Family Matters

PASSING THE REIGNS TO THE NEXT GENERATION IN FAMILY BUSINESS

Russell Boyd was no stranger to a household of willful females. Together with wife Mandy, raising two girls, Brooke and Tory on their family farm, the days were spent riding horses and playing with their goats, Betsy and Harry, while Russell worked the family business.

Russell Started the business, known today as Allgifts Australia, nearly 40 years ago.

Wholesalers of gifts and homewares their designs are convivial and very close to home.
Youngest daughter Tory reflects “I have so many memories of playing in the warehouse, messing up all dads, what he calls organised, shelves and office when Brooke and I were young”. “I get a huge kick out of seeing our own kids now playing hide and seek amongst the shelves of boxes and continuing to keep “Ruff” on his toes in the warehouse.

Russell and Mandy, wanting to retire the business 5 years ago, decided to hand over the reigns to children Brooke and Tory.“It was perfect timing with both Tory and I off on maternity leave from our corporate jobs” Brooke recalls “We all have our strengths to bring to the business, and we talk 10-15 times each day on the phone. Only family can get away with speaking to each other that many times in a day and not be reported to HR” Brooke laughs. “I think Dad secretly missed us bossing him around once we left home and started our own families so he thought letting us take over the business would bring back that familiarity. And yes, we still boss him around.”

Semi-retirement and stepping back from something you have built for so many years could be quite confronting, but for Russell he beams with pride as he speaks of how he has never been busier. “The plan was to hand over the operations and just work the warehouse, so Mandy and I had more time to travel but it hasn’t played out like that. Since the girls have taken over, I have never been busier.”

Growing up, our family home was alive with dinner parties most weekends. Friends would come for lunch and by dinner time the table was surrounded by all ages, the girls’ friends dropping in and staying to have a sing along to ‘Hey Big Spender’ with the oldies. The motivation behind Allgifts products today stems from these memories. Bright, colourful and always entertaining are their tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, tableware and other homewares.

“There is something about entertaining at home that you just can’t get by going out to dinner. The thought and love that goes in to planning the table and what you will cook is felt when you all sit down to eat. You get lost in good conversation and don’t have to worry about a closing time. That is why we are so passionate about what we do. We do our own designs along with our good friend from our school days. It’s all very family.” Tory gleams. 
Brooke adds “We understand retail regional small business and the challenges they can face. Absolutely nothing brings us more joy than seeing our products sell well for our retail customers. It is so fulfilling to know we are contributing to others success.”

While the girls continue to keep their father working full time you can find their products and beautiful designs in many regional homewares and gift shops.

To enquire about stockists or becoming a stockiest please email sales@allgifts.com.au