Grant Black Celebrates 20 Years at Apollo Projects

For 20 years, Grant Black has been an important part of Apollo’s journey, bringing experience, strong relationships, and a genuine passion for the work we do. From early wine industry projects to helping create positive impact beyond the build, Grant’s story is a great reflection of the people behind Apollo. 

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I’m a South Islander at heart having lived most of my life in Marlborough and in Canterbury along with many other shorter-term southern places.

My first eight years with Apollo were based in Christchurch prior to moving our family north in 2013 to the Waikato on what was, at the time, quite an adventure.

While I love the north, I’m still drawn to the South Island’s big open landscapes and its wilderness places. Now, I live rurally in Te Kowhai, Hamilton and have two fantastic children, Maia and Liam.

I love the outdoors and living an active lifestyle, cycling, running and any adventures exploring both new and well-known places.

Q. What was the first project you worked on at Apollo? 

I was managing a subcontracting business for more than ten years prior to coming to Apollo, so I’d gotten to know the crew well through that time delivering electrical services on Apollo’s early projects. Subcontracting on their first project, Wairau River Wines back in 2002, was the first of many Apollo clients that I still consider friends today.

When I joined Apollo in 2006, the Marlborough wine industry was really getting some traction with Indevin and Yealands Estate being two early projects of scale. I’ve loved my subsequent 20 years’ involvement in the wine and food industries with the interesting people and great craftsmanship.

Q. What has kept you at Apollo for the last 20 years? 

It’s been a real adventure, and the growth we’ve been able to achieve has made my role varied, interesting and enjoyable. At the core of that enjoyment is the Apollo team and the collaborative approach we take with our clients – where has the time gone?

I really believe in the value we add with our approach to project delivery and construction and have loved the people and the feel of the place overall.

Q. What is your proudest moment over the last 20 years? 

I’m very proud of my part in the initial concept of setting up children’s swimming lessons as part of Apollo’s commitment to building communities, it’s about making an impact beyond the build. Over time, this idea has led to many young children receiving valuable water safety lessons where they otherwise may not have.

Q. Tell us a key learning you’ve had about yourself over the last two decades. 

I’ve learned to really appreciate the good stuff in both work and life – life’s full of ups and downs but there’s always so much to be grateful for.

Q. What are a few highlights about working at Apollo?

• I’ve sampled many a good vino, with good people, during my time!
• The sense of achievement in seeing project idea move from initial discussion to developing a concept, then through the various stages of design and construction to become a physical building is always very rewarding.
• Gathering our clients and team for various events has been a lot of fun, from Goldrush Multisport events and Abel Tasman trips in the early days through to America’s Cup regattas in Auckland and attending awards evenings for our nationally recognised projects are just some of these highlights.