For more than 25 years, the Cerinich men - Luka and his two sons Allan and Dennis - have been providing fruit and vegetables to the Perth community from their store Herdsman Fresh Essentials in Churchlands. And, according to the brothers, people should expect a second store to open in the future.
Fruit and vegetables have always been a part of the Cerinich family; from growers at the market gardens in Osborne Park to owning fruit and vegetable retail shops at Dog Swamp, Balga, Greenwood and Karryinup .
So it was no surprise that Dennis followed in his father’s footsteps. Together they opened the Herdsman Growers Market in December 1979.
Seven years ago, when Luka retired, his other son Allan joined the business and today co-owns it with Dennis. However, Luka still goes to work every day at the age of 84.
“Family business is a lot easier than most people think because the commitment is far stronger,” Allan said.
Dennis believes it is the special relationship he shares with Allan, even as they were growing up, that makes business life easy.
“We have never had a harsh word to say about each other,” he said.
“If either of us have an issue, we sit down, talk about it and sort it out.
“We also both realise our strengths and weaknesses.”
The biggest challenge the Cerinich brothers face is getting the third generation family members to continue the business.
“This generation is accustomed to success and doesn’t strive,” Allan said.
“There is a fair understanding that first and second generation business is successful to very successful but it is generally the third generation that stuffs it.
“We have taken a strong, practical view of our business and we would be reluctant to see the business continue on through another generation.”
But, for the time being, Allan and Dennis say they still have the key ingredient to any business’s success – passion.
Herdsman Fresh Essentials is one business that will compete in WA Business News’ Family Business Awards.
This week is your final chance to nominate a family business, either one you know or your own.
Nominations and entries close next Wednesday, June 8 at 5pm.
For help with your entry call Aisha on 9288 2104.
