10 March 2025, 1:59 AM
Fifteen years ago, with the birth of his first daughter, Jared Doolan made a pivotal decision: to leave his role as a project manager at Australia's largest plumbing company and establish his own venture, Doolan Plumbing. "I wanted to provide a better life for my family," Jared shares, highlighting the personal motivation behind this significant career move.
Today, Doolan Co success can be put down to two things - Jared's dedication and resilience. The company has grown to employ 140 staff members and boasts a vast array of machinery. "We're probably one of the biggest businesses in the Hawkesbury," Jared said highlightingit’s substantial presence in the region.
The journey, however, has not been without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant hurdles, with material costs soaring by 25% and a scarcity of projects. "We were losing a lot of money during that period," Jared recalls. The company faced the difficult decision to reduce its workforce by half. Yet, through adaptability and swift evolution, they navigated the crisis. "It made me and my business much more resilient," he said, emphasising the growth that emerged from adversity.
Jared attributes much of his success to his upbringing. "My dad died when I was 22, and I just wanted better for me and my own family," he shares. This drive has been a cornerstone of his perseverance and determination to overcome obstacles.
Doolan Co specialises in all commercial plumbing, government infrastructure, commercial maintenance and Civil construction. The company evolved from just plumbing and has re Branded to just Doolan and dedicated teams for each area, ensuring that clients receive expert services tailored to their specific needs. This specialisation has been a key factor in the company's growth and reputation in the industry.
A cornerstone of Doolan’s success is its strong team culture. Jared said, "The best part about it is I've got such a good team around me, and we're all really close friends and we love coming to work."
To celebrate and acknowledge the dedication of long-standing team members, the company hosts an annual Christmas party. During this event, employees and their families come together to celebrate achievements and milestones. A highlight of the gathering is the presentation of awards to the 5 and 10 years clubs, this year we will have 15 year club members.
Jared's leadership philosophy centers on empowering his management team, allowing them to share the responsibilities and pressures of running the business. He notes, "The business is actually in a really good spot, where a lot of the pressures taken away from me and taken on by other management team."
Beyond the business, Jared is deeply embedded in the community. Residing in Wilberforce with his wife, Ursula, and their five children, he serves on the boards of the Windsor Wolves Rugby League Club and the Marana Aboriginal Community Group. He also dedicates time to coaching and training his children's sports teams.
For those aspiring to embark on entrepreneurial ventures, Jared offers candid advice: "Running a business is extremely hard. If you think you've got the mindset to be resilient and keep pushing forward, give it a go."