Case Studies

"I enjoy the personal interaction with my customers and getting involved in local events such as the Ballarat Show and Springfest. It’s always nice to receive ‘warm fuzzy feedback’ from customers – some even send me Christmas cards!"

Name: Adam McCann

Round: Ballarat, VIC

Adam McCann's family practically has milk flowing through their veins! For more than 50 years, Adam’s dad Trevor, supplied milk to Ballarat households through McCann's Dairy.

After McCann’s Dairy was sold in 2008, Adam and his brother Matt decided to continue the family tradition and purchased their first Aussie Farmers Direct franchise. Since then, Adam’s business has grown to be one of our most successful franchises in the country. He now operates four rounds and employs five drivers who service more than 1,000 customers throughout Ballarat.

Adam and Matt also operate Spring H20, a natural spring water supply and distribution service, so they understand the meaning of hectic! “People are busy and their lifestyles have changed. I’m saving my customers from the dreaded trip to the supermarket – I'm not a fan of busy car parks and long queues at the checkout!" Adam said.

"Owning an Aussie Farmers Direct franchise is a great way to give back to my community – I'm currently supporting 25 local kindergartens, primary schools and sporting groups through the Fundraising Program."

Name: Nick Bentley

Round: Balwyn and Reservoir, VIC

Before taking the reins as a milko, Nick was an orchestral trombone player in Holland. He once had the privilege of playing Verdi's Requiem at the Amsterdam Royal Concert Hall! Nick strongly believes that local businesses should support the communities in which they operate.

"I'm very passionate about supporting Australian products and services, and strongly believe that a successful business is one that looks after its customers. Aussie Farmers Direct came along at the right time and ticked all the boxes; a great Australian company, quality products, convenient service, customer focused and I was able to work for myself!"

Name: Linda Price

Round: North West Campbelltown, NSW

Before joining Aussie Farmers Direct, Linda was a security advisor; designing and selling alarm systems but when the company lost its customer focus, Linda decided it was time for a change.

"I called to enquire about becoming a customer but was told the service was not yet available in my area, so I took matters into my own hands and bought the franchise myself!"

"What I love most about my business is the opportunity I have to give back to my community – a recent highlight was assisting a local school raise almost $70,000 at a fundraising fair. It was such a rewarding experience!"

Name: Andrew Heald

Round: Kingsford, NSW

On a quest to find excellent quality fruit and vegetables for his children, Andrew originally contacted Aussie Farmers Direct after hearing about the company on television.

"There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the smiles on children's faces when we show up at the front door with a box of fruit & veg!"

Name: Rochelle Phillips and Pete Andrew

Round: Kangaroo Flat and Flora Hill, Bendigo, VIC

Our two youngest milkos have just entered their twenties! Pete and Rochelle are proving that you can run your own successful business at any age, as they deliver to their Bendigo customers with two busy rounds.

"I was instantly drawn to the flexible nature of the business as it gives me the opportunity to spend more time with my boys as well as help other young mums make the grocery shopping easier."

Name: Kylie Dalmazzo

Round: Redcliffe, QLD

A former massage therapist and mother to two boys, Kylie is now a 'mumpreneur', eagerly talking up the reins as the local milko in Redcliffe. For Kylie it was a 'no brainer' decision, offering the work/life balance she desperately needed as a busy, working mum.

"I was immediately drawn to Aussie Farmers Direct's ethos and the flexible nature of owning a franchise. Being a franchisee enables me the perfect balance between work and life, whilst also giving me the pleasure of owning my own business".

Name: Gary Capolingua

Round: Innaloo, WA

With more than 30 years' experience in the fruit and vegetable industry and having run farms in Western Australia's North East Wheatbelt and Swan Valley, it seems Gary Capolingua was destined to be a part of the Aussie Farmers Direct family.

"When I found out about a company that encourages everyday Australians like us to buy Aussie products - I was immediately keen to be a part of it."

Name: Bruce Smith

Round: Redwood Park, SA

Bruce Smith traded in a career as a fitter and turner to become one of our first Adelaide milkos (or 'milky' as they are known as in South Australia!), in August 2010.

"I have always wanted to be my own boss and own business that my whole family could be involved in"

Name: Steve and Lisa Sage

Round: Applecross and Como, WA

A former security officer who has worked with VIPs such as Kylie Minogue and Greg Norman, Steve Sage took the plunge and became his own boss in March 2010.

"I have always wanted to be my own boss and own business that my whole family could be involved in. Lisa delivers the fruit and veg when she's not busy with the kids, and my daughter Chloe comes out and helps during school holidays."

"Most of my customers are mums too so I can relate to them well and have built some great relationships through my business."

Name: Mary Mitev

Round: Concord, Ashfield and Croydon, NSW

For 'mumpreneur' Mary Mitev, an Aussie Farmers Direct franchise offers her the perfect balance between family and work.

"I took five years off work after having my son Nicholas and found it really difficult getting back into the workforce. My husband and I decided to run our own business and Aussie Farmers Direct was a good fit for us."