In 2024, Paul Harty and his team at O'Brien Electrical Greensborough marked a significant milestone — two decades of partnership with the O’Brien and Laser Group, an achievement underscored by business growth, innovation, and strong community ties.
Paul is a trailblazer in the Network and has been a key player in the numerous charity fundraising and Taskforce giving-back initiatives over the years.
As we celebrate Paul’s 20-year journey with us, we look back on how his commitment to excellence and the support system of the O’Brien and Laser Group contributed to the longevity of his business in Victoria.
Joining the O'Brien Network: A Transformational Step
Paul’s relationship with O’Brien began in 2004, when his Greensborough electrical business joined the O'Brien Network, which was then known as Laser Electrical and Plumbing. Paul’s business was the first to join when the Network launched in Australia.
Paul established his business in 1987 and had grown a successful operation. However, it was the decision to join O’Brien that marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with even greater possibilities. He quickly recognised that O’Brien was not just a network but a family of businesses committed to helping each other thrive. Paul said:
“It gives you someone to lean on, especially in the early days,”
Joining the Network brought advantages with it, like a bigger brand name. Paul said:
“My wife, Jenni, and I started the business together, and she handled the bookkeeping and invoicing. In 2004, I decided to change the name on the front door because I felt we needed a recognised brand, not just a personal name. That’s why we joined Laser — because it offered that reliable branding.”
Technological Improvements and Staying Ahead
One of the significant advantages of being part of the O’Brien Network has been access to cutting-edge technology.
Before joining the franchise, Paul’s business relied on manual processes for job tracking and invoicing. O’Brien helped Paul streamline these processes. The introduction of software like LaserPrO’ was a game-changer for the business, enabling Paul to scale up while maintaining efficiency. Paul said:
“There were big leaps in professionalism and software. In the early days, cash flow was a constant challenge, and I was always chasing payments. Back then, I used to carry a book listing all the jobs, trying to track everything manually. But with Laser and O’Brien, things have changed significantly. The right software made a huge difference — helping us track jobs, invoice faster, and manage everything more efficiently.
Today, the software allows us to easily expand as needed, whether it’s adding more mobile apps or email addresses. It’s seamless support that has helped our business grow.”
This focus on innovation has kept Paul’s business competitive in a fast-evolving industry. Being part of the O’Brien Network provided resources and tools that would have been difficult for a small, independent business to implement on its own.
Expansion and Embracing Change
From an already strong electrical division, Paul expanded into the plumbing market, an area led by his nephew. Today, Paul’s business operates with a team of around 30 employees across both divisions, allowing them to maintain a strong presence in the electrical and plumbing sectors.
The expansion into the Melbourne CBD market has not been without its challenges. Paul acknowledges that it is a competitive space with many players. However, with the opening of a new office in Collingwood, his business is well-positioned to tap into the potential of the vibrant Melbourne CBD.
The diverse service offering, along with a strong team, has enabled Paul’s company to take on larger projects and cater to a wider customer base.
Networking and Community: The O'Brien Advantage
One of the most rewarding aspects of Paul’s journey with O’Brien has been the power of its community. Being part of the O'Brien family has enabled Paul to leverage the strength of the network, allowing his business to expand its reach and tackle large-scale projects.
A key example of this is the company’s ability to service national clients like 7-Eleven and Starbucks, providing solutions across hundreds of stores in Australia. The trust and connection within the network make these large-scale projects possible. Paul said:
“We’ve been providing service to 7-Eleven and petrol stations for over 20 years, solving problems nationally thanks to the support of the O'Brien Group. They could give us a single issue, and we’d be able to fix it across 700 stores in Australia.
Our strength lies in reliability, prompt service, and effectively solving customer problems.”
The annual O’Brien conferences have also played a crucial role in Paul’s journey. Having attended more than 20 conferences, Paul views these events as an essential part of his professional development.
The blend of learning from industry experts and connecting with other Members creates an environment where both personal and business growth flourish. Paul said:
“The networking and friendships from the conferences are the most important part of the O'Brien Network. It gives you people you can talk to, learn from, and share experiences with. Everyone is like-minded and in a similar position, which makes those connections the best part of being in the Network.”
Paul also values the opportunity to bring his staff to these conferences, giving them a break from the usual work environment while investing in their professional growth.
A Story of Success in the Network
Paul Harty’s 20-year journey with O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing showcases the power of connection, community, and adaptability.
His business’s growth from a small family operation into a national provider of electrical and plumbing services is a testament to the value of partnership within the O’Brien Network. Paul said:
“To those looking for support in growing their business and managing the day-to-day, it’s a great group to be part of. The Network helps you step forward in your business much faster than you would on your own.
It offers honest support, from providing the right tools and resources to fixing issues quickly. It’s like having a professional team backing you, so you can stay ahead of the competition.”
Supported by a strong team and a commitment to innovation, Paul’s business continues to thrive, and his future remains bright as he looks ahead to new challenges and opportunities.
