Behind the Blueprints: get to know the Crema team
Crema has been building boldly since 1951.
That’s not one, not two, but three generations of building Melbourne.
There’s a lot of history (and a lot of stories) that we’ve collected over the years. From our small family business beginnings to our expansion in both projects and people, we’ve always had our roots firmly planted into Melbourne’s cityscape.
Now that our family-run company is in its third generation, it’s time to retrace our steps and get to know one of our own.
With a name that almost needs no introduction, today we’re shining the spotlight on…
Louis Crema, Managing Director
Louis is the son of our founder Gilberto ‘Beppi’ Crema, making him second generation Crema. Clocking in over 45 years with the company (plus another 10 years apprenticeship), Louis is an indispensable member of the Crema family. He’s often described as the beating heart behind the Crema business, who has led the company with passion, honesty, and a good supply of coffee. For the last 40 years, he has managed Crema alongside his brothers Luciano and Romeo.
Our managing director prides himself on his hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to deliver on expectations, with a focus on quality. He has huge respect and admiration for all his workforce, and drives us towards the same goals. Believing that collaboration allows for even greater success, you’ll find Louis wherever he is needed: from a boardroom meeting, to behind the wheel of one of our Agi trucks.
Crema: Let’s start with the important question first. What’s your go-to coffee order?
Louis: It’s always a latte – lately I’ve been going for an oat latte with honey. My wife says it’s healther.
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Crema: Let’s start with the important question first. What’s your go-to coffee order?
Louis: It’s always a latte – lately I’ve been going for an oat latte with honey. My wife says it’s healther..
Crema: How did you get started in the industry?
Louis: Growing up in the building world, I was always interested in construction. You could say it’s in my blood. I remember always coming to work with my dad (and Founder) Beppi Crema from a young age and learned everything he passed down to me. In 1978, me and my brothers Luciano and Romeo took over completely as my dad fell ill and couldn’t work for 6 months. We brought a diverse range of skills to the business: I studied accounting, Luciano studied architecture, and Romeo studied building/construction. Our combined efforts led the Crema group to expand into what it is today.
Crema: What’s one thing that surprised you about your role?
Louis: Honestly how much enjoyment and pleasure it still gives me even after 45+ years in the company. I’m still in the office by 6.30am and often one of the last to leave.
Crema: What’s one thing you wish people knew about construction?
Louis: How different each day is. One day I’ll be having a lunch meeting with a CEO, going over the project plans. The next day I will be amongst the action – driving one of our Piave Agi’s to deliver concrete to job sites. I wear many hats in my role, and I love that it keeps me on my toes.
Crema: Name your favourite project to date.
Louis: The one that comes to mind is Powlett Street, East Melbourne. It was one of Crema’ biggest projects at the time it was built, and was one of our most successful. Driving past the site still brings back a lot of memories.
1 Powlett Street, East Melbourne
Crema: What are you most proud of in your career?
Louis: For me, it’s seeing the company grow from when we took over in 1978 to where we are now. It makes me proud to witness the new generation taking over and bringing in new ways of working. I’m learning something new every day, to this day.
Crema: Last question – What’s your idea of a perfect Melbourne weekend?
Louis: The perfect weekend for me is spending a Saturday morning at Bobbi Beans with my kids and grandkids before heading to the office for the day. On a Saturday evening, I love eating at my local Italian restaurants – The Veneto Club, Va Tutto and Centonove are some of my favourites. A perfect Sunday would be starting with a morning walk and coffee with my wife Amanda, followed by an afternoon drive around Melbourne visiting the construction job sites. A mix of work, a mix of leisure. That’s how I like it.
