About Us

Apollo, a dynamic construction company founded in 2008, has spent over 16 years transforming spaces and enriching lives. Our journey began in the heart of Queensland and today we proudly stand as a team of 74 professionals, serving clients across Australia.

Our Vision: Building a Better Tomorrow

Apollo is not your average construction firm; we're a human-centric commercial construction company. Our core belief revolves around prioritising the human experience. We're not just builders; we're creators of environments that enhance the lives of everyone involved. Whether it's the end-users or our dedicated team, we consider the needs, well-being and experiences of all people.

Our mission is clear: to craft functional, safe, and comfortable spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally and commercially sustainable.

Built for People

Our People: Unity is the Difference Between Ordinary and Extraordinary

At Apollo, we embrace the power of unity. We firmly believe that collaboration and teamwork are the driving forces behind exceptional results. It's what sets us apart from the ordinary and propels us into the realm of the extraordinary.

Our Strength: Tailored Expertise for Purpose-Built Projects

Our dedicated team possesses the skills, knowledge and experience to create spaces that precisely align with our clients' unique requirements and goals. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision and then customize a plan to bring that vision to life.

Our emphasis on "tailored expertise" speaks to the heart of Apollo – our people. They are the lifeblood of our company, and their personalised and tailored approach ensures not only innovative solutions but also successful delivery. "Purpose-built" showcases our expertise in various sectors, highlighting our ability to master the intricacies of each project.

Our Story Started in 2008

Where It All Began

Apollo's foundation is the remarkable story of our founder, Leon. A journey defined by resilience, Leon's unwavering commitment to his vision has shaped Apollo's core identity.

Leon's path to success includes diverse experiences, from stacking fruit in markets to mining and entrepreneurship. His relentless work ethic and determination are the driving forces behind Apollo's existence.

Starting Apollo at 29, Leon faced financial challenges and long hours. However, his unyielding commitment led him to transform Apollo through discipline, honest communication, and tireless effort.

Leon's vision for Apollo is clear: to become the most respected Tier 2 Builder in the country. This vision includes growth in defense, healthcare, technology, sustainability and more, all while fostering a "People First" culture.

Leon's legacy goal is to leave a lasting impact through Apollo, a company known for greatness and meaningful contributions. His vision inspires us to be our best as we shape Apollo into a remarkable company.

In the world of business, Apollo represents not just a company, but a legacy in progress.

2008

At 29, Leon Bowes founded Apollo with a $4,000 credit card, tape measure, level, ladder, pair of boots and a home-made box trailer.
With no plan and no subcontractor relationships, Leon secures and completes a pharmacy fitout project at 0% margin. The Global Financial Crisis is in full effect.

2010

Leon hires Apollo’s first Site Manager, Barry Eddington.
Christmas night, 307 Queen Street in Brisbane City flooded. Leon drives from Noosa to inspect the site and commence works immediately, establishing the Apollo value of urgency and Apollo’s first large client relationship with Peter Fahey.
Leon and the Apollo team had to self-perform as much of the contract works as possible. All demolition and rubbish removal works were completed in-house

2011

Apollo secures a major flood rectification project to refurbish the Limestone Street building owned by Trident, a 7,000 sqm insurance works project.
Apollo gains a reputation as a responsive and attentive builder, acting with urgency and building a number of long-term client relationships.
This was the first year Leon could afford a carpark in the city. In the previous couple of years Leon and Barry managed by moving around loading zones, trying to avoid parking inspectors. While a carpark might seem like a small milestone for Apollo, at the time this was a big step in the evolution of what was becoming a sustainable business.

2013

Apollo moves into its first leased office at Level 13, 307 Queen Street. This 55 sqm office space was Apollo’s first real home and created a platform for the business to thrive.
It was at this time Apollo learned to stand on its own two feet. Leon used this central city position to network and drive hard in the office fitout market. Apollo had about six staff this year and was transitioning from a business for which Leon did everything himself into a small company.

2014

Apollo successfully completes its first Hospitality project — Jimmy’s on the Mall. Apollo staff worked double shifts, 24 hours per day to deliver the high-end venue in 13 weeks. Apollo’s reputation to deliver the impossible is galvanized.
Shannon O’Brien, Apollo’s first board advisor is appointed and the Apollo team grows to 15 staff.
Apollo achieves ISO accreditation for its Safety, Quality and Environmental Systems, paving the way for growth in State Government works. Given the size of the business at the time, this was another huge accomplishment for the Apollo team.

