Interview by Kingston Group
Ross is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet—his huge heart and big laugh light up any room. He loves sharing stories about life, work, and everything in between, and his positivity is infectious to everyone around him.
Ross’s journey to Kingston Group wasn’t a straightforward one—it was one filled with hands-on experience, a lot of heart, and a passion for problem-solving. After spending 36 years working shifts, Ross was ready for a change. The opportunity to join Kingston Group as a Project Manager, offered by his son Isaac, was too good to pass up. But the transition was a big one.
“The move to Kingston was about stepping away from shift work, which was becoming harder over time, and giving more time to my wife Annette,” Ross shares, clearly valuing the balance this role has provided.
For Ross, it was a significant move from working shifts at places like Genesis Energy, where he believed he would retire. Now, working regular hours, he finds a new rhythm—one centered around his love for his family and solving problems.
A Journey of Hard Work and Adaptability
Ross’s career didn’t start in construction. It began on the family farm at 17, where he learned the importance of a strong work ethic. “On the farm, if you wanted a job done, you had to do it yourself,” Ross says. That philosophy of stepping up to the plate stayed with him throughout his career, whether at the Ministry of Works, the gas industry in Taranaki, Fonterra, or Genesis Energy.
“I always put my hand up for the extra roles—whether it was Health & Safety or being the Ops Outage Coordinator Role. If something needed doing, I just did it,” Ross explains. That willingness to take on more has defined Ross’s career and built his reputation as someone who can be relied on.
The Transition to Kingston Group
When Ross made the jump to Kingston Group, he didn’t come with a background in house building. But his son Isaac reassured him: “You don’t need to know how to build, you just need to rally the people, and they’ll use their skills.” And that’s exactly what Ross did.
“I’d done some pretty big project management roles in my previous jobs, so I had the skills,” he says, downplaying the challenge. But the truth is, it was a significant change from shift work to managing full-time projects in construction. “It’s a big change going from 36 years of 12 hour day or nights, 4 on, 4 to 5 days a week, 40 hours a week. But I’ve got a great team, so that makes it enjoyable.”
A Coach on the Field
Ross sees his role as Project Manager in much the same way as a sports coach. “Each build or task is like a game, and my job is to coach and manage the team, pull them together to get it done.” His approach is to motivate, support, and steer the team toward success, much like the way he has managed the other aspects of his life—always there to lend a hand, solve a problem, or fill a gap.
The Work-Life Balance
Beyond the day-to-day challenges of managing construction projects, Ross enjoys spending time with his five sons and, when life gets a bit hectic, he finds solace in his shed. “I love to tinker, build, and craft. TV is boring, and I don’t like board games, so I’m always in my shed doing something.” It’s his calm space, where he can step away from life’s stresses and focus on something productive. “If I’m a bit grumpy, Annette sends me to the shed!” he laughs, showing the lighthearted side of his grounded personality.
For Ross, this role isn’t just about the job—it’s about problem-solving, creating something meaningful, and always looking after those around him, whether that’s his family, his team, or the Kingston community.
Conclusion
At Kingston Group, we’re not just building houses—we’re creating spaces that make life easier, more enjoyable, and stress-free. Ross Savill, our Project Manager, puts it simply: it’s all about making sure people can enjoy their homes without the constant hassle of upkeep. Ross is hands-on in every project, ensuring that what we build reflects our values—time, family, and well-being.
Our homes are perfect for those looking to downsize without sacrificing quality or comfort. With smart, functional layouts, premium finishes, and features like raked ceilings and stylish kitchens, Kingston homes offer more than just a place to live. We’re helping people find simplicity and fulfillment in their everyday lives.
Built to be modern, easy to maintain, and tailored to your needs, Kingston Group homes offer the perfect balance of downsized living and a vibrant lifestyle. If you’re thinking about a new senior living home or downsizing or just want to chat about what’s possible, give us a call—we’re here to help.
