Tell us about your business.
Highland Sand & Gravel is a landscape supplies business in Moss Vale, NSW, first opened by its original owners in the 1980’s. In 2007, Kellie and Steve Shepherd left farming in Crookwell, NSW, with their four kids in tow, Nicolla, James, Tori and Sam, and purchased Penrose Country Supplies, a small rural produce and landscape supplies yard in the Southern Highlands.
On Feb 2nd, 2010, we acquired the biggest competitor, Highland Sand & Gravel.
A few years ago, Steve and Kel were ready to retire and decided to sell the business. After being on the market for a while, conversations in the family started to pop up around the future of the business. Ultimately, it was proposed to the four kids that they would be offered the opportunity to take over the business. Tori, Nicolla and her husband Chris decided they would give it a crack. So Nic & Chris moved with their 2 young kids, Fletcher and Navy, from Newcastle to Moss Vale, and so began the succession journey. That was in June 2025.
On Feb 2nd, 2026, 16 years to the day after we took over Highland Sand & Gravel, we again acquired our biggest competitor, Gubbins Mitre 10 Landscape Supplies.
We are the Southern Highland’s largest supplier of mulch, sand, topsoil and stone, with efficient and convenient delivery. Highland Sand & Gravel is a family-run business and has earned a well-deserved reputation as the best landscape supplier in the district.
We offer unparalleled service, the highest quality products and some of the most exciting and exclusive innovations in sand and soil. We pride ourselves on the service & products we offer, and we value all of our customers, recognising that their support makes our business viable!
What has been your greatest success?
The greatest success we have had would definitely be the growth and scale we have achieved. When Highland Sand & Gravel was first acquired in 2010, it was turning over approximately $1 million. It’s turnover now is over $6 million with plans to continue to scale!
What do you value about FBA?
We joined FBA as we were seeking a community of people that could offer insights, advice, networking, friendships and education after the kids began to get involved. And that is exactly what FBA has been able to offer us. We have utilised many of the features, programs and services offered, including the Family Business Essentials course, advisors and the new Emerging Leaders Program. FBA has provided exceptional connections and has added a lot of value to both our family and our business.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Networking is key. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and you can only grow from there. Make connections, educate yourself and set up proper succession and governance guidelines that are suited to your family.
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