1. Why did you decide to establish Superior Foods?
We saw a gap in the rationalisation the foodservice market to provide high service and consistency with a long term view. There were too many independent distributors and no one was offering a one-stop-shop solution.
2. What were your initial intentions and how have they changed over the years?
Our initial intentions were to provide good service and build long term customer partnerships. The business has grown along with the customers
3. What do you wish you'd known before you started?
Everything! Trying not to repeat the mistakes I’ve made over 25 years. I haven’t always been successful in learning from my mistakes.
4. Why do you enjoy working within the foodservice industry?
The people! I enjoy working with people, meeting new people and building relationships with them as well as hearing new ideas. I mainly enjoy working with people in developing businesses and partnering in future success.
5. What has been your proudest moment so far?
The development of people through the business. I’m proud to employ 500 people, and our company’s growth provides them with more opportunities.
6. Why do you think Superior Foodservice has been so successful?
Through the hard work and commitment of people in the business nod our customer loyalty.
7. What advice would offer a young entrepreneur looking to open a business in foodservice?
Make sure you’ve done your homework and use your head over your heart when making business decisions.
8. How has the industry and the way you operate within it changed over the decades?
Customer expectations are much higher as we are in such a competitive industry with low margins. Service becomes critical to long term customer relations. It has also impacted the way people do business and we need to embrace these changes and be in the forefront of these changes.
9. What current trends are you noticing with the products in demand by foodservice?
Our customers determine what our range is and we move with what they want.
10. What do you predict will be the future trends?
Businesses are looking at ways of better understanding on how to do business.
11. What plans do you have for the company?
With the investment in our business last year we’ve made a commitment to expand on completing our national footprint. Continuing to grow the business gracefully and organically. Improving weight distribution with existing customers. Being innovative and improving. Focusing on warehousing and distribution systems that improve efficiencies and performance. Providing additional services that benefit our network around education, buying synergies and profitable business strategies. Expanding into growth customer segments and product categories supported by a highly efficient operational process.
