Despite the chaos of harvest, toddlers and the minor detail of zero hardware experience, it was an ever-enthusiastic Anthony and Rebecca Diprose who threw open the doors of Dipper’s Home Timber and Hardware five years ago.
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With his insatiable thirst for a new adventure and challenge, ‘Dipper’ became the driving force behind what is now one of Australia’s most successful, and beloved, Home Timber and Hardware businesses.
So it was with great enthusiasm that the team at Dipper’s Home Timber and Hardware recently celebrated the store’s fifth birthday, a milestone Rebecca believes to be recognised and proud of.
“It was a day for celebration, but the whole team felt it was very unjust that the “face” of the business, Dipper, along with his trusty mate Colin ‘Pringy’ Pring were not there to celebrate,” Rebecca reflects.
While ‘Pringy’ has moved on to a larger role in another local business, very suddenly and tragically, Dipper passed away in September this year.
Despite heavy hearts, Rebecca, together with their children George, Millie and Isabelle led celebrations and took the opportunity to thank Dipper’s staff and customers, who without both, there would be no business.
“Our focus has always been on customer service and competitive pricing, we really do try to go out of our way to get the best deal and form trusted relationships,” Rebecca said.
“The philosophy on treating a customer as you want to be treated yourself is one that we try to live, eat and breathe.
“When Dipper and I embarked on this business we knew the early years would be hard work – long hours and steep learning curves – and they were, particularly with a young family.
“But we knew that for all that hard work we were building a brand and a fantastic local business that could withstand any challenges – and one that would eventually afford us more family time, and of course Dipper more time on the golf course!”
It was just two years into business that they were awarded the Home Timber and Hardware National Store of the Year over 1000 square metres.
“To reach the sales levels that we did in just two years was both exceptionally pleasing and surprising,” Rebecca said.
“It was an overwhelmingly exciting moment of recognition for the whole team.”
And in a fateful turn of events, Dipper’s Home Timber and Hardware’s fifth birthday anniversary also co-incided with the announcement that the store had achieved another accolade, the 2017 Northern NSW Home Timber and Hardware Store of the Year over 1000 square metres.
“This award is a testament to Dipper and the team - he would have been so thrilled and we all wish he was here to celebrate with us,” Rebecca said.
Having always worked a number of days in the office on marketing programs, cash flow management and various other responsibilities, Rebecca said it had been a juggle, particularly with three young children under five.
Today, she’s grateful to have a full working knowledge of the business.
Along with trade manager, Daniel Campbell, retail manager, Steve Daley and office manager, Margaret O’Neill, she believes they will collectively continue to guide the business to great heights.
“It was with much pride and optimism that our team, along with some supportive friends and customers, celebrated our fabulous first five years, and it’s with that same pride and optimism that we look to the future Dipper’s Home Timber and Hardware,” Rebecca said.
