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Paul Curry has spent more than 30 years working across architecture, construction, property development and project management.
Today, he leads his own project management business and has helped deliver major sporting and community facilities, including Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Central.
In this episode of Your Number 1 Business Podcast, Paul joins host Antoine Vidal to share the story behind his career, the decision to start his own business and the values that continue to shape the way he leads.
Paul began his career as an architect before moving into construction and property development.
Working in different roles across the industry gave him a valuable understanding of how major projects come together and the pressures faced by clients, consultants, designers and builders.
Project management became a natural next step.
It allowed Paul to bring teams together, manage complex projects and create an environment where people could do their best work.
After years of working for other organisations, Paul decided to establish a business that reflected his own values and approach to leadership.
He began from a home office with a computer, a phone and one small project.
More than seven years later, the business has grown into a team focused on delivering meaningful projects and creating rewarding careers for its people.
One of Paul’s most significant projects has been Brighton Homes Arena, the home of the Brisbane Lions in Springfield Central.
Paul and his team were involved from the early stages, before the architects had been appointed.
They helped manage the procurement of the design team, the planning and design process, construction and final delivery.
The venue opened shortly before hosting an AFLW grand final, giving the facility an immediate opportunity to demonstrate what it had been built to achieve.
For Paul, seeing thousands of people fill the venue after years of planning was an unforgettable moment.
Brighton Homes Arena was also significant because it was designed from the beginning for both the Brisbane Lions’ men’s and women’s teams.
Rather than adapting a facility originally created for men, both teams received equal consideration and access to elite training and operational spaces.
The venue now supports professional sport, developing athletes, community teams and events across Greater Springfield.
Paul believes strong businesses are built by looking after people.
That includes clients, employees, consultants and the wider teams involved in each project.
His approach was influenced by his father, who owned a dry-cleaning business and was known for treating staff and customers with generosity and respect.
Paul has carried those principles into his own company.
Monday morning meetings begin with conversations about how everyone spent their weekend before attention turns to projects and deadlines.
It is a simple practice that reinforces an important belief: people come before job titles.
Paul also places a strong emphasis on professional development.
Training employees is not viewed as an unnecessary expense. It is an investment in their careers, the quality of the business and the experience delivered to clients.
Paul tells his team that doing a good job may not secure the next project.
Doing a great job will.
He wants clients to finish a project feeling that his team made a genuine and visible difference to the outcome.
That means setting high standards, communicating clearly, solving problems and creating a positive experience throughout the project.
Paul also believes business owners need to choose their clients carefully.
Saying no can be difficult, but not every opportunity is the right opportunity.
Protecting employees from unhealthy or unnecessarily difficult working environments is part of creating a sustainable business.
Paul does not define success only by revenue, project size or the number of people employed.
Success means building a business that allows him to be a good father, husband, leader and person.
His wife, Charlotte, is an important part of the company and works as its executive manager.
Their dog, Oscar, is also a regular presence in the office and is affectionately described as the team’s mental health consultant.
Although Paul works harder now than he did as an employee, the work feels different because he is building something meaningful for his family and team.
Paul’s advice for anyone considering starting a business is straightforward:
Just do it.
When he launched his company, the financial risk was relatively low. Had it not worked, he knew he could return to employment.
The greater risk was never trying.
Paul believes the most important first step is making the decision, committing fully and allowing the journey to unfold from there.
Paul and Antoine discuss:
Listen to the full conversation with Paul Curry on Your Number 1 Business Podcast.