Why retire when you love what you do everyday?
So asks Cec Fox who for 60 years has worked in the steel supply industry.
“What would I do if I retired? I don’t play golf or any sport. I would have nothing to do with my time. I love the steel industry so I go to work and that keeps my body and mind active and that keeps me young.“
Mr Fox once did retire after 42 years working for Metalcorp Steel.
During his time there, Mr Fox saw many changes in the industry.
For Cec Fox, however, just six months of retirement was enough for him to launch a new business with his wife Debby.
Together, in 2010, they started a new family venture, which they called Rural Steel Supplies and have used their extensive industry knowledge and experience to meet the needs of rural clients.
Mr Fox believes it is the focus on excellent customer service and competitive pricing that has underpinned their success.
“The aim then and the aim now is to supply products to the rural sector while sharing my knowledge of the industry to help farmers choose supplies they need to help reduce farm costs,“ he said
Specifically-developed products to suit the needs of rural clients also contributed to the success of the family business.
“In conjunction with our staff, I have developed many steel products for the rural markets including portable cattle yards and sheep panels, as well as cattle rails, yards and grids.“
Mr and Mrs Fox’s son Ben entered the business eight years ago as a result of high demand for the company’s products and, three years ago, their daughter, Kirsty, also joined the family business.
Ben began in the steel industry at 18-years-old, he is now 45 so has brought an additional 27 years of industry knowledge to the table and, according to Mr Fox, “he has been a great asset for our expansion“.
Ben is enthusiastic about learning more about the rural sector, so much so that he produced a 100-page easy reference booklet that included steel specifications, sizes and dimensions.
“Farmers can have the reference guide on their desk and refer to it for any jobs that come up on their property,“ Mr Fox said.
Rural Steel Supplies has established a well-respected supply chain catering to all rural steel needs. This includes a transport network to service businesses situated across the country.
The family has leased a warehouse in a transport yard located in Rocklea, allowing for a low-cost business strategy, with savings passed on to their customers.
“We aim to make dealing with Rural Steel Supplies as easy as possible,“ Mr Fox said.
“We offer steel products to customers throughout rural Queensland and have supplied substantial quantities as far south as Orange in NSW and as far north as Katherine in the Northern Territory.“
Mr Fox has always been a firm believer in giving back to the communities that continue to support his business.
“Wherever we make profit, we put money back into the community to show our support for the rural sector,“ he said.
“We would spend in excess of $30,000 annually on sponsoring the Alpha Race Club, the Pittsworth, Stanthorpe and Toogoolawah show societies and many more rural clubs.“
After his many years in the industry, Mr Fox still loves what he does.
“I’m proud that we can supply material at extremely competitive prices,“ he said.
“We have established a business for the Fox family and Ben will eventually take over. I am so thankful to the rural sector for its massive and ongoing support.“
