Fast approaching it’s 100 birthday, Russell Transport is a Queensland business mainstay. Three generations of the Russell family have each played key roles in growing the business from a small fuel transport operator with no assets, to an integrated group overseeing six different divisions, across a nationwide footprint.
An offering that now includes transport, logistics, warehousing and distribution, crane hire and more recently custom-built transport depots reflects a business that has grown astutely, identifying and capitalising on opportunities as they arise.
Current Director Phil Russell first became a leader in the business in the early 70’s, when his father Roy told him he needed to step up.
“I bought my first Kenworth truck in 1972 – and that in itself was a huge move. Prior to that our assets were World War II era vehicles which were not economically viable.
“Owning our own trucks gave us access to bigger haulage jobs and better margins.
“This kind of move is what my father was referring to – he knew that younger generations had the energy and enthusiasm to achieve and make big decisions, and that’s what the business needed to keep growing.”
Phil insists that the business success – and ability to leverage new market opportunities – is built on growing strong, long term relationships with good customers.
“Without doubt, having good customers is critical to success and longevity – but customers only become long term if you can keep delivering a level of customer service that exceeds expectations,” Phil said.
“Good customers are prepared to pay for higher standards that they can rely on. They know we deliver, and that we don’t take risks and we operate with a commitment to compliance and safety.
Phil is also adamant that the same rule applies to business partners – Nexia in particular. Long term relationships with three generations of accounting partners, who eventually formed Nexia’s Brisbane office have been a bedrock for the Group.
“That’s part of our company ethos, is those long-standing relationships built on trust and faith in good service, for both customers and clients.
“My father found a new accountant in the 1920’s, as did I in the 1970s. They helped us make some big decisions and important moves. That was a strong foundation, and we’ve kept building on it. We’ve basically had three accounting partners in 96 years, so that tells you all you need to know.
“Nexia has covered a variety of work for us such as Valuations, Restructuring, Audits, assisting with Binding Financial Agreements and general Compliance and Advisory work over a long period of time.
“Like us, their offering is build on assurance, reliability and integrity – these are all central to what makes them a strong partner. When I need them – they step up and excel. Every time.”
When asked about what’s next for Russell Transport, Phil is quick to defer to his children and fellow Directors – Julie and Ken.
Ken has been at the forefront of the Group’s sales and distribution, playing a critical role in the growth of many major contracts, while Julie is responsible for the business’ shared support services, central to the Group’s expansion into new markets.
On the question of where to next for Russell Transport, Julie suggests it’s not so much where, but how.
“We need to have the right foundations in place to enable us to keep growing and taking advantage of new opportunities when they present – that’s what has helped us grow,” Julie said.
“The foundations set in place now are going to deliver value in 20 years’ time – that’s a pattern our business has seen repeat over nearly a century.”
Julie suggests there is also an element of family values that make a difference in the Group’s success.
“I feel like there is a shared sense of obligation, different to what there is in public or private companies,” Julie said.
“There isn’t as much of a focus on an individual outcome – it’s a family outcome, and I think that has been really central to our success as well.
“Nearly 100 years of operation, I think it has to be part of it.”