Company: The Buildmore Group Pty Ltd, Caloundra, QLD Australia
Company Description: Buildmore; founded in 2002 by licensed builder Samantha Sheppard on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia has developed into the region’s No1 boutique housing company. Buildmore adheres to strict standards and produces quality homes, for a niche market of discerning buyers who demand quality at affordable prices.It has proved steadfast and successful during Australia’s economic downturn.
Nomination Category: Individual Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Mentor of the Year

Nomination Title: Sam Sheppard Licensed Builder and Director of The Buildmore Group Pty Ltd

1. Describe for the judges the nominated individual's activities and accomplishments that supported women in business during the eligibility period (up to 500 words):

Samantha Sheppard, director of The Buildmore Group, is an established mentor,
guest speaker and patron of anti-abuse charity group Sunny Kids (previously
Najidah). Through partnership with employment and education focused
organisations, Ms Sheppard has implemented community engagement as part of
her day-to-day life.

She is nothing short of passionate when it comes to inspiring women into the
traditionally male dominated construction industry.
Ms Sheppard was only 17 when she entered the building industry and has learnt
to utilise her point of difference – being a woman.
She encourages others to promote their ideas and contributions.
It is this message which she has passed on through various methods to many
other women in the industry.

Ms Sheppard is the chairperson of Construction Skills Queensland and through
this role has interacted with hundreds of women.
Construction Skills Queensland provides support for employees and those seeking
employment.
Events such as the organisation’s Women in Construction forum offer advice and
education for those who have taken a step towards establishing a career in the
industry.
Ms Sheppard was a key speaker at the event, which was held in April 2009.
Another of Construction Skills Queensland’s vital projects was the development of
an eco-college for a local family in need of housing.
The project brought 50 female apprentices and tradespeople together and five
established mentors - one being Ms Sheppard. Her role was to work alongside the
girls by providing encouragement and inspiration.

Ms Sheppard also provides mentoring advice on a business level and has been
involved with the Trac Consulting Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business
program and Orijen’s Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business program.
Miss Sheppard was also invited to guest speak at Clubs Smile for a Child
Foundation Heels of Steel Ladies Luncheon. She was one of four guest speakers
to address a group of 150 people.

Creating job opportunity in the construction industry is also on Ms Sheppard and
The Buildmore Group’s agenda.
In June, she began working with a number of industry stakeholders to roll out a
concept which will raise the profile of women in construction on a national level.
Initiated by Ms Sheppard, the Women into Building Showcase will see women
from all aspects of the industry come together to create an environmentally
sustainable home.
From building plans, construction and right through to landscape – the project is
being led by a female team.
Already, Ms Sheppard has accumulated interest from women in a range of
industry organisations including the National Association of Women in
Construction and Master Builders.
The project has already created work experience opportunity for dozens of women
and it will create employment opportunity for apprentices across a wide range of
fields.
These apprentices will also receive mentoring and education sessions.

2. List the URLs (web addresses) of any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that you would like the judges to see that support your entry. IMPORTANT: List each URL on a separate line, begin each URL with http://, and enclose each URL in square brackets. For example, [http://www.yourcompany.com/pressrelease.html]:

AWARDS
http://www.buildmoregroup.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&
task=view&id=159&Itemid=169

MEDIA
http://www.buildmoregroup.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&
task=view&id=147&Itemid=165

3. Provide a brief biography of the nominated individual (up to 100 words):

Sam Sheppard is a licensed builder and director of housing construction company
The Buildmore Group.
The 39-year-old mother of three, founded the company in 2002.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Sam was a teenage run-away. Yet she found the
motivation to be successful.
At 17 she started up a cabinet making business and bought her first home. From
there, an interest in property escalated.
She is now a sought after mentor and guest speaker and has won a bevy of
awards including the Queensland Master Builders Women in Building title.