Face Contracting is a mining contracting business that specialises in delivering workforce management services, mechanical and rebuilding services, as well as safety and training consulting in the mining and civil engineering industries.
Founded in 2010, Face started out as an OHS&T consultant company. As FACE continued to develop, it introduced labour-hire, recruitment and mechanical services to offer an integrated service for mining operations. Face’s rapid maturation has made a mark in the industry, carving out a spot as a reliable, quality service provider to the communities it works in.
In this episode John Barnes, Director of Operations at Face discusses the value of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) 90-day business review.
Transcript
Murray Smith: John Barnes, welcome to the show.
John Barnes: Thank you very much, Murray. Thank you for inviting me.
Murray: No problem. All our shows start with two questions. The first being: what’s one professional success you’ve recently had, and also one personal success?
John: Professionally, I recently assisted a mining company in the Philippines to restructure their operations. We refocused the team, increased productivity, and got the mine into a stable state. Personally, I’ve maintained an active lifestyle. I was a professional sportsman, and staying active helps me keep a clear mind and manage stress effectively.
Murray: Always good to know how to deal with stress. You’ve mentioned mining — today happened to be your EOS quarterly review. You’re now Director of Operations and IT at Face Mining Services. Can you tell us a bit about what Face does?
John: Face Contracting is an organisation that provides labour resources to the mining and civil industries. We work with clients to understand where they have resource gaps and help fill those vacancies to maintain or improve productivity.
Murray: And where are you currently targeting your services?
John: We’re well established in the western part of New South Wales — around Cobar, Broken Hill, and Nyngan. Since January, we’ve expanded into Western Australia, especially Kalgoorlie. We’ve set up an office there and are actively building our presence.
Murray: That’s great. Today was your first full quarterly EOS review. What was the biggest benefit for you?
John: This was my first deep dive into Face. I’d worked with them before as a contractor, but now I’m on the inside. The biggest takeaway from today was the openness EOS fosters. Everyone could speak freely, everything was documented, and we left the session with clear direction. Unlike other settings where tension might arise, this felt productive. We identified our rocks and broke them into actionable items — so we now have a precise focus for the next 90 days.
Murray: And we also discussed some big-picture items, like risk management. What came out of that?
John: We identified potential risks within the organisation and considered their impact. Whether you’re a large or small business, the risks are the same — only the scale changes. Understanding that helps us plan better and protect the business long-term.
Murray: The accountability chart is another key tool. How did you find today’s discussion on that?
John: The value lies in the fact that we review it every 90 days. In traditional structures, you’re often stuck with responsibilities that don’t make sense. With EOS, we reassess regularly to ensure roles align with people’s skills and focus. That clarity removes frustration and increases passion and energy.
Murray: Let’s talk about you for a moment. What’s your background in mining, and how did you come to Face?
John: I started in mining in the late 1980s in South Africa. After serving in the military, I worked my way up through practical experience and exams. In 2007, I came to Australia to manage a mine in Indonesia. I later became Director of Projects and then COO in the Philippines. Face had been a contractor for my projects, and after returning from the Philippines, I reconnected with Peter from Face. He asked if I’d consider helping the company expand into WA, and here I am.
Murray: And you’ve now moved to Kalgoorlie?
John: Yes, and I told Peter, “If you can live in Cobar, you can live anywhere.” We’ve settled in and are actively networking. It’s been a new challenge — moving from a principal or contractor role to being a service provider — and it’s helping me grow.
Murray: One of Face’s points of difference is your focus on residential work rather than FIFO. Tell us more about that.
John: We’re big on work-life balance. Coming from South Africa, I was used to coming home every evening. In Australia, FIFO is common, but we believe in building stronger families and communities by encouraging residential work. It’s a big part of our culture.
Murray: For anyone listening who wants to work with Face, how should they get in touch?
John: Visit facecontracting.com.au — there’s a contact link where you can reach out or express interest. We’re always happy to have conversations, especially with those open to living locally.
Murray: Final question: You’re clearly a fan of EOS. But outside of that, what advice would you give to business owners looking to make a difference tomorrow?
John: Trust your people. You hire them because they’re capable. Give them responsibility and accountability, and let them make mistakes — that’s how they grow. My best mentor taught me that development comes from learning, not being told what to do. Let them try, support them, and only intervene when it’s repeated. That builds trust and loyalty.
Murray: Wise words. John, thanks for joining us on Gripping Business Tales. I look forward to continuing our EOS journey and seeing Face grow over the next 90 days — and the years beyond.
John: Thanks, Murray.