Business Partners and Lifelong Lovers: The Leutharts’ Journey

Dave and Cheryl Leuthart have transformed a chance meeting into a thriving business partnership, all while maintaining their personal relationship. The couple, now prominent figures in New Plymouth’s timber industry, have owned TimberCo since June 1999. Their journey began 36 years ago at a surf lifesaving event on Mt Maunganui beach, where their romance sparked alongside a shared passion for adventure.

Initially, their relationship started as a long-distance commitment. Dave, working on a dairy farm, convinced Cheryl to move from Mt Maunganui to New Plymouth in the late 1980s. Together, they began milking cows on David’s family farm, where Cheryl learned the ropes of dairy farming. “I didn’t know anything about dairy farming, which was actually quite good because Dave could teach me exactly the way he liked the cows milked,” she shared.

Their bond extended beyond farming. Both were deeply involved in surf lifesaving, becoming part of the first team in New Zealand to circumnavigate the country in an inflatable rescue boat. Just eight weeks after this feat, they married. Shortly thereafter, they considered moving to Culverden in North Canterbury for a dairy farming opportunity. However, a listing in the Taranaki Daily News for a timber yard changed their course.

Eager to remain in New Plymouth, they purchased the timber yard from former Olympic boxer Pat Ryan. “We wanted to stay in New Plymouth, so we bought the timber yard instead,” Dave recalled. Ryan, initially set to assist for one year, ended up working with the Leutharts for an additional 12 years.

Over 26 years, they expanded TimberCo from a site on Manadon Street to its current location on Sunley Street. The couple has established distinct roles to maintain a balance between their work and personal lives. Cheryl oversees administration, human resources, and payroll, while Dave manages orders and leads a team of around 17 employees. “I couldn’t tell you the length of any timber. Dave hasn’t learnt wages or GST either,” Cheryl mentioned.

Their independence at work is notable; they even travel separately to the office. Dave starts his day at 5:30 a.m., while Cheryl arrives an hour and a half later. “We’re not like some couples who wake up and have a cuppa and a chat,” he explained. Maintaining this boundary has proven beneficial for their professional partnership.

Outside the timber yard, both Leutharts have personal interests that enrich their lives. David chairs the board of trustees at Francis Douglas Memorial College, where his sons, Kurt and Shaun, were educated. He also serves on the Taranaki Cricket board. Cheryl, a passionate runner, has completed the New York Marathon and participated in a team that ran around the base of Mt Kilimanjaro. Additionally, she has contributed to the Sport Taranaki board and remains active in local sports awards.

Reflecting on their lengthy marriage, David emphasized the importance of personal space, stating, “You can’t be in each other’s pockets 24/7, especially working together – that’s been key to our longevity, 34 years married.”

Despite their success, the Leutharts faced challenges early in their business journey. They admitted to being “naive” when they first took over TimberCo, expecting straightforward payment processes from clients. “We just thought that we send out accounts at the start of the month, everyone paid us on the 20th and we paid out creditors as well. But of course, it doesn’t work that way,” Cheryl explained.

The couple navigated financial pressures, including guarantees from David’s parents and bank overdrafts. Over time, they adapted to the cyclical nature of the building industry. Interestingly, the business thrived during the Covid-19 pandemic, as many individuals turned to DIY projects while at home. “It was two of our best years. During Covid, I was here every day because we were an essential business,” Dave noted, referring to their role in supplying materials for local construction projects.

Now in their early 60s, the Leutharts are contemplating retirement and the travel opportunities that lie ahead. “A lot of people retire because they have to. We want to while we can,” Cheryl remarked, highlighting their desire to enjoy life beyond business.

Their story illustrates how enduring partnerships can flourish in both personal and professional arenas, proving that love and business can coexist harmoniously.