In an industry that often puts the spotlight on growth, numbers, and speed, Michael Ferguson stands out for a very different reason. Yes, he’s built a strong and respected business through Ninety Three Group, but what really defines Michael is the way he shows up for people. Quietly. Consistently. Without ever needing recognition.
Michael didn’t take the traditional path into carpentry. Before picking up the tools, he spent years working at the Chase Hotel, working his way up through hospitality management. It was stable, it was familiar, but it never quite felt right. A four-month trip through Europe gave him the space to step back and reassess what he actually wanted. What became clear was that he needed something hands-on, something tangible, something where you could look back at the end of the day and see the result of your effort.
At 23, Michael started his apprenticeship as a mature-age apprentice, and that decision shaped the way he leads to this day. Having lived a bit of life before starting his trade gave him perspective. He understands what it’s like to start again, to commit fully to learning, and to earn your place through effort rather than entitlement. It’s why he has such respect for apprentices who genuinely want to be there, whether they’re mature-age or fresh out of school.
Despite growing Ninety Three Group into a successful operation, Michael remains incredibly grounded. He doesn’t lead with ego, and he’s never been interested in playing the role of “the boss.” He leads alongside his team, takes ownership when things don’t go to plan, and is always quick to share credit when they do. Success, in his eyes, is something built together.
That humility runs right through the culture of his business. People are valued, communication is open, and everyone understands where they fit and why their role matters. Michael genuinely wants his team to feel like they’re part of something bigger than just another job. He wants them to grow, to feel supported, and to take pride in the work they do.
What really sets Michael apart, though, is that his values don’t stop at the job site. Over the years, he has been involved in multiple Helping Hand Days, consistently giving up his time, skills, and leadership to support others in the community. There’s no commercial upside to this work. No contracts, no invoices, no expectations. It’s simply about doing the right thing and using the trade for good.
It’s this ongoing commitment that has seen Michael recognised as a true champion within the Carpentry Australia community. Not because he chased the title, but because he embodies what it actually means. He shows up. He contributes. He leads by example.
Sharing many of the same qualities as Habitat carpenters Brad and Tim, Michael believes that real leadership is quiet and consistent. It’s about looking after your people, lifting others where you can, and understanding that the trade is bigger than any one individual. Like them, he understands that the legacy you leave isn’t just measured in buildings, but in people.
Four years ago, Michael reached out to Carpentry Australia, looking for connection, growth, and a better way to build both his business and his team. From that first conversation, it was clear that the values aligned. Since then, he hasn’t looked back. He’s continued to invest in himself through further education, work toward his Builder’s Licence, and implement systems that allow his team to grow alongside him rather than be left behind.
Michael Ferguson’s story is a reminder that success in carpentry doesn’t have to come at the cost of people. That humility and ambition can exist together. And that when you genuinely care about your team and your community, recognition follows naturally.
