AFTER 10 years of running the Glenburnie Saleyards canteen, Liz Beames still enjoys supporting the farm sector every week.
Growing up on a farm, Ms Beames said joining the saleyards team was a natural progression for her.
“I have always had an interest in farming as I spent most of my life in the thick of it,” she said.
After a call from a friend about taking over the business while she was living in northern South Australia, Ms Beames decided to make the trip to Mount Gambier to see what the saleyards were all about.
“As soon as I walked into the canteen I knew it was something I had to do,” she said.
“Now it is 10 years on and I am still loving every day being here.”
Ms Beames said her staff had been an incredibly important part of her 10 year journey.
“Leonie has been here with me since the beginning and Debby joined us six months later,” she said.
“It is great to have had the ladies by my side from day one.
“My husband and both of my daughters have also worked out here when I needed help – I feel I am really lucky to have everyone supporting me every day.”
Although Ms Beames is modest when it comes to her accomplishments, she believes a friendly attitude and a smile goes a long way with a customer.
“I think pride in customer service is the best way to build a business,” she said.
“We try to remember everyone’s orders, what is going on in their lives and with their families – it is all about making that strong connection with the customer.”
Ms Beames said she enjoyed surrounding herself with great people like those involved in the saleyards.
“We are all one huge family out here,” she said.
“Everyone from the stock agents to the farmers and buyers – they are all people who I can now call great friends.
“They are all salt of the earth people and it is a blessing to have the opportunity to get to know them all.”
With no plans to step back anytime soon, Ms Beames looks forward to her future at the saleyards and the future of the farming industry.
