedicated to delivering unparalleled results. It caters to various sectors, including the dynamic commercial, the refined hotel & hospitality, the bustling food & beverage (F&B), the critical mission-critical (Data Centers), the opulent luxury residential, and the industrial/manufacturing sectors. This diverse portfolio showcases the company’s ability to adapt and thrive in different environments, consistently providing tailored solutions that exceed expectations.
Critical Contribution of Lessons
Throughout the journey, Mike Kavanagh learned many impactful lessons, including the importance of adapting to different cultures, the value of taking risks and making big leaps, and the necessity of being open to new opportunities. He believes that these lessons have been critical to his success and he looks forward to continuing to learn and grow as a professional.
| Key Driving Force Client Service: Prioritizing customer needs has been a recurring theme throughout Mike’s career, and it has assisted in developing a reputation for competence in the field. He has gained client’s trust and respect by offering great service and producing work of the highest caliber. Excellence: Mike Kavanagh is dedicated to producing the best outcomes on each project and has a high regard for excellence by focusing on quality and attention to detail. Partnering: Mike comprehends the value of enduring partnerships with customers, vendors, and other stakeholders. He is driven even in the most challenging of projects by collaborating and encouraging open communication. |
An Entrepreneurial Mindset
The combination of various factors has helped Mike Kavanagh in his professional journey. First and foremost, his education as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor has provided a solid foundation and broad understanding of the construction industry. He always recommends this as a serious option for anyone looking to enter the field. Secondly, hard work is essential. Mike considers himself fortunate enough to join a growing company early in his career. It provided him with numerous opportunities for growth and development. As the company was expanding rapidly, he didn’t have to seek new opportunities frequently. To become successful in a career, a network of people is a crucial thing.
Throughout his career, Mike Kavanagh has placed a strong emphasis on building a team of talented and knowledgeable professionals. He has also adopted an attitude of never turning down an opportunity, particularly, if it involves working with a client with multiple locations globally. Furthermore, he approached his work with an entrepreneurial mindset, even when he was an employee. Mike adds, “I’ve always felt that it’s my company and I’m constantly thinking about how I can contribute to its growth and development. Finally, I have always had the philosophy that client satisfaction is paramount.”
Building Strong Relationships
To develop a sense of responsibility and a deeper understanding of management, it is important to adopt an attitude of ownership. Mike Kavanagh asks not to hesitate to seek senior management in the company for mentoring and guidance. Building strong relationships is another key factor in the growth of any business. This can help expand the reach of the company and develop new business opportunities, both locally and internationally.
According to Mike Kavanagh, going the extra mile for clients is another crucial element. It’s also important to gain diverse experience across different parts of the business to get a broad understanding of how business works and help to develop a diverse set of skills. Moreover, it is important to invest in developing the personality which helps to stay ahead of the curve and advance in career.
Splendid Reputation for Reliability
S&techs stands at the forefront of the construction industry, offering an impressive array of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients. With a strong foundation in construction management and main contracting, as well as expertise in design & build solutions, the company has gained a reputation for excellence and reliability. The construction industry has seen a change from hard hats, blueprints, and heavy machinery. It has metamorphosized in recent years driven by technological advancements from 3D printing of projects to drone-assisted surveying.
Such innovations are unleashing a wave of transformative possibilities in the construction industry. Moreover, these tools are streamlining project management while improving safety and efficiency. With advanced technology like VR, now it is possible to walk through the designs before a single brick is laid, ensuring every detail is perfect. The integration of AI and machine learning will further optimize the construction process, enabling predictive maintenance and minimizing costly errors.
Informed Decisions Supported by Data
Embracing the innovation challenge involves examining how projects can be executed seamlessly from inception to completion, devising strategies for increased efficiency, and staying ahead of the curve. Technology innovation is one of the core values of S&techs and REMOC Limited, the sister company which was founded to focus on this initiative. The company emphasizes Smart Technology for construction sites which includes a focus on technology to enhance safety, quality control, and project Close-out/ snagging. S&techs always supports the growth of all team members, allowing the company to do things better, more efficiently, and effectively.
S&techs is embracing technology to allow it to make informed decisions supported by data and facts. The company is innovating its services to operate sites safely and effectively during COVID-19 and all the restrictions that were implemented by the local governments plus clients. It was able to implement a system where it could provide visual 3D rendering updates implemented with a partner company so all the stakeholders were updated and could see the visual progress on their sites even if they were not physically in the location.
Successive Accomplishments
S&techs has earned recognition through prestigious awards like the Hong Kong Most Outstanding Business Award 2022 by Corphub and the Most Trusted Construction Partner of the Year 2023 by HK Commercial Times. These accolades exemplify its commitment to exceptional service & quality. Being named the Most Renowned Construction & Building Company 2023 by APAC Business Headlines highlights its leadership in the industry. The company’s approach has garnered it the most Innovative Construction Management Services Provider award in 2022 from Mediazone.
To mitigate potential risks, S&techs has embraced technology. It provides a unique suite of services that incorporates extensive pre-construction services including buildability analysis, value engineering, planning, and procurement. The services are uniquely designed and highly acclaimed for their performances at the front end, as well as in the preparation of design concepts. The company brings the most innovative in-house technical services for mechanical, electrical, plumbing & drainage, and fire services. It ensures a holistic approach covering designing, pre-construction services, handover, and close-out phases of the projects.
S&techs undertakes a conscious effort to bring forth high-end construction solutions for clients and integrates innovation with leading-edge technologies, helping customers stay ahead of the curve and gain an edge over their competitors. The company greatly relies on a collaborative approach for the successful completion of projects. It works as a team in close association with clients while working on a project.
