Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards Winners Profile
Employer of Choice and Outstanding Business Leader
Lake Group Strata (LGS) has reached a remarkable milestone, marking 30 years since its inception. The company’s story began when Paul and Pam Finlay, a local couple running a business in Charlestown, saw a unique opportunity in the burgeoning strata management sector. Initially, their focus was on traditional property management, but they soon shifted toward strata, a niche field that was still developing at the time. Their vision set the company on a trajectory that led to an exclusive focus on strata management, paving the way for significant growth and specialisation.
From its early days, LGS has been committed to the values of community and forward-thinking. Paul and Pam’s strategic foresight included a succession plan that positioned the company for long-term success, this included welcoming the 3 Directors and 4 Shareholders that make up the current ownership group. As part of the ongoing evolution, Melanie Bird joined LGS as a consultant and 12 months after, transitioned into the role of General Manager, helping to steer the company through a new era of development. Today, the company is staffed by nearly 60 dedicated employees, each committed to the same values and vision that the Finlay’s instilled decades ago.
A Specialist in Strata Management
Unlike general property management, strata management demands a different set of skills and qualifications. It involves the meticulous oversight of multi-dwelling properties, working closely with owners’ corporations, and ensuring adherence to complex legal and strata legislation and standards. The LGS team excels in this specialised field, providing tailored services to a diverse clientele, including but not limited to developers, individual homeowners, and local businesses across Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, and the Hunter region.
What distinguishes LGS is its strong, long-standing relationships within the community. Decades of collaboration with real estate agents, solicitors, and developers have earned them a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner. Much of their business comes from referrals, a testament to the quality of service and the enduring trust they have built over the years.
Embracing Growth and Innovation
A core element of LGS’s philosophy is a commitment to continuous improvement. Melanie emphasises that while the team doesn’t strive for perfection (an unachievable outcome), the goal is to become better each day. This ethos has driven investments in advanced tools and technology, enhancing both internal operations and client services. The company fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging staff to contribute and help implement new ideas and strategies to improve communication, customer service, and training.
Transitioning from a small business to a larger corporate entity presented challenges, but Melanie’s strategic vision has helped to facilitate this transformation. Focussing on maintaining the company’s “big-hearted” culture while meeting the demands of a more complex organisational structure. The result has been a thriving work environment, complete with family-friendly policies and internal training programs that support professional growth and retention.
Building a Legacy and Looking to the Future
The LGS Leadership team, headed up by Melanie have had their efforts paid off in many ways. Under her guidance, LGS has not only expanded its reach but also earned accolades such as the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Award for Employer of Choice. Melanie herself was honoured as Outstanding Business Leader, reflecting the company’s high standards and dedication to its team. Their sponsorship of the New Business Award this year highlights their commitment to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
As LGS celebrates three decades of service, the company remains rooted in its core mission: empowering its team, nurturing client relationships, and contributing positively to the local community. Melanie, a lifelong resident of Lake Macquarie, envisions a bright future where LGS continues to grow alongside the vibrant region it proudly serves. The company is well-positioned to leverage the area’s expanding industrial and commercial opportunities, ensuring a lasting impact for years to come.
For more information, please contact Lake Group Strata
