56 | Goodin Ag’s decade of innovation Innovation continues to drive the business forward. Karen Phelps Taranaki-based agricultural contractor Goodin Ag is marking a significant milestone, celebrating ten years since Mark and Sam Goodin purchased the business from Mark’s parents, Tom and Lyn. The anniversary highlights not only the company’s enduring family legacy but also its evolution under the current generation’s leadership. “It’s a good point of reflection,” says Sam. “Looking back to where we started we felt like beginners in terms of running a business. Now we’ve managed to purchase new machinery out of cashflow, retain staff and create a great core team. People are coming to us wanting to work for Goodin Ag now and we take great pride in that.” The company, established in 1984 and based in Rahotu, has grown to become the largest agricultural contractor on the Taranaki Coast. Under Mark and Sam’s leadership, it has diversified its operations, with one of the most notable expansions being the development of its quarry business. “The proof is in the pudding and we are producing a good product out of the quarry,” says Mark. “Our race fine metal is quite small in size compared with competitors who can have larger rock in there. Our product sets down nice and hard, doesn’t wash away, lasts well and doesn’t damage the cows’ feet.” The quarry operation has grown from a single digger at the time of purchase to three machines today, representing just one aspect of the company’s growth. This expansion has also played an important role in addressing one of the company’s main challenges: maintaining year-round employment for staff. RURAL SERVICES » Goodin Ag Ltd “We’ve diversified the business a bit to create year-round work with the quarry being the biggest thing over the years and also growing our fencing side of the business,” explains Sam Goodin. “Over winter we used to drop down to six people and last year we employed 15 people year-round.” The company’s commitment to staff retention reflects its deep-rooted community values. “It’s about trying to keep our staff employed and keeping their skills in the company,” says Mark. “One of my personal highlights over the past ten years has been the ability to employ more people year round,” adds Sam. “We’ve become a stronghold in the community as permanent employment. It gives our staff job security. We now maintain a core team of 25 during peak season and many have been with the business for the entire decade. “We have a really good core team who love the community and working in it,” says Mark. The family aspect of the business remains strong, with Mark’s father Tom still working for the company, while Mark’s brother Chris is a wealth of knowledge in the workshop and oversees all maintenance. The next generation is already showing interest, with Mark and Sam’s children growing up immersed in the business. Their daughter Rebecca has progressed from playing with toy tractors a decade ago to now showing interest in obtaining her license and driving. The couple also have Emma, 18 and James 6 ½. “Our family has grown up during the past ten years we’ve owned the business. Who knows what the future holds but it’s nice to see them taking an interest,” says Mark. The company’s services span a broad spectrum of agricultural contracting work. • to page 59 56 Leach Street, New Plymouth We're proud to support businesses like Goodin Ag. 06 920 3616 At +MORE Taranaki, we get farming because we’re farmers too. We understand how much work goes into running a successful farm and the challenges that come with it. That’s why so many farming businesses across Taranaki trust us to help them succeed. Our job is to give you practical, no-nonsense advice to help you make better decisions that grow and protect what you’ve built. Whether it’s annual accounts, tax returns, risk management, cashflow planning, or succession planning, we’re here to get the best outcomes for your farm and your family. We’re now welcoming new clients and offer a free one-hour consultation. Call Paul or Glenys for a coffee and chat to find out more. Smarter Better Business.
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