This year marks 40 years since Kel and Colleen Campbell started Kel Campbell Pty Ltd, and the company is showing no signs of slowing down.
From what started as Kel and Colleen alongside one driver and one part-time yard-hand/driver, the company has grown to now include Campbell Petroleum Distributors, Kel Campbell Fuel Haulage, and Breeze Convenience.
The company now employs over 150 people and has diversified from being an Ampol Agent on commission to having over 100 million litres of its own customers, operating a dozen retail sites, and having 32 fuel trucks.
Tim Campbell, Managing Director of Kel Campbell Pty Ltd, said he puts the company’s longevity down to trust.
“Kel has instilled quality ethics through all staff and our dealings with others. We’re a fair and equitable company and do not enter into agreements that would disadvantage customers or suppliers. These same ethics are passed to the next generation of people.
“We’ve also heavily re-invested back into the business since inception in 1984. This keeps assets renewed, maintenance low, and safety as a priority.”
Growth and expansion
Over the years, the company has been strong in recruiting people into the business to help it grow and strategise, as Campbell explains with a few notable highlights.
“In 1992, Teraco from Port Kembla were going to buy us out in Bomaderry. Kel and Colleen put forward compelling reasons to Teraco to do exactly the opposite, and we buy them out, and that’s what happened and fuelled our first growth.
“In 1996 we bought out the Wollongong Caltex Distributor, and in 2016 we bought out a large portion of Caltex Energy NSW. After rebranding back to Ampol, we are now the Ampol Distributor from Appin in the North, Yass, ACT and Snowy’s in the West, down to the Victorian border.”
The company’s 32 fuel trucks deliver from its regional depots as well as direct from terminal, with fuel haulage contracts with major suppliers on the east coast of NSW.
“Our retail sites use our own brand, Breeze Convenience, and we have a great relationship with New Sunrise Group for helping in developing these stores. Our newer stores are becoming destinations for customers with a competitive in-store food offer, with healthy options.”
Looking in-store, Campbell says that retail customers are now expecting destinations, where a ‘regular’ servo just doesn’t cut it anymore.
“Improved offerings in-store including fresh food, grocery, coffee, and service are required to win and retain customers.
“Customer expectations have risen with regards to communication, contact, lead-times, and invoicing. They expect more than yesteryear. We’re here to deliver on those expectations.”
To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Kel Campbell Pty Ltd has branded a new 23 metre combination back to 1984 livery, which it launched on July 1, which Campbell says was a nod to its heritage branding and a proud moment for the family.
“We also look to hold multiple events throughout the year to recognise our employee’s service. We have employees at over 30 years. We’re only as good as our people.”
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