Tipperary entrepreneur celebrates ten years of growth with ever-expanding SMJ Group

Tipperary businessman and entrepreneur Sean Mockler Jnr, founder of the SMJ Group, is celebrating 10 years in business this year—a milestone that marks a decade of steady expansion, job creation, and major investment in the local community.

At only 36 years of age, Seanie has built a three-division enterprise that now employs 26 local people across SMJ Group, each contributing to the company’s growing reputation for high-end building, bespoke craftsmanship, and quality residential developments across Tipperary and beyond.

His journey in construction began early. After finishing school in Thurles CBS in 2004 at age 15, he started a carpentry apprenticeship with Cleary and Flood Construction.

From there, he progressed to become foreman with his father’s business, Darwin Construction, where he oversaw larger-scale projects and gained key experience that would prepare him for launching his own company.

Seanie’s partner, Hannah Slattery, also works very closely beside him, while working in accounts she is also a big asset to the company.

SMJ Construction: Building a Local Legacy

SMJ Construction & Renovations Ltd was founded in November 2015. The company provides a wide range of services including new builds, extensions, renovations, retrofits, SEAI grant work, commercial projects, and residential developments, completing projects of all sizes from Dublin to Cork.

The company’s very first employee, Patrick Carroll, remains a valued member of the team. In 2021, Tom Doran, a close friend of Seanie, joined as Site Manager, bringing strong construction knowledge to support daily operations. Seanie credits much of the company’s success to the dedication and hard work of his team—groundworkers and machinery operators, ICF erectors, carpenters, and general operatives and apprentices—who uphold the company’s high standards. 

Committed to supporting local business, SMJ Construction sources materials from Ronayne’s Hardware, Stakelums Hardware, and Centenary Co-Op, and works closely with trusted subcontractors such as DND Electrical, Eirland Plumbing, and King Groundworks & many other local subcontractors.

Bespoke Craftsmanship, Built Locally

In 2019, SMJ expanded into manufacturing with SMJ Kitchens & Luxury Interiors, and has become a leading local provider of bespoke, handmade kitchens and fitted furniture. Located at the Turnpike (E41 K3C6), the showroom displays a full range of kitchen and wardrobe designs. Every kitchen is designed, manufactured, painted, and fitted by SMJ, with all consultations carried out personally by Seanie.

The company caters for all budgets, and an impressive 90% of its customers come through referrals, reflecting the strong trust built with clients. SMJ Kitchens also manufactures fitted furniture, wardrobes, TV units, and supplies appliances, flooring and Quooker taps.

The kitchen company frequently collaborates with SMJ Construction, giving clients a seamless, fully coordinated experience from build to final fit-out. The business is equally committed to the local workforce, employing apprentices to provide career opportunities for young people. Seanie again credits his highly skilled and reliable team for maintaining the company’s excellent reputation.

SMJ Developments: Delivering high-end homes across Tipperary

In 2021, Seanie launched SMJ Developments, which has quickly become a major force in delivering premium residential homes across the county.

The company’s first project was the €6.5 million “Leighton Manor” development in Two-Mile Borris, consisting of 18 high-end homes. SMJ Construction completed all building works, while SMJ Kitchens provided fully bespoke furniture fit-outs, allowing each homeowner to tailor finishes to their personal style.

SMJ Developments is currently progressing a €16.5 million project of 33 large A-rated detached homes at Limetree Grove, Cashel offering 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and 5-bedroom homes.

The showhouse is open by appointment, with an open day scheduled for this Saturday, November 22, from 10am to 1pm.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to Lynnette from Fowborrow Interiors for the incredible work she did on our Showhouse. She was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with throughout the entire process.

Looking ahead, a new development in Dualla Village is planned, consisting of 13 Georgian-style 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and 5-bedroom homes. The company is also actively seeking zoned residential land across Tipperary and is currently advancing discussions on a potential site in Thurles.

Giving Back to the Community

Throughout his career, Seanie has remained committed to supporting the local community. SMJ proudly sponsors numerous local organisations and events including the Tipperary Pro-Am, Tipperary GAA, Moycarkey-Borris GAA Club, St Kevin’s FC, Thurles Golf Club, and several charities.

As the SMJ Group marks its 10-year milestone, the future looks bright. Plans are underway to build new offices, a showroom, and a workshop in the local area.

Having all 3 Companies under the SMJ Group, Seanie feels it is a huge advantage to delivering Luxury Quality homes tailored to each new homeowner. Growing all 3 companies within the SMJ Group is going to lead to more employment in the area.

A decade on, the SMJ Group continues to grow, driven by a commitment to quality, community, and local employment—standing as a powerful example of what can be achieved through hard work, craftsmanship, and pride in one’s local area.

SMJ is always looking to expand our Team in all areas of the business. If you feel you would like to join our ever expanding team please send your CV to jobs@smj.ie or phone our office 0504-33546.

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