Special Feature
On Thursday June 9, 2022 The Southern Argus published a special feature celebrating family business.
Read on to learn about some of the local families and how their businesses enrich our community.
Strathalbyn Tyre Service
What products and services does your business supply?
Tyres: not only do we sell Dunlop tyres we have direct access to some of major tyre brands sold in this country, such as Goodyear, Roadstone, Centara, Toyo, Maxxis, and Kumho to name a few.
Batteries: we sell two of Australia’s most recognised battery brands in Century and Exide.
Wheels: both alloy and steel wheels from the leading suppliers such as ROH, Speedy, CSA and Dynamic.
On-farm tyre repair and fitment: our service vehicle covers from Wellington/ Gumeracha/Stirling/Yankalilla and everything in-between for all on-farm tyre repairs whether that’s on a tractor, truck, forklift or header.
What is the history of your business?
Our business has had a few name changes over the years. It was changed in April 2021 hopefully for the last time to Strathalbyn Tyres Service which is a Dunlop Super Dealer. After working for Beaurepaires for 30 years, Peter with his wife Katherine were given the opportunity to become Dunlop Super Dealer licensees and took up the challenge of running their own business with the support of friends and customers.
Most memorable experience to date?
It’s a humbling experience to have such support from the Fleurieu community to the point of many customers dropping not just to purchase tyres but to say ‘happy 1-year anniversary’ in late April.
Frost Motor Repairs
What is the history of your business? How did it begin?
The Langhorne Creek garage was established in the late 1930s -early 1940s and has had only a few owners in that time. Darryl & Narelle Frost purchased it in 1987 and renamed it Frost Motor Repairs. The business was primarily agricultural equipment repairs and a fuel outlet. It has evolved over the past 35 years as the area and technology have changed.
What products or services does your business provide?
In 1993 we became a Stihl servicing dealer, specialising in small engines. While continuing to maintain and repair agricultural equipment, vehicles and in recent years Felco and Pellenc electric snips. We are agents for Castrol; Origin; Bushranger, Stiga and Rover mowers; Pellenc electrics and Stihl equipment. We also serve our customers fuel.
What services do you offer to encourage customer loyalty?
As a family business we understand the need for community. We are major sponsors of the Langhorne Creek Netball Club and sponsor the football, cricket, bowls and table tennis clubs. We have supported individuals, community groups and our school when they have needed help over the years and our community supports us.
A-Plus Auto Electrical & Diesel Repairs
What products or services does your business provide?
We provide general repairs and logbook servicing to all makes and models.
- Auto electrical and air conditioning repairs.
- Diesel tuning and remapping.
- 4x4 fit outs and caravan repairs.
What values are important to your family business?
To provide the local community with an honest and affordable place to bring their vehicles.
We also believe in giving back to a community that supports us
- A-Plus supports -
- The work experience program through local schools.
- Local events – Christmas Pageant and Carols
- Sponsors of Strathalbyn Football and Cricket Clubs – various young motorcycle racing talent.
How do you manage your work/family life balance?
This can be quite tricky at times – family is the most important value to us; this includes our employees’ families. Working hard is something we should enjoy, and I encourage, but, in my opinion, should never become more important than our family.
Daish Irrigation & Fodder
What strengths do you have as a family-operated business?
Daish Irrigation has been around for more than 30 years, and John and Brendan have been part of the business for much of this time. They are very well known and involved in the community and have made a
significant contribution to the industry in that time.
Which family members work in the business and what is their role?
Brothers John and Brendan along with their wives Kath and Louise are the directors of the business. Their sons Brad and Harry both work in the irrigation side with Harry specialising in pump maintenance and repairs. Brad’s wife Renae works in the admin. Brendan’s daughter Annabelle works in marketing/advertising but also as admin support.
What values are important to your family business?
Supporting our customers and community. Not only do we do our best for our customers but for our community as well by way of involvement and sponsorship. No matter how big or small the contribution is, the slightest can make a change.
Strath Seafoods
What products or services does your business provide?
The best quality, fresh Australian seafood, and a good range of Australian frozen seafood is what Strath Seafoods prides itself on. While only being a small country seafood store, we still try to provide a range which suits our local area. Seafood is a tricky one, with weather playing a large part in what is available. Quality South Australian product is where we like to start, however, seafood from across Australia is sourced when the need arises, especially when customer orders are concerned.
Do you have a competitive advantage? What makes your business unique?
From the outside, Strath Seafoods is just another small seafood outlet, however, it is how we go about it that makes us unique! From purchasing our fish whole from The SAFCOL Seafood wholesale market, right through to the filleting and storing process, this entire procedure is done solely by us. Quality and service is our main goal!!
What is your most memorable experience to date?
Having a customer pop in the door or stop us in the street to let us know the seafood they ordered or purchased made a special meal a huge success makes us both very pleased and extremely proud. This also makes our combined 50 years in the industry, and the long hours well worth the effort.
Robin Hood Hotel
What is the history of your business? How did it begin?
