Celebrating Australian Family Business Day 2022- Meet The Family!
Freshwater Farm is a proudly Australian family owned and run business, with many members of the family working closely together on a day-to-day basis.
In celebration of Family Business Day, we have interviewed all of the members of the family working within the business to find out what their role is and the highs and lows of being a part of an Australian Family Business.
Two generations of the Hutcherson family are currently working in the business, with the third generation hot on their heels to become the next generation of soap masters!
Allan Hutcherson - Managing Director
1. What is your role within the business and how long have you been a part of the business?
My role within the business is mentoring everybody but my official title would be Managing Director and I oversee and coordinate all sections of the business. I try to spend a lot more time at the farm these days, being a part of the grass roots of the business tending to the plantations that we have developed and cared for over the years. We ensure the ongoing development of our farm by adding new varieties of Australian Botanicals to our offering that will eventually become a part of our range. I founded the business in 1993 as a contact manufacturing business, it was around 7 years ago that we started to produce our own range of products, which had always been a long-term goal of my family
2. What is the best part of being in a family business?
Sharing the successes and progress of the business with the family. Growing the business with my children involved has been such a pleasure and very satisfying. We are all involved in the day-to-day running of the business are able to make decisions on the progress of the business as a family, which is a great thing.
3. What can be the most challenging part of being part of a family business?
It can be difficult when we don’t necessarily agree on a direction that we are heading in as we do all have to on board to make it a success. Managing the process of keeping all family members in line with our long-term goals can be challenging but we get there in the end. Overall the positives far outweigh the negatives.
4. What’s your biggest achievement so far?
The thing that I am most proud of is the acquisition of the farm in 2018 and the integration of the farm’s botanicals into our branded business story. It had been a lifelong dream realised to own the farm and to regenerate the property to the yielding plantation that it has now become, that is now able to contribute so much to our unique offering in Freshwater Farm.
Jane Hutcherson - Accounts Executive
1. What is your role within the business and how long have you been a part of the business?
Al and I founded the business 30 years ago, with my primary role being in accounting and administration.
2. What is the best part of being in a family business?
Feeling incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve as a family and the fact that everyone in the family has chosen to come and work in the business. It’s great for me coming to work each day and being with my family, staying connected.
3. What can be the most challenging part of being part of a family business?
Owning any business can be stressful but I find it particularly hard to see family members dealing with the stressful times, this would be the most challenging part of being part of a family business for me.
4. What’s your biggest achievement so far?
When we first started our business, we were contract manufacturers making soap bars only for other companies. We now have our own brands and to see these brands in the marketplace is a huge achievement. It makes me very proud to see how our business has grown & developed over the years. Also, the story we have created around Freshwater Farm is amazing and going to the farm with my family and watching it improve and flourish is such a pleasure.
Amy Dempsey - Business Manager
1. What is your role within the business and how long have you been a part of the business?
My official tittle is Business Manager, and roles include Managing our Online Store, Boutique stockists and Customer Care for both consumer and customer. I have been part of the business for 8 years now (time flies when you are having fun).
2. What is the best part of being in a family business?
We are a very close family so for me It’s coming to work and getting to spend my days with my family, it’s the absolute best and I feel very lucky. We all have our separate roles in the business, and it just works for us all….. I’m also a mum of three small children and the Flexibility of our family business allows me to be there for my kids as well as my work.
3. What can be the most challenging part of being part of a family business?
We are all so busy and a bit time-poor so finding the time for the family to meet as a team can be a little challenging. We all work hard, and it does get stressful, but we always make sure we also have a lot of fun along the way.
4. What’s your biggest achievement so far?
The rapid growth the business has experienced in the last two years and for me personally the growth in our online business. Fortunately, my team and I were able to continue to work all through the pandemic which helped the brand grow quickly as we were able to adapt to the needs of our customers.
Sam Hutcherson - Sales Director
1. What is your role within the business and how long have you been a part of the business?
I work as the Sales Director in the business and look after and grow the key accounts we have in the business and oversee new product development.
2. What is the best part of being in a family business?
Sharing wins we have, that require everyone to execute their crucial part along the way to ensure success
3. What can be the most challenging part of being part of a family business?
The most challenging part is being able to switch off when we’re all together outside of work.
4. What’s your biggest achievement so far?
Getting national distribution in Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse so all Australians have access to our affordable natural range Australian made products.
Annie Hutcherson - Office Administration & HR
1. What is your role within the business and how long have you been a part of the business
Office Administration and HR. I have officially been part of the business for 3 months
2. What is the best part of being in a family business?
Working towards a common goal and something you genuinely have a vested interest in.
3. What can be the most challenging part of being part of a family business?
Family holidays! As it means we are all away from the business at the same time but thankfully we have great staff who we can rely on to keep the business running in our absence.
4. What’s your biggest achievement so far?
Closing out our recent compliance audit on our factory.
Grant Dempsey - Production Manager
1. What is your role within the business and how long have you been a part of the business
Production Manager, I oversee everything from planning to finished goods. I’ve officially been with the business for 11 years.
2. What is the best part of being in a family business?
Working with my family and working locally.
3. What can be the most challenging part of being part of a family business?
The biggest challenge for me is switching off when spending time as a family outside of the workplace.
4. What’s your biggest achievement so far?
Relocating the whole factory from Warriewood to our new premises in Cromer.
The Next Generation....
1. What is your name?
Harriet & Eadie
2. What does Freshwater Farm mean to you?
I love seeing Daddy’s soap at the shops and in the catalogues.
I love going to our farm with all our family. Making soap at the factory and feeding the horses and cows at our farm!
3. If you could make your own flavour of soap, what would it be?
(Harriet) Fairy floss (Eadie) Chocolate!
1. What is your name?
Ned / Tilly / Belle
2. What does Freshwater Farm mean to you?
(Ned) It’s the best soap in the world!
(Tilly) Where mum and dad go for work
(Belle) I love having baths with daddy’s soap
3. If you could make your own flavour of soap, what would it be?
(Ned) Lolly flavour
(Tilly) Rainbow
(Belle) Chocolate