In this episode, Bronson explains how the lessons he learned in the kitchen translated to the booth, the reason money can never be the motivation for creating art, and why he believes that imperfections are the best part of any masterpiece. His leadership is underpinned by a strong belief in Mainfreight's global competency and capabilities to provide high-quality supply chain solutions for . Zac: Lets talk more about those weekly P&Ls. This endeavor launched the first permanent investment into South America. Media enquiries "I just think that's disgusting," he says. Having started out with two employees and one truck in 1978, the company now employs more than 7500 people in 22 countries and generated a net profit of $103m in the 2017 financial year on operating revenue of $2.33 billion. Will His AI Plans Be Any Different? At the end of the day, the decisions they made will be seen in the weekly results. He joined Daily Freightways in 1978, gaining a thorough grounding in all aspects of the business and eventually heading up that company. "I probably wasn't qualified enough to go to university," Braid says. How do you measure this? Zac: Can you share more about your profit share? Mainfreight Limited is a New Zealand logistics and transport company headquartered in Auckland. How Does Don Braid's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies? Zac: What are your thoughts on driverless trucks and how they will affect Mainfreight? It now has 22 company depots in Australia and relies on agents and third parties in the Northern Territory, Tasmania and some of regional Australia. Don: The culture is really important and our culture starts with those closest to the customer. In light of current trends, we will provide a nine-month trading update mid-February 2022. Business in the Americas also saw an improved performance, with a 29.7% increase in profit to US$25.93m, with Mainfreight's air and ocean division benefiting from resurgent demand from customers and market share gains in the US. Don Braid. Braid said that while Mainfreights people can be proud of the way they stood up to be counted, there would continue to be uncertainty with heavily congested supply chains continuing to affect the worlds freight lanes. So weve got eight and a half thousand people and 282 locations. Don joined in 1994 and hes been on the board since 2000 and the CEO for a heck of a long time. Thanks for your comments about Don Braid and Mainfreight. The firm's Australian domestic freight and logistics division, Mainfreight Distribution, began operations in 1989, with an operation in Sydney. Mainfreight is the fourth largest company in NZ, doing over $3 billion in sales and over $300 million in EBITDA, with physical assets of $1.5 billion and debt of less than $200 million. Those are the real world indicators of whether youve got morale correct or not or whether youve got some issues going on you need to address. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on freight and supply chains worldwide. Mainfreight chief executive Don Braid says New Zealand needs to slash the number of its container ports to a 'maximum' of three to avoid being side-lined by major shippers.The 18-year veteran CEO of the NZX-listed multinational logistics company told a supply chain forum in Auckland on Wednesday that container cranes sitting at most of the Braid says the company strives to be de-centralised through giving responsibility to all individuals in the business and letting them make decisions. What we put in place here in New Zealand became the blueprint for the organization around the world. Zac: Mainfreight was started back in the late seventies by Bruce Plested, who is the chairman now. Wishing you the best in England and when you return to NZ. | Early in the piece at Mainfreight, leaders are given responsibility, so the ability to take responsibility and to make decisions is pretty important. That's just a smallish increase of 6.9% on last year. Out of that, I think weve got the culture really starting to develop. Their understanding of disciplines and what the expectations are embedded early on so our culture is strong and then you give them responsibility. "It's not about what I've done - it's about what we've done and what the business has done," he says. We applaud that; weve always paid every supplier on the 20th of the month following and we ask the same of our customers. Don Braid has been with freight and logistics company Mainfreight since 1994, after joining the firm as part of the acquisition of Daily Freightways (where he had been for 16 years). We have been monitoring government updates regarding COVID-19 and are keeping up to date with Ministry of Health guidance with regard to events and public gatherings. Musk Made a Mess at Twitter. Zac: What is the Mainfreight way when it comes to culture? It has largely grown earnings and revenue since 2008 and tripled its share price between early 2009 and today. Zac: How do you prioritise where to spend your time in a normal week? Subscribe to protect quality NZ journalism. It's nice to see revenue heading northwards, as this is consistent with healthy business conditions. "That gives us an enormous amount of opportunity.". Target operate domestic and international time-sensitive freight-forwarding and logistics services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Target Logistic Services. So we are developing our people to be the best they possibly can be. "We were exposed to Covid-19 quite early in the piece, probably earlier than many others because of our operations in China. After leaving Timaru Boys' High School Braid joined the New Zealand Shipping Corporation as a clerk in 1976. [10] In August 2013, Mainfreight and the family of Wim Bosman reached an out of court agreement for compensation to the tune of 8.2 million or $14 million. If you'd invested $20,000 in Mainfreight 20 years ago and reinvested your dividends, your investment would now be worth $1.3 million. He has issued a New research confirms the importance that NZ business leaders place on reputation, but reveals that many companies need to increase their investment in building and protecting it. Don