Tell us about your business.
Barrow and Bench has been solving hardware, DIY and garden dilemmas for Unley locals for almost 50 years, with the store first opening its doors in 1978. Three generations of Stewarts – incidentally, all of them with carpentry qualifications - have worked in and managed the store, with Ian leading the way. Paul, who now owns Barrow and Bench Mitre10 with Amanda, first began counting and boxing nails, when he was in primary school (they started them young back then), later joining the business in a full-time capacity after several years working on his own in general building. Paul and Amanda’s son Tom, the third carpenter in the trio, also grew up filling shelves (by then nails came already boxed and no longer needed counting) trained as a carpenter and recently joined the business on a full-time basis as store manager. Barrow & Bench Mitre is known for quality products, customer service and attention to detail, as well as for their strong support of local community groups, clubs, schools and charities. They are particularly proud to have recently been awarded the Best Mitre10 Store (medium sized) in Australia, as well as Best Hardware Garden Centre at the Nursery and Garden Industry SA Awards.
What has been your greatest success?
Our greatest success is to have remained relevant, inspiring and here for our customers in a dynamic and ever-changing retail environment for just short of 5 decades I think probably one of our greatest joys is to have seen customers through the happiest and also most difficult times of being home owners, gardeners, DIYers, builders and tenants. We’ve been by their sides when they’ve moved into new homes, when they’ve had children, survived hardship, lost partners, had grandchildren and finally downsized. Listening to these stories; understanding what is needed and being there to help make life easier, better or just prettier is what fills our cup and what we do well.
What do you value about FBA?
When Tom joined the business on a full-time basis, we knew we needed support, guidance and inspiration from outside of our own business to ensure we got things right. Whilst relatively new to FBA, we have appreciated the regular email newsletters, advice and the opportunity to attend events.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
While we are definitely no experts when it comes to offering advice, I would say know your customers. Know that there will be speed bumps along the way; be curious about finding new ways to do things; enjoy what you do; make sure to take time out from your business to be a family, and time away from your business to do the things you love. Also, remember you don’t have all the answers all the time – there is a plethora of experts able to guide and assist you on the journey.
Learn more about Barrow & Bench
Support family business.
