4 minute read
A FAMILY'S BUSINESS JOURNEY from the heart of Australia
BY ANTHONY NECK
One of my earliest memories is watching a dust storm roll over the MacDonell Ranges in Alice Springs. Like a silent wave, the massive plume of dust blocked out the sky. If it were a wave, we knew we would surely drown. This was the town of Alice Springs, as known in the famous movie A Town Like Alice. Living in Alice Springs, with its harsh environment, required resilience and determination, qualities that shaped the people there, including the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
My family’s roots in Central Australia stretch back to the late 1800s. My greatgrandmother, Annie Meyers (nee Williams), arrived in Alice Springs in 1896 from Moonta, South Australia. She married Charlie Meyers in 1897, and they had three children, including my grandmother, Dorothy. In 1926, Annie’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to open a guesthouse in Alice Springs.
My father, Murray, was born in Adelaide in 1927. He came to Alice as a baby when the railway to Oodnadatta opened in 1929. Before that, Alice Springs relied on horses, carts and camels for transport. My grandfather, David, set up a business selling goods on commission, then expanded into selling radios and opening a milk bar and ice works by 1938.
This legacy of perseverance and entrepreneurship shaped my journey in our family business. My siblings and I joined the business in 1985, continuing the path our ancestors laid. There were no formal employment or business agreements, just the understanding that hard work and dedication were expected.
So how does a business survive with family?
I don’t think it is much different to running a successful business with employees. Running a family business, however, brings its own set of challenges, especially the emotional ties that can complicate decision-making. However, these challenges can become strengths with good communication and mutual respect. In my experience, communication, work ethic, leadership and aligned skills are the pillars that kept our business thriving.
Communication was vital for us. We held regular ‘board’ meetings where each family member had clear responsibilities based on their skills. This structure prevented conflicts and ensured that everyone could contribute meaningfully. Accountability was also crucial. If someone made a mistake, it was addressed openly and constructively.
Work ethic was another cornerstone. In our family, everyone pulled their weight. We all earned the same wages, which fostered a sense of fairness and unity. This respect extended to our employees, who became like family. Their loyalty and dedication were instrumental to our success.
Leadership was equally important. At our peak, we operated a large retail store in Alice Springs, alongside other ventures, employing around 40 people. Our success was built on mutual respect and transparent leadership. We were always mindful of our roles, especially when interacting with staff who didn’t report directly to us.
Ultimately, the key to running a successful family business is more than just the family connection. It’s about clear communication, aligning goals and respecting each other’s strengths. Addressing issues early and fairly kept our business running smoothly and fostered a positive work environment.
Whether it’s a family business or not, success depends on finding the right people with the same vision and commitment. The lessons I’ve learned from my family’s journey are rooted in trust, fairness and the ability to balance emotion with sound business practices.
To enquire about my services and receive a FREE 2-hour mentoring session, I invite you to call me on 0417 814 580 or visit the website.