Braid, Group Managing Director of Mainfreight Limited, was educated at Timaru Boys' High School and has over 43 years' experience in freight forwarding and logistics both New Zealand and internationally. Experts say community investment is the future. The Asian business saw profits more than double to US$7m, driven by increases in market share and rate increases from both air and see freight, the firm said. Don has led the Mainfreight team through a significant period of change and expansion to become the successful global supply chain logistics provider it is today, with businesses operating in over 214 branches throughout New Zealand, Australia, Europe, Asia and the United States. As you get bigger, staff engagement and culture becomes more difficult. [17], "Shareholding Information - Mainfreight Limited", "Mainfreight co-founder Neil Graham dies", "Road transport regulation a controversial measure to protect railways", "Mainfreight announces agreement to acquire Halford International", "Mainfreight breaks into Europe with $227m acquisition", "Mainfreight sues for $18m after shock client loss", "Mainfreight gets $14m payout - drops Euro claim", "The Wim Bosman Group becomes Mainfreight", "Mainfreight sells Pan Orient Project Logistics and its 75% shareholding in LEP (New Zealand and Australia) for over A$83 million", "Mainfreight Limited (Mainfreight) completes sale of Pan Orient Project Logistics", "Target Logistics, Inc. Agrees to be Acquired by Mainfreight Limited", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mainfreight&oldid=1136159997, Daily Freight (NZ), Carotrans (Worldwide), Owens (AU/NZ), ChemCouriers (AU/NZ) Mainfreight Europe (EU), This page was last edited on 29 January 2023, at 01:07. And I think ultimately, yes, Im responsible for the business, but I enjoy what I do and having great people and a good lifestyle where I can stay fit and have some fun means the stress levels arent that high. Don: Well, the numbers never lie, right? It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. While many of its NZX-50 peers have entered a period of stagnation, Mainfreight - it seems - thrives on hard times. They know that now and can alter those decisions as they head into the week in front of them. I think our owner drivers are a key component of the relationship with the customer. To trust your people too, to give them the responsibility. He has clear vision of what it will take to navigate the unforgiving roads and heavy traffic of the international freight marketplace and so far he has kept this business right on track. Zac: Whats a bit of business advice you can share? With the takeover of the Owens Group in 2003 they purchased Owens International Australia. Another attribute is straight talking. To join your company account for BusinessDesk and enjoy full access, We're trying to break all that down.". Spearheading the management team at New Zealands largest supply chain logistics and transport company has paid off handsomely for Mainfreight group managing director Don Braid. Click on [Agree] or [Disagree] to accept or refuse cookies. [9], Within its announcement, the Mainfreight sad, "Wim Bosman is a well respected, profitable organisation which will provide Mainfreight with a significant European presence and opportunity to further grow its supply chain logistic services throughout the world. In 2006 the New Zealand Mainfreight International and Owens International businesses were also merged to make Mainfreight Owens International Ltd (now Mainfreight International). Weekly operational reports are posted on the wall of the company cafeteria in Otahuhu, where all team members, including Braid, eat at a single, long table. In March 2011, Mainfreight entered the European market with the acquisition of Netherlands-based company Wim Bosman Group for 120 million; or $227 million. In addition, we use tracking cookies, which can collect information about you and follow your internet activity within our website, and possibly outside our website as well. Not living as a question mark but instead getting on with it and making those decisions. His company has been a shining example of success amid tough global economic conditions. "Don gave this glowing account of [Daily Freightways] and I kept looking at him and thinking 'what a lot of bullshit'," Plested says. | Its about the other employees seeing the numbers; dont forget, we share those profits with our people too so theres internal pressure to perform too. Mainfreight's net profit rose by $40.1m to $188.1m. Nothing drives home the state of our roads like a trip on a bike. Youve got to break it down. Zac: Mainfreight is obviously a massive employer with almost 9000 staff across the world. Other Current Significant Directorships and Trusteeships: BUPA ANZ Pty Limited (Chairman), Adherium Limited, Clearspan Limited, Thinxtra Australia, Starship Foundation, Massey University Foundation. Biography He runs the businesses with consciously egalitarian slant and is no fan of bureaucracy or the trappings of hierarchies. While many companies have been battening down the hatches this year, Mainfreight has been on the acquisition trail - purchasing a Netherlands-based freight business which operates in Belgium, France, Romania and Poland and Russia. Filed Under: Blog, Business coaching, Motivation coming at ya, What a great interview and there are many excellent points which the Mainfreight CEO covered like Empathy which is essential when supporting all those involved in Mainfreights success and another dealt with the importance of making sure all invoices are paid on time. An unabashed promoter of New Zealand success, he has an extensive background in the banking industry in New Zealand and Australia, with senior management experience in marketing, strategic planning, retail services and business development. After the full acquisition that took place August 2007, Mainfreight Asia quickly gained momentum in the Air and Ocean sector, driving business in China and Southeast Asia. They couldnt believe we trusted them to turn up when we needed them to turn up and leave when we needed them to leave. He is highly respected and success-driven executive who has made Kiwibank fly when many thought it would struggle to get off the ground. So Don, my first question is whats been your main focus the past two months during Covid times and leading Mainfreight and global business? Any enquiries, or to book a table, please emailNatalie Spratt, Auckland Branch Coordinator. 