De Mol means business

When you think of Midland businesses, it’s hard to bypass Steve De Mol. He’s the man behind the eight-storey mixed use retail, commercial and residential development under construction on The Avenue in the New Junction precinct. This is an important project, and is the first of three blocks Steve has purchased in the precinct.

We met with Steve De Mol to hear his recollections of development in Midland and his vision for the future. Steve has lived in the City of Swan for 48 years. This is the place where he got his start and made his name.

Steve recalls Midland as a very different place - reliant on workshops, the abattoirs, sale yards and business from the wheatbelt. La Salle College, where he was educated, had only 200 students (where now there are 1,400). Steve made his own opportunities, and his first job was packing groceries at Centrepoint. He completed an apprenticeship as a vehicle bodybuilder in Bellevue and went on to pack bricks for Midland Brick. Since starting his own business 34 years ago, he’s employed thousands of people.

Steve references the changes he’s seen over time, from the excitement of the Rollerdrome through to the opening of Midland Gate, Swan Active (formerly known as Swan Park Leisure Centre) and the advent of seven day shopping. He describes a town that celebrates its industrial and military history, and is now meeting its increasing population with the services needed to sustain it over the long term.

When asked about the secret to his success, he laughs. He says hard work is most of the equation, the rest is good timing and seizing opportunities. “In the City of Swan, there are so many opportunities for business,” he said. “Midland truly is the junction between the north and the east.”

Steve leans in when he talks about his investment in New Junction. He is an astute businessman and he describes his investment as a no brainer. “New Junction is going to help Midland reach its potential and make our CBD a hub for community activity,” he said.

But it’s not all about the money. Steve says his heart, soul and family are all in Midland. Of his seven children, three have businesses in Midland and five still live in the City. Part of being involved in the development of New Junction is about his legacy to his family and giving back to the community that has given so much to him. With a wry smile he says, “there’s no point being the wealthiest person in the cemetery.”