We as a family took over the operations of the Robin Hood 13 years ago this year! With several years of business ownership and hospitality prior, this was the perfect next step in our journey.
What products or services does your business provide?
We provide meal service in our dining room and front bar 7 days a week with lunch, dinner and takeaway available, as well as a live music, fun, family friendly atmosphere, local wine and cold beer.
Which family members work in the business and what is their role?
We all make appearances, but owner/directors are Glenys and John, with daughter Ruby looking after events and marketing and son Ned making an appearance at most social events to lend a helping hand.
What is your most memorable experience to date?
Our larger events such as Beers, Bikes & BBQs and live music in the beer garden always bring so many fond memories! Stay tuned for later in the year for more of this fun!
Do you currently have any positions available within your business?
Yes! We are looking for several new members to join our team in both front and back of house, please feel free to drop in for a chat or email your resume to robinhood18@bigpond.com to get in touch with us!
Strathalbyn Newsagent
Sharon Neumann and Julie Murgatroyd.
What’s the history of your business? How did it begin?
I started in 1955 in the film industry then to newsagency business 1976 to 1980. Went back to Greater Union Theatres in 1980 to 1992, then back to newsagency in Strathalbyn in 1993 and have now been there for 28 years.
Which family members work in the business, what is their role?
My partner has supported in all areas with the exception of delivering papers.
What’s your motto as a business operator?
To become part of the community, with getting to know all customers by name and join in with town activities.
What are the strengths as a family business?
To develop and grow with the business with your own ideas and drive.
Who or what inspires you to operate the business?
We observed this kind of business and saw it could be to my liking so I went for it. Have never been sorry I went in this direction.
What is your most memorable experience to date?
Meeting all customers, giving them “hell” and enjoying their response and comeback.
As a successful business, what advice could you give to other family businesses?
See something you would like to be in and go after it.
What does your business provide?
Fun, joy and security.
How do you manage your work/family life balance?
The newsagency business is very time consuming, with all sorts of hours to be done. At the end of the day hopefully there is a dollar in it. This job also gives you time to spend with family and friends.
Hammer ‘N’ Tongs
What is the history of your business? How did it begin?
I have always wanted to own my own café and create an all-inclusive space where people come together to enjoy good food and conversation. I purchased the former Commonwealth Bank building in 2018 and worked with local tradespeople to restore the building that we’re now enjoying today. Hammer ‘N’ Tongs opened up only a few months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What products or services does your business provide?
We now have a full hotel license and offer an amazing breakfast, lunch and evening menu.
Which family members work in the business and what is their role?
I am fortunate to have enjoyed working with my daughter, Darcie from day one. She has joined me on this exciting journey and today she’s the front-of-house manager.
What values are important to your family business?
We’ve worked hard to establish a team culture that cares for each other and strives to achieve the best customer experience. We’re always looking at ways where we can improve but we have a fantastic foundation.
How do you manage your work/family life balance?
This really is my hobby. The balance becomes easier as the business becomes better established.
What strengths do you have as a family-operated business?
We’re always on the ground so we can pivot very easily to meet changing demands. Our level of flexibility and commitment has been on display during the COVID pandemic as we’ve navigated our way through the disruption.
What are the challenges of operating a family business?
Some business decisions need to be made that require the agreement and respect of both parties.
What is your most memorable experience to date?
We’ve already enjoyed so many memorable moments, but the months working on getting the space ready for to opening was truly special. We now have our function space ready to hold special events, so I feel like the most memorable times are yet to be experienced.
Who or what inspires you to operate the business?
love seeing our young staff grown within themselves as a result of working in a supportive team. They have true pride in the work they do and they’re genuinely happy to be here. It is so rewarding.
What services do you offer to encourage customer loyalty?
We aim to provide consistently outstanding service and quality to encourage customer loyalty. We love our customers and our staff often remember their coffee preference even before they’ve ordered.
As a successful business, what advice could you give to other family businesses?
Stick with it and work together. There will be challenges but it’s important to seek solutions. It really is about jumping one hurdle at a time and bracing for the next one.
Do you currently have any positions available within your business?
We’re currently at capacity but we would always encourage applications, especially in spring when events will drive additional job opportunities.
What do your staff love most about working for your business?
Ellorah is a team member and loves the support she receives, finding her colleagues to be helpful and empathetic.
Carriage of Occasion
What is the history of your business? How did it begin?
Carriage of Occasion was started over a decade ago almost by accident, when we were offered a lovely standard bred called Calvin.
Not long after this we purchased a harness and jinker and began experimenting with harness. We found our Victoria carriage advertised and realised we may be able to take our harness further.
We have been building and expanding our carriage business with more horse and carriage offerings, while running our main business, a Land Rover workshop, now also based at Bletchley.
What products or services does your business provide?
We provide horse drawn services. We offer our services for weddings, funerals and special events, we also have some unique offerings, such as horse drawn wine tours in beautiful Langhorne Creek, horse drawn bear hunts, carriage rides in Strathalbyn, and a ‘behind the scenes’ experience at our home base in Bletchley.
Which family members work in the business and what is their role?
