Since its inception in August 2003, The Distributors Brisbane has grown to become the second largest Distributor member in Australia. Operating from three adjoining warehouses based at Larapinta, it is partnered with over 270 suppliers, sells over 5000 products, employs over 100 staff, and has 27 delivery vehicles.
Tony McIntosh, Managing Director of The Distributors Brisbane, said the continual growth and success of The Distributors Brisbane is a testament to the fantastic and talented staff who have been employed and served the business over the past 20 years.
“Great people make great businesses, and great things are never done by one individual but by a team of people. We have been very fortunate to have many dedicated, loyal, and committed employees who share our company ethos and morals. We have always prided ourselves on the personalised service we offer our customers, and this philosophy has not changed for the past 20 years.”
McIntosh started his career in the FMCG industry at Mondelez, known as Cadbury Confectionery at the time, where he worked for 10 years before moving to Amalgamated Confectionery as their Sales and Marketing Manager.
“I worked in the business for over four years, implemented numerous sales growth strategies, doubled its turnover, and then the business was bought by Metcash. I had no desire to work for another large corporate organisation, so I began discussions with Stewart Robertson, from The Distributors Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay, and Louis Filipetto, from The Distributors Toowoomba, with the vision to create a new Distributor member in Brisbane.”
Starting up the business in the spare bedroom of his house, McIntosh employed three sales reps in Brisbane, with two of those leaving after just three weeks. With a diminished team, McIntosh began presenting the newly establish company to a variety of retailers and suppliers, selling the merits and benefits of dealing with a family owned and operated business in Brisbane.
“Initially, orders were taken by our representatives in Brisbane and sent to either the Sunshine Coast or Toowoomba where they were delivered to customers the following day. The initial 12 months were challenging for all of us, but we somehow successfully navigated our way through the complexities, and within 18 months we established our first self-sufficient 1200 m2 warehouse in Acacia Ridge.”
Fast forward to now, and The Distributors Brisbane has just completed the impressive feat of picking up its second consecutive The Distributor of the Year Award.
“It was an award I challenged our team to win. We knew what was required to win, we planned and prepared to win, and our teams’ efforts were rewarded. I truly believe I have the best team in the industry, and we will continue to strive for improvement and excellence. The winning prize money from this award, was shared evenly amongst every employee within our business.”
To celebrate 20 years of business, McIntosh has planned a fun day and race throughout Brisbane with all the employees with giveaways, merchandise, and prizes for the day.
“Twenty years is a long time to manage and operate a business, successfully. I am a person who has exceptionally high standards, enjoys challenges, and endeavors to challenge myself regularly to keep my mind and body active and motivated. I still believe I add value and leadership to my business, and I enjoy the positive and enjoyable working culture I have created among my employees.”
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