O’Brien Electrical Camberwell's Next Chapter Strengthens the Network

One of the greatest strengths of our Network is that we’re never just individual businesses operating on our own. We’re a community that supports one another, plans for the future and creates opportunities that benefit everyone.

That’s exactly what’s happened with the next chapter of O'Brien Electrical Camberwell.

After more than three decades building a highly respected business, Kirk Drinnan has sold O'Brien Electrical Camberwell to fellow Members Paul Harty (O’Brien Electrical Greensborough and O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing Melbourne CBD) and Mick Harty (O’Brien Plumbing Greensborough and O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing Melbourne CBD).

The business will now operate as O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Camberwell, expanding its capabilities while remaining proudly within the O'Brien and Laser Network. With this move, plumbing services are now offered by the business for the first time.

“We’ve got an established customer base that already trusts us,” Kirk said. “Being able to offer plumbing alongside electrical is a great outcome for those customers and creates another opportunity for the business to grow.”

For Kirk, keeping the business in the Network was an important part of the decision. It’s even more significant that it went to someone he already knew and trusted, and fosters a similar culture within their businesses. Kirk said:

“Paul and I have known each other for 19 years. So if one of us is busy we’ll ring each other and get some labor for a week or two or cover jobs for each other. That’s one of the benefits of the Network that other Members are like an extension of your own business you know as a resource really. So that’s been really good for us.” 

The teams gathered last week to connect and build rapport as they begin this transition.

That long-standing relationship reflects what makes the Network unique. Members collaborate, share expertise and build trusted relationships that can span decades.

For Kirk, selling to a fellow Member offered an additional, practical advantage. He explained,

“And then also as an exit strategy, if you are trying to sell your business within the Network, it’s much easier for another Member to acquire it because it comes with all the branding and everything’s in place.”

Importantly, this isn’t goodbye for Kirk. As he begins planning for retirement, he’ll remain in the business full-time through the remainder of the year before potentially transitioning to a part-time role next year, helping ensure a smooth handover for customers and staff.

Kirk’s journey is one many Members will relate to. He started the business in 1990 with little more than a van and a mobile phone, growing it into a successful operation over 35 years.

His story, and this transition, highlights another important benefit of being part of a strong Network: succession doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to everything you’ve built. It can mean passing the baton to trusted fellow Members who understand your people, your customers and your values.

Every Member’s growth journey looks different. For some, like Paul and Mick, it’s expanding by acquiring an existing Member business. For others, it’s adding new capabilities, such as electrical businesses introducing plumbing services (or vice versa), or growing organically by leveraging the strength of our shared work, systems, processes and Network support.

As our Network continues to grow, our Business Development team is looking to connect with qualified electrical and plumbing business owners in areas where we have opportunities to expand our coverage. If you know of a business that could be a great fit, or you’re a business owner looking to take your business to the next level as part of a strong national Network, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to Roger Sciberras, Business Development Manager via email or phone.