Henning Harders, Poulos Bros Seafoods and Whites Group inducted to FBA’s Hall of Fame

The NSW ACT 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees were announced at the inaugural Hall of Fame Gala Dinner designed to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution family businesses make to the state’s economy, community and culture.

Henning Harders, Poulos Bros. Seafoods and Whites Group were commended for the demonstration of family business best practices and excellence in their industries.

The FBA NSW ACT 2016 Hall of Fame inductees from left to right Peter D Poulos, Group Operations Manager, Poulos Bros. Seafood; Christian Harders, Managing Director, Henning Harders & Michael Kelly, CEO, Whites Group

Henning Harders (Australia) Pty Ltd was founded in 1987 as an International Freight Forwarding Agent and Licensed Customs Broker when German-born Henning Harders opened the doors to a small office in Sydney’s Margaret Street.  Today, his children Christian, Daniela and Sebastian co-own the company which employs over 130 staff in 7 offices in major cities in Australia and New Zealand with a global reach of network partners in over 150 cities worldwide.

Managing Director, Christian Harders says that being inducted into the Hall of fame is a great honour. “Next year we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Henning Harders, this is something we are extremely proud of. Being a family business has a huge influence on the longevity of our organisation as it enables the company to think and act long term and to respond to challenges with creativity and innovation. I very much attribute our success to the involvement we have had with FBA and in particular the Forum groups over the last 15 years.”

Poulos Bros Seafoods Pty Ltd is part of the Poulos Bros Group, which was incorporated in 1968 by Con and Denis Poulos. The two brothers were determined to build a business on the highest quality products and reliable service and today Poulos Bros. Seafoods with its associated companies is one of the largest distributors and exporters of fresh and frozen seafood in Australia. Denis passed away in 2008 however, Con holds a strong influential position as Group Executive Chairman and now has three of Denis’s sons and four of his nephews working in senior management roles within the business.

Peter D Poulos, Group Operations Manager says that “the greatest joy is sharing your passion with family.” Con has instituted a succession plan to ensure minimum disruption to the business going forward and feels it is his job now to ensure that the passion and business success continues for many family generations to come.

Whites Group is a family business with its roots strongly embedded in steel, wire and fencing products. Established in 1972, the company then known as Whites Wires originally manufactured and sold re-wound tie wire from a small factory in St Peters, Sydney. In 1977, the business came under the new ownership of John Kelly as a two person operation in Granville NSW and in the almost 40 years since then, has successfully expanded its product range and distribution to become a major supplier within the Hardware, Rural & Industrial markets. Today, the organisation is operated by John’s three sons – Paul, Peter & Michael and employs more than 150 staff across 6 sites nationally, a partnership with Frauenfelder manufacturing in Albury as well as a sourcing site in China.

Chief Executive Officer, Michael Kelly expresses how being a family owned and Australian operated business influences decision making – “as a family and as leaders we are extremely driven to maintain a company culture built upon our strong family values. We are passionate about driving growth and improvement, and encourage innovation and out-of-the box thinking.”