Quarter Century and “Not Out” for Bob Jones
In June, Murray Bros celebrated a momentous occasion with Bob Jones, as he hit 25 years with the company! It truly is a wonderful milestone, and Murray Bros congratulated Bob and showed recognition and appreciation for the pride he displays in fulfilling his role every day.
Bob commenced at Murray Bros on the trading floor in June 1994, labouring in the apple, citrus and avocado departments. He was promoted to other positions such as shed manager, avocado salesman and is now an integral part of the avocado ripening team in our A1 warehouse. Bob has enjoyed the variety these different roles offered him at different times in his career. He prides himself on performing to the best of his ability in any role, and even though he is comfortable in his current role, it still presents regular challenges that he embraces.
During his 25 years, Bob has obviously witnessed significant change at Murray Bros and within the market precinct. Technology is one of the principal symptoms of, and cause for change. The method of communicating orders has changed from old fashioned faxes and landline phone calls, to mobile phones, texts, emails, and online ordering systems. The market site at Rocklea has expanded and been upgraded tremendously over the years. Bob now reflects on “how many more fruit shops there used to be in our community, and therefore how many more buyers there used to be within the markets. Now, the supermarket chains dominate the market for fruit and veg and so the number of buyers coming into to the markets has noticeably decreased.” He laments that what were always ‘early starts’ have now become ‘earlier!’
Bob would encourage any new staff commencing within the market environment to embrace the learning opportunities on offer by starting at the bottom and working their way up, just has he has. He has gained valuable insight and knowledge of all types of produce including where it originates and where it ends its journey in the logistics chain. This insight highlighted to Bob how hard it is for our country’s primary producers. “They can be affected in an instant by an extreme weather event and work incredibly hard to produce a high quality product, get it into the markets and earn a good return” he said.
Outside of work, Bob lives and breathes golf. He lives on a golf course so never has far to travel for practice or competition. Murray Bros is certainly fortunate that he didn’t more seriously consider taking up golf as a profession. When not on the golf course, Bob loves spending time with his family, including young grandchildren.
Congratulations on 25 years Bob! Murray Bros is truly grateful to have someone with your skill, knowledge, commitment and passion, and we hope you’ll be with us for many years yet!
