St George 30th Anniversary Celebration

St George 30th Anniversary Celebration...

George Haros founder of St George Foodservice talks about how it all began…

“In 1980, my wife and I bought a smallgoods run with turnover of about $5k p/week, this soon reduced as some customers stopped buying.

I knew there was only one thing to do and that was to go out and get more business. Back then it was exhausting as my wife and I did everything ourselves. From early morning, picking up smallgoods from about 6 different suppliers and delivering the goods. Then in the afternoon, going out and canvassing for new business. Within a few years we got our sales up to $20k p/week.

By 1988, Nick my son, had completed an Economics degree and was working at the Commonwealth Bank, loving life (and after work drinks).   I encouraged him to join the family business and get serious, to our great joy, he did.

Up until this time we were operating out of our garage, selling only smallgoods, some cheeses and coca cola! After Nick joined the business it was time to expand and we moved to a small warehouse and Nick took over Management of the business.

Our product range grew to encompass dry goods and a bigger variety of dairy and also frozen goods. We ran out of space quite quickly and rented some warehouse space next door until it was time again to move. It was around this time that Kathy joined the business, after studying and working in Hospitality. The business soon expanded further.

St George today is a well managed (Georges words), Australian family business employing about 70 people. What a road its been.

In 2010, Winning National and NSW Metro Distributor of the Year was a big highlight for us and gave everyone at St George a big thrill.

To be good at what you are doing in business you must have loyal and dedicated staff, supportive suppliers and of course in our case, a good customer base.

I cant emphasise enough the importance of good relationships and we want to sincerely thank our staff, suppliers and customers for their support all these years.

Last but definitely not least a big thanks to my wife of 48 years, Viola. She has made a big contribution to the success of our business and has made many physical and other sacrifices during this time.”

- George and Viola Haros are now retired and the business is being managed by Nick and Kathy and going strong.