Two Men And A Truck celebrates National Family Business Day

This week home removals business Two Men And A Truck is celebrating National Family Business Day.

Just like Two Men And A Truck, some of Australia’s most iconic brands like Coopers Brewery, Haigh’s Chocolates and Speedo have grown from the family home.

“National Family Business Day is all about celebrating Australia’s innovation and the families that took a risk around a business idea to create value for generations to come,” CEO of Family Business Australia Philippa Taylor says.

Founder Richard Kuipers started the home removals and business relocation business from his lounge room more than 20 years ago.

ARTICLE: The history of Two Men And A Truck

Now the business has 25 permanent employees, 22 contractors and 34 trucks in every state of Australia, with Richard’s three daughters and three sons-in-law all playing important roles along the way.

Richard is now beyond retirement age but reassures his family, friends and colleagues they won’t catch him gardening or watching daytime television.

“I don’t drive trucks any more and it’s been a while since I lifted a piano over a balcony. But I still love going to work,” he says.

But nor will you hear him or his family members describing family business as an easy career option.

“It has its unique challenges which anyone in a family business would know,” says Richard’s daughter Catherine Gambrellis – Chief Operations Officer of the company.

“It’s very hard to separate personal from business… so sometimes there are a few heated arguments in the office.”

Richard says the best asset for any family businesses is clarity.

“The rules have to be set clearly and precise. Everyone in the family has to know where they stand and their responsibilities,” he says.

However, the company’s success of keeping many of its staff members over 10 years is testament to the management and the culture of the business.

“Even now that we’ve had to bring so many outsiders to fill all the needs for the company, everyone’s still part of the family,” Catherine says.

“I think the key the reason people stay so long is that they feel a part of it.”

Watch our video on the family jubilations and frustrations of Two Men And A Truck, at our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/TwoMenAndATruckAU

To enquire about any of our services, call our friendly team on 1300 880 412
For any media enquiries email josie@twomen.com.au
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