As part of the 2022 C&I Industry Leaders Forum Haydn Tierney, Managing Director, Bowser Bean/Vantage Fuels discusses highlights from the year and how the company looks to cope with supply chain and staffing pressures.
C&I: What have been the highlights for Bowser Bean/Vantage Fuels over the past 12 months?
Tierney: Earlier this year, we embarked on ‘The Grand Kombi Tour’. This traveling roadshow was a celebration of our recent endeavours with the launch of Bowser Bean Echuca as a greenfield site and launches of recently refurbished Bowser Bean Strathmerton and Bowser Bean Violet Town locations. It was rewarding to see our customers and team interact together and respond to our stunning new and refurbished sites.
We also detoured into the Deakin University Geelong Orientation week to activate our classic Coffee Kombi. Plenty of students enjoyed a delicious Bowser Bean coffee while learning about the company and recruitment prospects.
C&I: What will be your priorities for the remainder of 2022?
Tierney: Supply chain and staffing pressures are causing some reprioritisation. This year’s approach is more fundamental – look after your staff, maintain customer satisfaction, and keep the doors open.
C&I: How is Bowser Bean’s expansion progressing?
Tierney: Our is expansion is ongoing. Not only are we continuing to revisit and refurbish existing locations, but we are also considering several ‘brown field’ opportunities that are well within the Bowser Bean hitting zone.
There is also a massive greenfield opportunity looking to commence in the next 12 months. Watch this space.
C&I: What is your company doing to meet changing customer demands?
Tierney: The Bowser Bean food and coffee offer is already exceeding the demands of traditional petrol and convenience (P&C) customers. We are also positioning ourselves to non-traditional P&C customers such as online ordering and delivery.
Although we have a captive market we are going to have to work harder and smarter to service our customers.
C&I: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Tierney: It is very satisfying to be able to positively impact on someone’s day. Traditionally, the visit to the servo was a ‘grudge purchase’, but my customers love going to Bowser Bean.