11/5/2022 3:33 PM. If theyre not on their game, you can see that really quickly so you either get alongside them and help them or if it goes on for too long you realise weve got the wrong person in the wrong role and weve got to change them. I guess whats annoying is that we have got to wait for an election year to get this kind of stuff. Today he chairs a group of telecommunication companies. Our data indicates that Mainfreight Limited is worth NZ$4.0b, and total annual CEO compensation was reported as. This Supreme Court Case Could Redefine Crime, YellowstoneBackers Wanted to Cash OutThen the Streaming Bubble Burst, How Countries Leading on Early Years of Child Care Get It Right, Female Execs Are Exhausted, Frustrated and Heading for the Exits, No Major Offer Expected on Childcare in UK Budget, Biden Gives Medal of Honor to Trailblazing Special Forces Member, Climate Change Is Launching a MutantSeed Space Race, UK Braces for Rare Weather Event That Risks Late-Winter Freeze, What Do You Want to See in a Covid Memorial? Leading into this, we had a number of market analysts suggesting our balance sheet was lazy and you know, undercooked. Its the individuals responsibility to arrive on time and stay until the jobs finished. You know, people arrive when they arrive and they leave when they leave. Indonesia ups trade potential with focus on corporate governance, NZ business needs to invest more in reputation, NZ corporates taking a lead in health & safety. Bryan has a wealth of experience, both in executive and board roles. Biography Don Braid, Group Managing Director of Mainfreight Limited, was educated at Timaru Boys' High School and has over 30 years' experience in freight forwarding and logistics both New Zealand and internationally.. So it doesnt matter whether youre loading freight, taking customer service calls, out making sales calls, or an operations transport manager, you understand those disciplines early on in the piece. Don: Sometimes I think people dont recognise or believe or have enough passion in what theyve developed. As Chairman and Founder, Bruce shares his vision for the Company with the Mainfreight team, bringing a particular focus to quality and our culture. But well and behold, were in the perfect position not a lot of debt, trading really well, coming off a really good financial year the year before. So you need to be committed for the long term.The clich about the beach, the BMW and the boat it looks pretty attractive after 10 years of hard work but what could you have created after a hundred years and have you got something thats a bit special?I think you need passion, energy, belief and the ability to develop people to run the business for the future. "If you allow the recession to roll over the top of you there's a great chance it will.". And if you dont make a profit, theres no bonus that year. And what do you believe leaders need to excel at? The trick is to decentralize it and to give them control of the profit and loss, allow them to have sufficient KPIs, and measurement systems to monitor those as quickly as possible so that nothing gets out of control. Photo / Supplied . How do I gain more customers? In 1994 Mainfreight purchased the business, and Don went on to hold various senior management roles at Mainfreight prior to his appointment as Managing Director in 2000. He's got plenty of charm if he wants to have it and his leadership skills just stand out people want to stand next to him, Plested was quoted as saying after Braid was selected as the 2011 Business Leader of the Year. Learn more. On 11 June 2007, Mainfreight 'signed a call option deed' to purchase the entirety of the shares of Australian-based Halford International. It is our strong belief that the momentum we have will continue, and will develop at a faster pace than we have experienced in the past, thanks to our people, our network and our culture. For us its about pushing the decision-making as close to the customer as possible, getting those people to make decisions rather than pushing them upstairs for someone else to make. Don: The recruitment of our people sits with the branch managers. "He never talks about himself and always talks about long-term goals," Hunt says. WINNER Some of the leading players in the listed retirement sector have been raising capital. He believes in fostering an innovative culture in the organisation and encourages top performances from his teams. Appointment to Board 2000 - With Mainfreight since 1994. We got a taste of what was to come early in the piece with our Chinese business and seeing what they were going through. In the leadup to the 2017 election, Braid said the country needed to be run by visionaries rather than a couple of accountants and he took aim at Nationals pledge to spend an extra $2.6b on Auckland transport. Don has over 40 years' experience in the freight industry, including 26 with Mainfreight. Once it became a global pandemic we needed to react and adapt as quickly as we could. Target has offices in 35 cities throughout the United States and an international network of agents in over 70 countries.[15]. Between 1994 and 1997 Mainfreight started acquiring former competitors, such as, Daily Freightways and Chem Couriers in 1994, a 75% shareholding in Lep New Zealand in 1996, and Combined Haulage and Senco Haulage in 1997. Copyright 2023 Institute of Directors And in applying that New Zealand blueprint to all regions, we knew we were pretty much in control. Engage via Email. Don: With this decentralized approach, those P&Ls were talking about, theyre part of everyday life at Mainfreight those P&Ls go up on the cafeteria wall. They love this as it makes them feel supported and that I understand their role. Don: Its been interesting! Boasting a total shareholder return of 168% over three years, Mainfreight Limited has done well by shareholders.