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Splosh founders reveal how they mix business with pleasure in this exclusive Q&A
[Mon 25/10/2010 02:18:03]
 Q: When was Splosh launched and what inspired you to establish the company?
A: Michael and I started Splosh around Christmas 1999 when we set up at the Riverside and Cleveland markets in Brisbane. It only took that one Christmas at the markets to know we wanted to be part of the gift and homewares industry. We decided to wholesale our products as we could originally work from home, which was important with a very young family.
Q: What are your roles and what expertise do you each bring to the business?
A: I have a passion for the product so I’m heavily involved in the development and production of new ranges. I work closely with our artists, graphics department and factories on ideas and designs. I also work with our sales department and retailers to get the best results for our products. Michael is much more behind the scenes dealing with finances, systems and procedures, administration, human resources and pretending he knows what he’s doing at trade fairs.
Q: How did you come to work in the gift and homewares industry?
A: It chose us. In February 2000 we did our first gift fair and it just took off from there.
Q: What inspires you when selecting stock and products?
A: Innovation, style and quality. It can be fun, it helps if it’s functional but it always has to be of the highest possible quality.
 Q: What are your favourite products and why?
A: As this goes to print we are launching a new range from the US, the Woodwick range of candles and diffusers. We worked hard to secure the rights and are very excited to bring these high quality products to Australia and New Zealand. They are so beautiful and unique.
Q: What do you believe is essential for successful wholesaling?
A: Our success has been based on customer service, product quality and availability. We have invested in our supply chain to ensure we have a quality product when it is needed. We see so many wholesalers who don’t support their retailers with adequate inventory and an ‘on time’ delivery commitment.
Q: What have you learnt from working with retailers?
A: Retailers know what sells. I often work with retailers when developing new products to ensure we get it right.
 Q: How has the gift and homewares scene changed since starting Splosh and what transformations do you expect in the future?
A: Technology has been a major change. How we receive, process, pick, pack then dispatch an order has changed dramatically over the past two years. Technology has enabled us to integrate processes into a far more seamless and paperless workflow.
Q: How has the current economic climate affected your business?
A: What global financial crisis? Last year has been enormous for Splosh. When talking to other wholesalers and retailers, they all agree that the operators who had been hit hardest were only just hanging on during the good times.
Q: How important is your website to your business?
A: It is becoming increasingly important. We have tried several different versions and options with limited success. As web applications have become more functional and affordable we are finally able to use the features we wanted. Our current site gives our retailers the power to see their account and place orders in a variety of ways, including direct uploads from their POS system. We have orders downloaded directly into our sales system and the capability to update the website from our inventory management. Getting people to actually use the site is our ongoing challenge.
Q: What is the best advice you have been given in life?
A: Listen to that little voice inside your head. Whether you call it a gut instinct or conscience, it is a powerful guide, not just in business but also in life.
 Q: What would be your top tips for others starting out in this industry?
A: You can’t cut corners. A commitment to good staff, outstanding customer service and a quality product is essential.
Q: How do you maintain a healthy work and life balance?
A: Last year we failed miserably in this area. It threw us some great challenges and opportunities that required us to really focus on our work, leaving little time for anything else. At least being a husband and wife team, more work can mean more time together. Bringing balance back to our lives in 2010 is top of the list.
Q: Are there some businesses or people that you admire and take inspiration from?
A: No one person or business springs to mind. We both try to keep up our intake of books on business, people, history and ideas. With the previous question in mind we have both just read Nigel Marsh’s book Overworked and underlaid, a good start to some balance for 2010.
Q: Do you have a philosophy you apply to managing Splosh?
A: You can’t manage a business if you are up to your armpits running it. You need to regularly step back to look at the big picture.
Q: What are the greatest highlights and challenges you have faced since starting your business, both professionally and personally?
A: Our kids have grown up in and around the business. Having them happy, healthy and sorted has been our greatest challenge. The fact that there are three wonderful people who call us mum and dad is the highlight.
Q: Where do you see Splosh in five to 10 years from now?
A: For all the plans and budgets we make, it always comes back to ‘walk a mile to see a mile’. I see us as continuing to grow and be an important part of the gift and homewares industry.
Q: What is the secret of your success?
A: We like what we do. It sometimes seems ridiculous to call it work.
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