It’s been 15 years since Tom Newton joined the Maxum team and we’re celebrating this amazing milestone. We caught up with Tom to have a chat about his journey and to talk through some of the highlights during his time at Maxum and MaxCare:
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Born and raised on a farm west of Stanthorpe, I have always loved agriculture and regional communities. Since leaving school I have lived in Goondiwindi, Orange, Brisbane, and now Port Fairy. I travelled around the US, Canada, UK and Europe in my mid-twenties. I am married to Lu and we have two daughters, Annabelle and Polly. I love being active, having a laugh and am partial to a good dress-up party.
Tell us a little bit about your journey at Maxum Foods
It’s been an incredible ride and a lot of fun. I started with the business when it was based at Banyo in Brisbane, in a demountable office at the factory and there were only 6 of us in the team. After 3 years working in the Foods business, I was given the opportunity to move into the Animal Nutrition business which involved a move to Victoria. In 2014 we launched MaxCare in Australia and then in New Zealand a few years later. Maxum has given me the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of Australia and New Zealand… it’s been awesome.
What do you actually do?
Good question…
I am lucky enough to be part of a growing and passionate team that services Australia and New Zealand. We specialise in infant animal nutrition and we work closely with our farmers to help them get the best possible results with the resources they have available. We focus on exceeding customer expectations, not only through delivering great products but also by providing exceptional service and support.
Why MaxCare?
We are there every step of the way. We are a visible presence in the fabric of rural community life. We are a trusted adviser who is easy to find and quick to respond.
We believe in what we do and why we do it. ‘Growing Stronger Every Day’ is more than just a tagline. It’s absolutely about growing stronger animals, it’s also about growing stronger people, stronger business partners, a stronger agricultural industry and stronger regional communities.
What’s the one thing that has changed the most during your time at Maxum?
We don’t all sleep in the same room when we go on the road anymore… getting your own room is a real luxury now!!!
What is the best ‘work perk’ at Maxum Foods?
Without doubt, it is the culture. Ever since day one, the Directors have talked of a family culture and had a focus on having fun. They have provided me with a safe and supportive environment and given me every opportunity I could have asked for.
Do you have a favourite story from the last 15 years that you would like to share?
There are so many, especially from the early days on the road, but I still think the day we hosted a number of clients at an event in Melbourne and Woody (Ben Woodhouse) gave the team a pep talk about how we should behave in front of our customers. From memory, he was the first one sent home that night!!!
What do you get up to when you’re not at work?
I love spending time with my family and am really enjoying watching our two girls grow up. I enjoy catching up with friends and having a laugh. I’m equally as happy having a bit of downtime reading a book. But I do love to keep active and surfing has become a real passion and something I am determined to get better at.
Congratulations on 15 years Tom, we are looking forward to many more years with you on the MaxCare team!
Original article sourced from: maxumfoods.com