They say friends and business don’t mix but a trio of Townsville footy mates have proven the old adage wrong, together helping build one of North Queensland most impressive home-grown companies.

Peak ARE (Airconditioning, Refrigeration and Electrical) founder Brad Swaffer and key employees Allan Petersen and Matthew Green met in 2006 when they played footy together at Centrals Rugby League Club in Townsville.

Brad, who specialised in complex chilled water systems, had founded a business called Peak with his wife Lorenza in 2004, which originally focused on HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning).

Allan and Matt came on board one week apart in late 2007, first Allan as an electrician fresh out of his apprenticeship and Matt as a very ‘green’ Refrigeration Mechanic apprentice.

Since then, the trio has worked together to achieve growth and success both individually and collectively that none of them could have ever anticipated.

Allan and Matt are currently the Electrical Department and Mechanical Department Managers respectively.

“I didn’t even know what a refrigeration mechanic was on my first day, so it’s definitely been a big growth experience for me,” laughed Matt.

“From a technical perspective, growing along with the company has been great and being able to be part of helping drive that growth as well as working in it, gives you a bit of extra satisfaction,” he said.

“I’ve worked my entire Fridgie career at Peak, it doesn’t happen very often anymore, and I think we’re both pretty proud of what we’ve achieved. “

Peak ARE moved into its new NQ Headquarters in April 2022 and has developed into a diverse business providing air conditioning, refrigeration, electrical and associated trade services including mechanical plumbing and sheet metal fabrication. 

It’s won significant work in key projects in the region including the new Breakwater hotel, the Castletown redevelopment and defence projects.

“15 years in the lifetime of a business probably a really long time, but the growth we’ve seen and been part of has been very significant,” Allan said.

“Best of all, it’s all going local, helping out the local economy and offering more jobs to local people has been a great achievement.

When you look at the new NQ headquarters, its second-to-none in Townsville and North Queensland. Being able to see my best mate grow in his position too is pretty special.”

Matt was Allan’s best man at his wedding and is God father to his son. Both say, Brad and Lorenza’s commitment to ensuring a family friendly workplace is another thing that set’s Peak ARE apart from the rest.

“The accommodation of and welcoming of all families is something the company prides itself on, everyone that works here knows everyone else’s kids by name and Brad and Lorenza have built and maintained that ethos right from the start,” Allan said.

“I think it is a bit easier to give a job your all when there is good support at work. It’s a family-owned business and we both had relationships with Brad and Lorenza before we started working here. I think that helps,” Matt said.

“It’s definitely a point of difference from any other company this size, that’s for sure.”

But what is their secret to mixing business with mateship?

“It’s always a two-way street, you give, and you take, and it comes down to that balance like in any relationship really,” Brad said.

“These guys have been here a long time – they’re not just takers they’re givers as well. It’s a team effort at the end of the day,” he said.

“Honesty and transparency are the keys really and being able to separate work and friendship” Matt said.

“When we’re at work he’s the boss and when we’re out of work we’re mates,” he said.

“As long as we all respect and maintain the boundaries of the professional side, it works.”

Peak ARE is currently seeking staff in multiple positions.

Visit peakare.com.au/careers for more information and to apply.