We are a small family business, a husband-and-wife team, with two young kids. Shaye does the driving, training, maintaining horses, media, promotion.
Brendan does the carriage maintenance, keeps the vehicles on the road, and is always on hand to assist with transport.
Patrick and Lachlan like to help out with looking after the horses.
What strengths do you have as a family-operated business?
We work really well as a team. We understand each other and always have each other’s back.
Working and living together 24/7 you would think we would get sick of the sight of each other, but honestly, I couldn’t imagine it any other way.
As a successful business, what advice could you give to other family businesses?
Keep trying, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is a long, hard road, but the rewards can be immeasurable.
Rufus Bus & Coach
What is the history of your business? How did it begin?
Our business was established in 1992, when Gavin purchased an old petrol Bedford bus. It was very basic, having no heaters or air conditioning. In the early days, we operated as a bus charter company. Soon I met Christine, and we decided to start to diversify into new markets. Again, we purchased another second-hand coach, with all the features and started doing day tours and soon a few two and three-night tours. In the early days, Gavin’s mum and dad would also help out with mum answering telephone and dad driving.
What products and services do you provide?
From our popular day tours and extended tours both intrastate and interstate, charters and school excursions, our tours are ‘not a bus ride, but as ‘an experience’.
Do you have a competitive advantage? What makes your business unique?
As a small family business, we have great advantages over larger corporate tour companies. We take a huge amount of time and care planning a tour. We provide many more inclusions and attractions than the other companies can provide, plus at the same time provide safe and friendly country hospitality. It’s this team effort that has made our tours stand out from the rest.
Who or what inspires you to operate the business?
This is easy... It’s our guests. It’s the satisfaction that our passengers have had a great time. A favourite of mine is assisting when the cruise ships come to Adelaide, by conducting tours of the city or hills. We explain why South Australia is so special.
What values are important to your family business?
Buy Australian, Support local. Buying Australian wherever you can is the key to our nation’s success. Unfortunately, Australia does not manufacture bus chassis, however, we do build some of the best bus bodies in the world. We have bought two coaches recently; both being manufactured in Australia.
Which family members work in the business and what is their role?
Christine is the backbone of the business and looks after the administration side and Gavin looks after the needs of the coaches. We both drive and clean the coaches and plan the tours. Jason our eldest son may want to drive coaches, but our youngest, Ryan, is more interested in tractors. Operating a coach touring business is a seven-day-a-week operation, so our dedicated local driver Peter is there to keep the wheels turning.
The Oven
What is the history of your business? How did it all begin?
The Oven Mount Barker was purchased in 2015. The Oven Goolwa was opened in December 2018. Between these two shops the town of Strathalbyn was on the radar because it was logistically placed. Initially, we were going to build on our own site in South Terrace, however, an ideal site became available to lease. The Oven, Strathalbyn was opened in September 2019.During COVID we saw the need for a walk-in alfresco style coffee shop in Goolwa which we then incorporated gourmet burgers and we opened The Grill in May 2020. On February 4, 2022, we opened The Oven Murray Bridge.
What products or services does your business provide?
We provide traditional and gourmet pizzas, and our comprehensive burger range, BBQ ribs, wedges, curries and a range of Thai food from our business partners at Beyond India in O’Connell Street North Adelaide.
Which family members work in the business and what is their role?
My partner Melody Rawlings, the boss of the boss.
What values are important to your family business?
Customer service, everything is about customer service and enjoying what we do.
How do you manage your work/family life balance?
Through life experience, the ones you love are the most important and I never lose sight of that.
What strengths do you have as a family-operated business?
Years of experience in running my own businesses. I have fine-tuned everything. We have a recipe for success and we know how to deliver.
Do you have a competitive advantage? What makes your business unique?
I am a local employing locals. I have a passion for what we do and what we offer.
What are the challenges of operating a family business?
COVID and staff are your biggest issues when operating a business. We know what our customers want, but we never know what our staff want.
What is your most memorable experience to date?
Watching the businesses flourish and grow.
Who or what inspires you to operate the business?
The satisfaction and the reward of owning, setting up my own businesses and satisfying our loyal customers.
What services do you offer to encourage customer loyalty?
Providing quality products.
As a successful business, what advice could you give to other family businesses?
Total commitment to the business. You have to know what your customers want and deliver.
Do you currently have any positions available within your business?
We are always looking for experienced, quality staff.
What do your staff love most about working for your business?
The family dynamic, which is then reflected to the customers in our service and products.The one thing that we have not mentioned is that Brenton employs and trains young people with nearly 60 staff across all shops from within our local community. Providing ongoing support to each staff member from Brenton who deals with all manner of issues from machinery breakdowns to juggling staff changes, while managing to keep all shop doors open through COVID. Brenton has not let any of his businesses close their doors through COVID outbreaks, but has consistently maintained shop open times in spite of losing staff from time to time with COVID. Brenton is the heart and soul of each of his shops. He values all staff members creatively providing support to meet their individual needs. I believe this is what makes Brenton so special within his field. He is loved and appreciated by so many.
