Making something out of the family tree

A family furniture business takes the meaning of the word family to heart. See the video of Jimmy Possum, and how the lessons learnt from bringing up seven children have served founders Alan and Margot Spalding well.

See the video of the Jimmy Possum business here.

Part of the motivating momentum behind the Jimmy Possum fine furniture business could be sourced to the need to bring up seven children, with next-to-nothing. But for founders Alan and Margot Spalding, learning to “make-do” figures largely in their memories of the approach they took to their start-up business.

Now a $24 millon family concern, Jimmy Possum is based in Bendigo in regional Victoria, and employs more than 150 staff, including 35 apprentices as well as junior Spaldings and their respective families.

Offering exclusivity to a few particular retailers was a large part of the successful strategy – a tactic that secured the niche market that became Jimmy Possum’s money-spinner.

A true family affair, the business culture fosters its staff with training, healthcare programs an even an on-site counsellor.

You can now watch past episodes of Your Business Success on the NEW Sky News Business Channel, channel 602 on Saturdays at 9pm and Sundays 3.30pm & 9pm!