Since starting their family business 13 years ago – almost by accident – Buronga husband and wife Brian and Sandra Gregg always prioritised their relationship with their children.

They knew, better than most, that when you work with your family, Father’s Day takes on a special significance.

Despite the many challenges that come with working alongside your parents, families like the Gregg’s wouldn’t have it any other way.

Based in Buronga, just inside the NSW border and across the river from Mildura, Gregg and Sons Steel Pty Ltd fabricate and deliver steel throughout the greater Sunraysia area.

It has, however, been a long road up to this point.

In 1996, Brian and Sandra sold their previous steel business and watched as their five sons began pursuing their separate careers.

The proud parents had planned to begin the next chapter of their lives.  

“We were going to retire, but Brian got itchy fingers and started up again in 2008,” Sandra Gregg explained, with a wry laugh.  

It was at this point that two of their five sons, Leon and Evan, put their hands up to join their parents in a new steel venture.

Together they would go on to build a flourishing family business – Gregg and Sons Steel.

Built on a strong foundation

Sandra, who is now assisted in the office by both Evan and Leon’s wives, said the business had grown to employ 13 people.

She puts much of their success down to a booming housing market and the hard work her husband and sons have put in together.

Brian built a reputation throughout the region by offering first-class service – a passion he instilled in his sons.

“[Leon and Evan] have taken the chip off Brian’s block, and if somebody wants something – whether it’s Melbourne or Adelaide – they will try and find it for them,” Sandra said.

“People keep coming back, so word of mouth then became, ‘Go to Greggies’, they’ll get it for you.’”

This kind of reputation doesn’t come without sacrifice, and Gregg and Sons’ delivery guarantee means they’re often on the road all day or overnight on what they call “bush runs”.  

Even these bush runs became an opportunity for paternal bonding.

Leon and Evan, like their father before them, are often accompanied by their children for the journey.

Despite the long hours, Sandra explained that being able to watch multiple generations grow up around the business has been unexpected and extremely rewarding.

“The two boys [Leon and Evan] were much younger when we had the previous business – back then they would just hop on the forklift or drive around on the truck with their Dad,” she said.

“I’ve got a granddaughter who is doing Year 11 and is doing metalwork – showing that it can be a woman thing,” Sanda said.

“Our 14-year-old grandson is making beautiful steelwork and selling it online, so he is one of the next generations coming along.

“That made me a chook hen – it made me very proud.”

Unfortunately, COVID-19 outbreaks and state border restrictions have wreaked havoc with cross-border communities, families, and businesses like theirs.

Father’s Day this Sunday, September 5, is yet another special event that is limited by current travel and gathering restrictions.

However, with three generations of fathers and their kids working together, the Gregg’s certainly have a lot to celebrate.

Gregg and Sons Steel have been Cashflow Manager customers for more than 13 years. They are one of thousands of small business who have chosen our accounting software – designed to make small business accounting easier.