2015

In 2015, Leon reflects on Apollo’s journey and growth to date. Soon realizing that the business didn’t align with his core values and had missed the mark in several areas, Leon slows down and Apollo downsizes to six staff overnight.
Leon works hard to find someone that could share his vision and values. Ash Dawson, General Manager joins Apollo. Ash is introduced to Leon by one of Apollo’s first subcontractors — 240 Electrical. This was the start of Chapter Two.
Apollo’s One-on-One System is established, creating a focus on developing future leaders with close mentorship and training. A plan to diversify, whilst upholding a strong connection to culture and values and putting good people at our core is established.

2017

Annette Ringuet, now Apollo’s Systems and Compliance Manager joins the team working part time in Accounts. In the subsequent five years, Annette grows to be a pillar of the business.
Apollo completes its first Childcare project at King Street in Bowen Hills for client Guardian Childcare & Education. Entering the Childcare sector signified Apollo’s growth into a fourth sector beyond Fitout & Refurbishment, Insurance and Hospitality.
Apollo quickly grows, landing back to 2014 staff numbers with 16 employees. Apollo delivers $17 million in turnover across 51 projects, all located in South East Queensland.

2018

The Apollo Way – Apollo’s Culture & Values system is established, highlighting the importance of growing the company with team members who fit the Apollo core values and working with like-minded clients.
Apollo establishes a client relationship with Metro North Health with its first major project for Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital. The team also delivers a major refurbishment of the Master Builders head office in Spring Hill.

2019

Apollo wins its first Queensland Master Builders award for the Eagleby Service Centre. This was Apollo’s first greenfield commercial construction project, a milestone that had been chased for a long time.
Apollo has a strong workbook turning over $27 million in projects for the year with a team of 19 staff. The Apollo Leadership Team is created.

2020

COVID-19 arrives in Australia. Apollo doubles down on its strong client and subcontractor relationships to continue the delivery of projects and secure further works during this period. Communication and transparency for all stakeholders was critical, and the Apollo team continues its growth during the pandemic.
The team uses this time to double down on its systems and processes whilst investing in good people. The team moves into the Fortitude Valley Head Office on Robertson Street.
Apollo delivers its first full building fitout and largest project to date for the Mater at Stratton Street in Newstead.

2021

Apollo delivers its first education and university projects and its first major commercial project in New South Wales, all whilst navigating frequent state border closures.
Apollo receives Federal accreditation, paving the way for growth in the government sector of Defence. The team grows to 30 staff, and the Apollo Defence Team is established by Reece Beutel & Mitch King.
Apollo relocated its Head Office to Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley to support its continued growth and increasing staff numbers.

2022

Financial year 2021–2022 brought $71 million in turnover and two new offices opening in the Gold Coast and Townsville, with the team growing to 42 staff.
The Apollo team delivers projects in ten different sectors – Defence, Health, Hospitality, Fitout & Refurbishment, Commercial, Retail, Insurance, Childcare, Education and Tourism.
These projects span across six different regions in Queensland and two islands (Stradbroke and Bribie). The first Apollo Annual event kicks off.

Year On Year

2008

2022

Our Values

Apollo is a people business. We celebrate each other’s individuality and treat everyone with respect. We give each other the benefit of the doubt and back each other as mates do.

We are fiercely proud of our culture and values system built around: humility, hard work, honesty and integrity.

The back bone of our business is our common-sense operating systems. These are followed with religious discipline. They are our non-negotiables.

Collaboration is crucial to our success. We believe in supporting each other, our consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and clients. We don’t tolerate egos period. There is no them or us in any of our interactions, rather we are all equal.

We’re not click heads. We prefer face to face or phone contact over email. We continually ask questions of each other and our clients as we believe deeper personal connections drive success.

We recognize our customer always has a choice. We take pride in being viewed as a professional, trusted and transparent builder. The ultimate measure of success is the fair margin we are paid resulting in a business profit and repeat business.

Construction can be a tough working environment. Part of our DNA is to be able to laugh at or with ourselves because having a bloody good time is important to us.

Our business has been built around speed of quality project delivery. This is possible because we have autonomous people that take responsibility, make decisions and take calculated risks.

We always challenge ourselves to do the best we can do. In the pursuit of excellence, the little things matter and we strive to do more with less. Everyone participates equally and we all do our own ‘Shit Work!’

We are problem solvers not makers. We are curious about learning new possibilities and act to explore them. We respond to challenges, not shy away from them.

Team