Franca Jones first got involved in the family business ten years ago. Franca’s role began as the sales representative who also looked after the basic paperwork. She now not only manages the business of DJ Homes, but assists David in the running of their two grazing properties and still finds time to look after their 3 children, go to boot-camp three times a week and sit on various committees both for the building industry and for charity.

David says “We have developed a real team approach and always work together. Without her, our business would not be as successful as it is.”

Kim Latham - Latham's Kitchens & Interiors

Steven credits Kim as being the driving force behind the establishment  and growth of their family business, Latham’s Kitchens & Interiors, in 2001.

 
Kim, who until 12 months ago, was also running her own successful travel agency, teaching part-time at TAFE and caring for their young children, decided to sell her business to become more involved in the family business. Kim has also developed a passion for interior design which, in addition to her considerable business and people skills, has been a major factor in the success of their business.

Steven says that nominating Kim “is one way in which I can thank her for all her hard work”.

Sabrina started in the family business 13 years ago, taking on an administrative role whilst at home with very young children. She now acts in a managerial capacity and is extensively involved in planning for the future of the business.

 
Gary describes Sabrina as being honest, compassionate, possessing an uncompromising drive for excellence and willing to investigate and adapt to changes in the business.

Sabrina, who has had to overcome significant personal obstacles in recent times, is also heavily involved in the school’s Parents & Friends Association, the local swimming club, soccer competition and still finds time to be involved with the local Junior Life Saving Association.

Leanne Warren - GM Plumbing

GM Plumbing is a plumbing and gas-fitting business that covers a 700km radius from Katherine.

Glenn’s description of Leanne is “Leanne gives me motivation, will, drive and help to confidently increase every aspect of our business. Through her professional and friendly nature to staff, suppliers and customers, whether it be organising government grants, to help put plans and procedures in place to assist us with the expansion and running of the company or being a sympathetic ear to take the weight off my shoulders at the end of the day, Leanne is the best thing that has happened to me and the company.”

Cathy Smith - Smith's Designer Kitchens

Cathy has been involved in the business since it began in 1989. It was when she started a full-time role in the business that her husband Nigel decided that it was time to define their respective roles. He did this by drawing “a line at the door between the front and the workshop” and telling Cathy that “everything in the front was hers and everything in the back was mine (except she could use the toilet and kitchen).”

Cathy is now a qualified kitchen designer and now Nigel describes Cathy as having taken over “every other role” in the business as Nigel “needed to devote more time to making sure the cabinetry was built to the designs coming from Cathy.”

  Lynette Cox - North Coast Joinery  

Twenty years ago, Lyn and Allen started their business, a manufacturing timber joinery workshop in a small rented shed with Lyn working weekends and nights. Lyn is now the Business Manager, being responsible for all the budgeting, financial controlling, human resources and tax planning of the business having obtained her Diploma in Business Management.

Last year was particularly busy for Lyn, because Allen went overseas for 7 months. Not only did she take over the running of the business, but she squeezed in commencing a major renovation on their house, performing volunteer work in Vanuatu, nursing her sick mother, taking their teenage boys to visit Allen overseas, teaching Sunday School and spending two weeks driving a 40km trip twice a day to enable their eldest (injured in an accident) to attend work.

Loretta Russo - Alf Russo Constructions Pty Ltd

Loretta’s involvement in the family business grew from fitting in the basic paperwork around her full-time job and looking after four children , to working full-time, managing the office and looking after clients.
Loretta also manages the family’s investment properties, coaches a netball team, and is actively involved in the School Committee and canteen as well as a local football club, which is sponsored by the business.

Loretta’s husband, Alf, is admiring of Loretta’s ability to build strong and long-lasting business relationships, saying that he has often been told by contractors how much they appreciate dealing with Loretta as her business practices go above and beyond what other businesses do for them.

Sue Mansfield - Mansfield Builders

Mansfield Builders was established by Sue and her husband, Ian, in 1976. To start with, Sue’s main role was in administration, working from home whilst raising their two children.

Ian now describes Sue’s role as being “an equal partner contributing to all areas of the business, including the ideas behind the design of their homes, preparing quotations, and liaising with staff, sub-contractors and clients”.

Ian also describes Sue as “the most selfless and honest person anyone could ever meet. She always puts the needs of others before hers, whether that is a family member’s need or clients’ needs” and credits her personable nature as being the basis of their excellent client relationships which often result in repeat business and life-long friendships.

Julie Carroll - J&J Carroll Pty Ltd, Hotondo Albury Wodonga 

It was 15 years ago when Julie, a hairdresser by trade, studied book-keeping so she could help her husband, Jim, build up the business. Julie has been able to take advantage of her creative flair through interior design and colour selection, and enjoys passing on new trends to clients. Julie also ensures that she finds the time to be actively involved in the childrens’ school activities and be able to incorporate her love of water and snow skiing into regular family holidays.

Jim says “what we have achieved as a husband and wife team to where our business is today ... makes our job very rewarding”.

Trudy McClurg - Dongara Building & Trade Supplies 

As a builder, Robert found it extremely difficult to source building materials, so 15 years ago, he and Trudy decided to start a material supplies business. Trudy ran the office and served customers, studying accounting by correspondence. Later, when a roof truss manufacturing business was added, Trudy decided to train in truss detailing to provide further support for Robert.

Robert recalls that “it was not uncommon to walk into the shop to see Trudy feeding Thomas in one arm, phone in the other and nodding at customers as they come into the door to direct them to what they want.” He describes Trudy as a “glass half full” person whose “support in decisions I have made has never faltered”.