Second generation Chevallum company explores core components of drilling success

GeoDrill Australia owners Emma and Tom Partleton at their Chevallum yard on Monday.

Being a small business owner in today’s modern world is something completely different to what we have been accustomed to. 

Not only has Covid forced businesspeople to step outside our comfort zones, it has shown us that it is healthy to reinvent the wheel from time to time for continued growth.

This is where GeoDrill Australia recognised that a structured approach to daily operations was a necessity for survival. 

Established in 2006, GeoDrill  is an innovative drilling company with a proven reputation in the mining and construction sectors. 

They boast wide experience in the exploration, geotechnical and water bore industry.

But in the drilling world, you either exist to support your family via the family business model, or you choose to take that next step and expand to encompass all that the drilling game has to offer.

GeoDrill Australia has done just that — stepped outside the comforts of small business and entered the big guns’ territory.

Today, GeoDrill Australia are recognised as preferred suppliers for Tier One companies throughout Australia, for geotechnical and exploration drilling programs. They are also recognised as the preferred supplier for water bore drilling in Queensland. 

Was the process confronting? Yes. Stressful? Yes. Worthwhile? Absolutely!

GeoDrill Australia owners Emma and Tom Partleton embarked on their journey as business owners in 2017. 

At that time the family legacy — established by Tom’s father  and founder Steve —  was the key focus. Sustained growth was the aim and relationships that were formed over time would drive that growth. 

However, one key goal was to take a more strategic approach and diversify in drilling methods to cater to a wider customer base and help ensure long term resilience.

A team with the knowledge and skills to ensure this strategy’s success was put into place. This took time, courage, energy, effort and financial investment. But it was all worth it, according to Emma and Tom.

“Our team is our secret weapon and the key to success; we could not have succeeded without each and every one of them,” said Tom. 

“To say that we haven’t learned a lot about our business and ourselves over the past four years is an understatement. The trials and tribulations are what makes it all more worth the while.”

“If we could offer anything at all by way of advice for other business owners, it would be to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand you and your business,” said Emma. 

“They will bring invaluable insight and share the passion that you have for your business. Secondly, don’t be afraid of change or stepping outside of your comfort zone, because as they say, this is where the magic happens!”