Four decades of success

From page 41 TONY also detailed the operations of Spudshed and the horticultural side of the business.

“We’ve got our own nursery and we propagate all our own seedlings. We virtually plant them from the seed, then six to seven weeks after being in the nursery, we put them out in the fields and grow them out over 10-12 weeks. We then pick them, then we bring them to our packhouses. They then go out as an export, to markets, chain stores or Spudshed.”

Tony said that there’s a lot of challenges that come with operating a business like Spudshed and a lot of influences on their product –but the success of Spudshed is dependent on a series of factors.

“For us, success in the business is what you put into it. You’ve got to nurture your business, you’ve got to live in it. I’ve been in the game since I was a young kid and grew up on it. And my kids did the same thing. They grew up in it, they were born into it. It’s a family business and we do it to the best of our ability.”

Tony is the eldest of his brothers. Today, the trio, supported by their sons, oversee Spudshed’s day-today operations on the various farms and stores.

When asked about the UD Trucks Lap of the Map, Tony said: “I reckon it’s a good idea. A lot of people don’t see the UDs unless they drive them. So, it’s good for people to see the product and to promote it out there.

“You’ve got a good product and you’ve got to show the guys in transport what you’ve got. I’m pretty fussy with my trucks and because I’m an owner operator I look at the efficiency, and with UD it’s swung me around.”

Reflecting on Tony sentiments, vice president of UD Trucks Australia, Lauren Pulitano described Spudshed’s growth as incredible and said UD is very grateful to have its trucks facilitating Spudshed’s transport operations in recent years.

“Scaling Spudshed to what it is today is an immense achievement and it is so inspiring to see an independent family-owned business build a retail empire that allows the everyday people of Perth to source quality, healthy and fresh produce at affordable prices. The Galati family have owned and ex- perienced their fair share of trucks in the 40 plus years they’ve been in business, so it is extremely humbling to hear how reliable, efficient, powerful and comfortable

UD Trucks have been for Tony and his drivers,” said Pulitano.

“Going the Extra Mile is our brand promise and to see our trucks consistently per- forming for customers like Spudshed, that is our goal. We thank Tony, the Galati family and the Spudshed team for continuing to put their trust in UD Trucks.”