TEEING UP A BETTER LIFE
Baltic Group’s Work-Life Culture
Hits The Sweet Spot
It’s not every day you find a crew that tackles shutdowns in the mines and ports with the same energy they bring to the golf course, but Baltic Group isn’t your everyday company. Founded on the principle that people matter as much as performance, this young, fast-growing collective of trades and technical professionals has built a culture that goes well beyond the job site.
Whether it’s fitters on the ground at a coal mine, sparkies wiring up off-grid island resorts, or diesel mechanics keeping heavy machinery humming, Baltic Group is known for getting the job done right. But it’s what happens after knock–off that really sets them apart.
From fishing trips and backyard barbecues to teeing off on pristine fairways, Baltic has cultivated a lifestyle that balances hard work with hard-earned downtime.
“Our crew genuinely enjoy spending time together even when they’re off the clock,” says Elliott Magnus, who co-founded Baltic in 2019 alongside Lloyd Strutynski.
“We wanted to create something where people are proud of what they do and feel looked after while they’re doing it.”
That spirit of mateship and balance underpins everything Baltic does, including their community work.
In September, the team is heading back to the freshly upgraded Sarina Golf Course for the second annual Baltic Group Charity Golf Day. Last year’s inaugural event raised a phenomenal $30,000 for CQ Rescue and Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia. It was a sell-out success, packed with high energy, great prizes, and a sense of purpose that extended far beyond the final putt.
“We were honestly blown away by the support,” says co-founder Lloyd.
“Everyone turned up in good spirits, the prizes were top shelf, and the feedback we got was that it was one of the best charity days people had been to.”
A standout moment? A hole-in-one challenge for a brand-new Yamaha golf cart. While no one took it home that day, the shootout and live auction raised an extra $8,000, proving that even a missed shot can be a win when the community is involved.
This year, Baltic is upping the ante. A brand-new Sea Jay tinny powered by a Suzuki Outboard is up for grabs, and sponsorships are expected to sell out fast.
“The energy around this event is massive,” says Todd Saron, who heads up Baltic Diesel.
“We’re aiming to smash that $30K again, and the response already has been incredible.”
But it’s not just the boys who get the good gigs.
In June, Baltic will host their first-ever Ladies Only Charity Event — a heartfelt nod to the women who hold the fort while their partners are away on roster. Raising funds for breast cancer research, the event recognizes the sacrifices made by the wives, partners, sisters, and daughters who support Baltic’s crew.
“This event is about more than just raising money,” says Beau Hargrave, Director of Baltic Electrical.
“It’s about saying thank you. We know our guys couldn’t do what they do without the support of their families, and this is a way to give something back.”
That deep sense of care and connection extends to every part of Baltic’s culture. The team understands that life looks different for everyone — and the flexibility they offer reflects that.
“We’ve got crew at all stages of life,” explains Lloyd. “Some are young and hungry for back-to-back shutdowns, others are raising kids and want to be there for school pickups and soccer games. Our roster planning works around that — it’s part of why people stay.”
That balance is something 44-year-old mature-age apprentice Daniel Cavacas doesn’t take for granted. “Starting my apprenticeship later in life with a growing family was a risky decision, but I haven’t looked back,” says Daniel.
“Baltic has given me the opportunity to complete a trade I’ve always wanted to do. The flexibility means I’m still there for my young family, and it’s allowed my wife to finish her degree. The exposure I get — from working on remote off-grid setups on the islands to mining work that brings in extra income — is something I’m truly grateful for.”
Kobe Driver, 26, shares a similar sentiment. “I’ve been with Baltic nearly four years now,” says Kobe.
“Lloyd and Elliott took me under their wing straight out of my apprenticeship. I’ve gone from being on the tools, to supervising, to now coordinating. It’s a company that grows with you.”
For Kobe, that growth isn’t just professional — it’s personal.
“Baltic allows me to be home more to spend quality time with my family. Not many companies can offer that.”
From mining and marine to golf and giving back, Baltic Group has built something rare in the trades world — a business where the team’s happiness offsite is just as important as their productivity onsite.
“We’re proud of the work we do,” says Elliott. “But we’re just as proud of the way we do it together, with respect, and with time carved out for the people and things that matter.”
In a world where work–life balance is often talked about but rarely achieved, Baltic is proving it’s more than possible, it’s powerful.
Don’t let life pass you by.
If this sounds like the work culture you’ve been looking for, then get in touch.
