The White’s IGA story began thirty-one years ago when Michael and Roz White took on their first store in 1993; a humble 7-day-a-week convenience store located in the heart of Maroochydore. With a small but hard-working team of just three employees, it was their first taste in the world of retail, fresh food and groceries.
White’s IGA now encompasses 6 supermarkets all located on the Sunshine Coast employing over 500 local people. People and community are at the heart of every decision we make in business.
We spoke with Roz White to learn more about their family business, the team they have built over the years, and her insights for other family businesses.
Tell us about your business?
Each new White’s IGA store is intimately designed, unique to the area to provide the freshest, most delicious food and extensive range of locally sourced produce and goods you won’t find anywhere else in one location.
White’s distinctive locavore culture incorporates a trademarked ‘tractor’ emblem to highlight locally grown and made products, sourced from two hundred Sunshine Coast providores. Behind every locavore tractor is a family and a story connecting you to the journey of the food and goodies we all enjoy.
We believe that connected communities are vibrant, diverse, and self-sustainable. When we support each other, we build stronger communities, and we are committed to supporting the community that supports us.
What has been your greatest success?
White’s IGA has built a dynamic team over the past 31 years, some of whom have stayed with our journey for most of this time. Long term staff provide continuity of leadership and are wonderful ambassadors to our brand and culture. We plan, grow and build together. Without their loyalty and commitment, Michael and I cannot achieve our goals and aspirations. They are undoubtedly our best asset and create the biggest impact.
What do you value about FBA?
I was introduced to FBA earlier this year. The first thing that struck me was the instant rapport and connection I felt with members of FBA. I found a wonderful group of like-minded family business owners and wanted to be a part of it.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Business can deliver enormous highs and lows, challenges and accomplishments. Finding a common platform to communicate, celebrate and collaborate with other family business owners and operators helps to share, learn, encourage, inspire and ignite new ideas and solutions.
Learn more about White's IGA Group
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