Skip to main content
 
 

History & Timeline

Les O'Connell has been constructing high-quality builds since 1992. Read his story below.

A family business, built with passion

Les O’Connell, the founder of LOC Construction, began his career with a carpentry apprenticeship in Timaru in 1974. After completing his apprenticeship, Les spent an additional two years as a tradesman, gaining experience and taking on more significant responsibilities, including managing projects.

In 1980, driven by his passion for rowing, Les moved to Christchurch and established his own building business. Over the next four years, he represented New Zealand in rowing, achieving remarkable success with two World Championship gold medals in 1982 and 1983, and an Olympic gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

His rowing career instilled qualities such as persistence and an unwavering commitment to delivering nothing less than 100%, principles that have consistently guided his approach to business. These principles paid off when LOC Construction secured wins each year they entered the Master Builders House of the Year Awards, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to excellence.

With Les and Tom’s combined expertise and dedication to excellence, LOC Construction has maintained its reputation for delivering the highest quality work within specified timeframes and budgets. Les’s legacy, coupled with Tom’s fresh perspectives and leadership skills, drives LOC Construction’s ongoing success and commitment to exceeding client expectations.

loc_construction_canterbury_history_les_rowing_colour_2
loc_construction_canterbury_history_les_rowing_black_white_1
les_oconnell_loc_history_1
les_oconnell_loc_history_2
les_oconnell_loc_construction_
master_builders_awards_night_loc_construction_
loc_construction_canterbury_history_les_rowing_colour_2
loc_construction_canterbury_history_les_rowing_black_white_1
les_oconnell_loc_construction_
master_builders_awards_night_loc_construction_
tom_and_les_oconnell_LOC_Construction_2023_small_5-min
tom_and_les_oconnell_LOC_Construction_2023_small_10-min
loc_construction_panorama_rd_clifton_project_day_1_framing___intro_04.10.23_small_227
loc_construction_canterbury_building_company_team_0

Foundations for the future

10 years ago our son Tom decided he wanted to join the company completing his four-year apprenticeship and becoming a capable and clear thinking tradesman. Tom completed papers in business and project management by correspondence whilst working on site full time as a Foreman. Tom has a excellent customer relationship skills and has ensured our company has transitioned well with modern technology and methods and has a strong vision for the company. Tom will ensure LOC is trusted Christchurch building company for many years to come and it is great to leave such an established building business in the family and in good hands.