By Sonia Isaacs
THE next chapter in the three-decade story of hinterland business Bassett Barks is about to be written following owner Sue Joseph’s decision to step away from the business this month. Ms Joseph said it was a bittersweet moment for her after making the decision to sell the company that she has been a part of since joining in 1992.
But while new owners are coming on board, Ms Joseph said it would be business as usual for loyal customers and staff and the community that has benefited from the engagement of Bassett Barks across local sporting groups and organisations.
From rising up through the ranks from junior sales assistant to fully purchasing the company in 2009, Ms Josephs has been a self-described ‘hands on’ owner with a deeply held commitment to delivering a premium consistent product and fostering growth at a personal, community, and corporate level.
“There’s no great secret to succeeding in business,” Sue said. “When all is said and done, once you’ve created a winning product, it all just comes down to service. “When you are a vital cog in the wheels of a supply chain, you need to make sure you are where you should be, when you should be there, with exactly what’s asked for – every time. It’s really that simple.”
As she steps away from her ownership of one of Queensland’s most successful landscape and potting media supply companies, Sue says she has been honoured to bring deep felt personal values like integrity, responsibility, and sustainability to the table, while also producing a product that benefits the planet.
“Bark always gives back,” she said. “It’s a product that doesn’t take from the planet, and that’s a big deal for me. “Personally it’s been great, as I’ve made a career from a product that sustains our planet instead of taking from it. It’s been wonderful really!”
Sue said the company has been purchased by Hyne Group, Australia’s main supplier of bark, and by the Keith Family, with their family-run Rocky Point Pty Ltd acquiring 100% of the shares of Bassett Barks Pty Ltd.
“I don’t think they’ll change much about this operation, as this is the flagship site,” explained Sue. “As for truck responsibilities through our towns, donations, and support of community work, I don’t think any of that will change. “In fact, I understand the new owners have already started to take these aspects on board.”
Sue shared how much she appreciated the synchronicity of events at various times with family connections in the business. “My grandfather, for example, used to do business with Lambert Hyne,” Sue explained. “And my dad’s family used to buy pallets from the Bassett family when they had their farm in Glass House Mountains.
“So for me, being born into a sawmilling family and then ending up working and managing a bark production company felt like coming home,” Sue laughed. Although Sue always had an exit strategy, she said she wasn’t actively looking to sell Bassett Barks. She said she was approached to sell the business earlier this year and, after 33 years, realised the time was right.
Sue cited two main reasons for her decision to sell. One was the gradual shift in the business landscape towards a more overly restrictive way of engagement, and the other was her need to prioritise her family. “My mum and dad are getting older, and my younger sister has several health concerns, so it’s time for me to step up and help them,” said Sue.
“Also, I’ve always liked to help people grow, especially my team, but now there are just too many restrictions that prohibit authentic growth.” Sue said she would stay on until the new year to help the new owners transition into the business. She is looking forward to travelling but is most excited about releasing four books she has already written, with a New York publisher.
“I’ve been wired to serve, I’d like to let love lead, and I just want to say thank you to everyone – it’s been a fabulous journey!”
