When banks and other lenders proved difficult for fledgling earthmoving company Dalwick Contracting, equipment finance specialist Finlease stepped up to the mark.
Started up two and a half years ago, NSW- based Dalwick has made a name for itself as earthmoving specialists for various kinds of civil and residential work across the Great Sydney area and regional NSW, as well as the ACT, Queensland and Victoria.
The company was the brainchild of director Trent Dalzell, who, having worked more than 15 years in the construction industry in various capacities, felt he was experienced enough to start up his own business.
“My first job was as an operator on a roadwork project, and I moved into other roles in drainage, sub-divisions and the like,” he said.
“Having accumulated so much knowledge, I felt it was a good time to make my own mark in the earthmoving field.”
Dalwick began with a main focus on retaining walls, excavation and haulage, but such has been its growth that it has now has expanded into doing “any type of excavation”.
“This encompasses basement digs, rock sawing/grinding , major civil and construction works , subdivisions, road works, rural works , mulching, land clearing, dam construction and liners, hourly hires, dry hires, augering/piers, site preps, and everything in between,” he said.
Building retaining walls are still a particular point of expertise. “We do are any form of gravity wall (precast/sandstone/gabion) and post and panel walls/sleeper walls,” Trent said.
“We also carry out haulage, up to 25t and 3.5m wide.
“With projects ranging from small private jobs to the Tier 1 works, our service is available to all clients, big or small.”
Getting a business off the ground initially had been no easy task though.
“To establish ourselves in the industry and to ensure our jobs are done to requirement, we needed good staff,” Trent said.
“We certainly have that at the moment, with four excellent members on board, including two very good operators and a supervisor.
“But equally as important, we need the best equipment possible and we need to maintain them to the highest standards.”
Dalwick started off small, with a Tier 1-spec 13t digger. Obtaining finance for that machine wasn’t difficult, but when Dalwick started to expand, necessitating the purchase of more equipment, the initial lender was reluctant to take on further debt.
“Our company has grown steadily since we started,” Trent said.
“Our first jobs was with clients who knew me from previous work I had been involved with, and who recognised my expertise in the industry.
“From there, the business expanded through word of mouth, and we gradually got more jobs as we were recognised for our good, honest work and capabilities.”
As the job list expanded, so too did the need for more machines and attachments in the operation.
That was when plans hit a snag.
“Our previous lender couldn’t finance equipment with the necessary attachments as it believed the risk was too great for such a fledgling business,” Trent said.
“And we had problems with the major banks having unrealistic criteria for new businesses. Banks are completely out of touch with the earthmoving industry and are difficult to deal with.
“We were forced into a situation of financing the equipment separately, and fortunately we came across Finlease representative Chris Lawrence.”
It may have been the best leap of faith Trent has taken.
“Chris managed to get not only the attachments, but also a brand new machine for us with one loan with a balloon payment and a cheaper finance rate,” Trent said.
Indeed, equipment now acquired by Dalwick through Finlease include a Kobelco 20t digger, two Western Star trucks, a Freightmore tipper trailer and assorted mulchers and digger augers.
“Finlease has taken care of 90 per cent of our purchases to date since our paths crossed trying to finance the attachments,” Trent said.
“Chris has gone above and beyond for us and has been a huge part of our company’s growth.
“Our relationship with Chris is now to the point that if I needed to finance a pencil sharpener, he would be the first call.
“For any new business that’s trying to secure finance, no one teaches you the correct/easiest/most cost effective way of securing finance for your machinery.
“Some lenders also don’t go in and try to secure the best deal for you.
“If Finlease can’t help you, then you genuinely don’t deserve to be financed.”
Find out more about Dalwick Contractors at https://www.dalwick.com.au/.
To find out how Finlease can help grow your business, contact Chris Lawrence on 0407 627 561; or visit www.finlease.com.au