At 27 years of age Josh Kreskas might seem young to be the managing director of a transport company with 100 employees, but his nomination for a national award would suggest he’s going okay.
Mr Kreskas is the third generation of his family to work for and own Shepparton-based Kreskas Bros Transport, which was launched by his grandfather Arthur and Arthur’s brother George Kreskas in 1967.
Josh’s father, John, and uncle, Les, took over from them, and now Josh and his younger cousin, Bayley Kreskas, have taken the keys.
“They (Arthur and George) grew fruit, and they had challenges of carting the fruit to the market, so they bought an old Chev truck, carted that fruit and then a few of their neighbours, a few of their friends, were asking them to help cart that fruit,” Josh said.
“They turned one truck into two trucks, then doubled it over time. Then, by the 70s, they were carting the majority of the fresh produce out of the region.”
The fleet has now grown to 40 trucks and 200 pieces of equipment.
Given the family history, it can probably be assumed a kind of “commercial osmosis” has counted for a lot of Josh’s training, surrounded by the business and family in the business from birth, but he’s also taken on roles in each of the firm’s commercial arms.
“I left school at 18 and the day I left, Dad said, ‘All right, straight to work’,” Josh said.
“It was something important the family always said: ‘If you’re going to tell someone what to do, you need to know how to do it as well’.”
Josh has now been named a finalist in the Future Leader category of the Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Awards, pitting he and his company against some hefty competition, including Coles, DHL and ASX-listed Metcash, which describes itself as Australia’s leading wholesale distribution and marketing company with sales of over $18 billion.
“It’s very exciting. I think it’s not only good for me, but more importantly, it’s good for the business and puts our KBT stamp on Australia, which is a huge recognition for the company and it’s a credit to my uncle and my father for the week they’ve put in over the years and my grandfather,” Josh said.
“It might say my name but it reflects on us all.
“It’s quite significant that KBT, from Shepparton, is up there with some of the bigger dogs.”
The award winners will be announced on November 10.
Unique Shepparton CBD property sold at auction
A unique property in Shepparton’s CBD that most of the city’s residents never had cause to visit, but were no doubt comforted by its presence has been sold.
The former CFA fire station, located at 266-270 Maude St, on a 2453 square metre site was auctioned off by Gagliardi Scott Real Estate to a local developer for $2.25 million on October 7.
Gagliardi Scott director Rocky Gagliardi weighed in on the property’s unique nature and its potential for development.
“It is a unique property as far as the opportunity to obtain that sized property in the CBD,” Mr Gagliardi said.
“It’s been there since the 1960s. Luckily, there’s no heritage overlay,” he said.
However, he hinted at its likely fate.
“It’s probably looking for a developing,” he said.
Construction company with Shepparton roots gets high praise
A construction company with Shepparton roots going back as far as 1925 and with the responsibility of building the Spotlight Group’s Benalla Rd development has been given high praise for its work on the project.
Commenting on the $40 million development’s progress this week, executive deputy chair of the group Zac Fried said Hansen Yuncken’s work couldn’t be faulted.
“Everything’s been going to plan,” he said.
“Hansen Yuncken, as I understand, is a local builder as well, they do a lot in town, and is doing extremely well. Better than I could expect so we’re very pleased with that.”
The development will be open before Christmas.
Calling all elves
Elves, who have relocated from colder climes for a base in the Goulburn Valley, have been encouraged to apply for elves jobs linked with Greater Shepparton City Council’s Christmas marketing campaign.
Apart from being an elf, it’s preferred that they “enjoy learning new skills, spreading cheer and helping to brighten someone’s day“.
Other requirements are that they are reliable, enthusiastic and like having fun.
Qualified elves can apply online at https://bttr.im/tpddu with applications closing on November 9. Inquiries can be directed to greatthings@shepparton.vic.gov.au or Liz Connick on 5832 9852.