Perpetuating the Vision

January 14, 2026

In an era where corporate mergers and acquisitions are common, few Australian companies can claim an unbroken 80-year journey of private ownership, sustained growth and unwavering core values. Building services specialist A.G. Coombs stands as a remarkable exception, ensuring this legacy is properly documented in the 80th anniversary book titled “Perpetuating the Vision”.

The journey to document A.G. Coombs’ story began well over a decade ago, driven by the recognition that invaluable company history was at risk of being lost with many long-serving employees in post-retirement,” recalls
Bryon Price, Strategic Development Director at A.G. Coombs. “There was a concerted focus on preserving the stories and experiences of the company’s long-standing contributors.”

The resulting history book, A Singular Vision, launched in 2015, captured the essence of the first 70 years of A.G. Coombs. The decade that followed played out in a manner few could have predicted.

Future past

For A.G. Coombs’ leadership, historical documentation represents a careful balance between honouring legacy and driving innovation. “We’ve always understood there is much to learn from history, but we must also embrace the future,” says Russell Telford, Managing Director at A.G. Coombs.
“The A.G. Coombs book is about celebrating our origins and journey,
and documenting this in a way that contributes to our strong culture today and beyond.”

This philosophy manifests in practical ways throughout the organisation.
The company maintains some selective customs that may have been judged outdated in many other organisations – an annual all-personnel awards dinner, 40 and even 50 year service awards, retirement honours, 21 years of service watches, training and young achiever awards, and safety awards. “These are important people focused traditions that underpin our company culture. They’re a part of our DNA,” notes Russell.

Corporate historian Marcella Hunter, who authored both the original 70 year and the updated A.G. Coombs 80 year books, brings a clear perspective to the importance of such projects. “You only see successful companies go on to produce corporate histories,” observes Marcella. “A.G. Coombs has clearly been a success story over a sustained period.”

Contemporary relevance

Due for release in 2026, the 80th anniversary edition maintains its original narrative energy in documenting more recent events. Marcella notes: “If anyone wants to appreciate the strong culture at A.G. Coombs, one only needs to read the COVID chapter, because the company’s frequently referenced core values played a huge part in helping it navigate this very challenging time.”

This 80th anniversary updated edition may be among the first corporate histories globally to dedicate substantial coverage to the impact of COVID-19.

“A.G. Coombs came out of the COVID-19 pandemic even stronger than when it went in,” adds Russell. “We attribute this resilience to the company’s diversified strategies and excellent situational leadership – knowing when to be authoritative, when to be consultative and supportive, as well as when to challenge ourselves.”

Culture & continuity

For A.G. Coombs, historical documentation represents far more than an anniversary commemoration. Every new employee receives a copy of the book, creating immediate connection to the company’s legacy. The impact is particularly pronounced on mature-age recruits who view their career move as a lifetime decision rather than another stepping-stone.

One aspect that particularly resonates with Russell is that the book recognises contributions across all levels of the organisation along with executive achievements. “Our trade-based people are our frontline every day. The updated edition highlights how the company evolved from a trade-based operation to a sophisticated technical services provider. There’s some wonderful individuals and contributors over our history and the book passes their stories onto the next generation,” adds Russell.

Treasured legacy

The privately-owned Australian company’s commitment to historical documentation reflects deeper strategic thinking. As Bryon aptly summarises, “We respect the past and embrace the future. A philosophy that views historical understanding as essential for future success.” In an industry increasingly dominated by multinational corporations, A.G. Coombs’ sustained independence and cultural continuity is a clearcompetitive advantage.

As A.G. Coombs marks its 80^th anniversary with continued growth and industry leadership, the investment into historical documentation reflects
a sophisticated understanding of organisational development. The 80th anniversary book captures more than just a decade of growth –
It’s a demonstration of how enduring values navigate contemporary challenges. Perpetuating the vision.

This article originally appeared in BE – Building Efficiency 2025-2026 magazine.