MEET THE MAKER
LOVE OUR COMMUNITY

DAMIEN & ROS VODUSEK - RICH GLEN

HOW DID THE RICH GLEN OLIVE ESTATE BUSINESS GET OFF THE GROUND?
The business was established in 2001, originally selling our extra virgin olive oil in 500ml bottles and 20L tins. The cost of production back then was $5/L, and the market was paying $2/L, so we value-added our gorgeous extra virgin olive oil, into a range of dressings. In 2012, we took the risk of moving out of our home family home to renovate, and in 2014, opened the Farmgate Cafe & Store, which ultimately attracted 90,000 to the farm in 2018 and 2019. From there we launched our website and opened our first retail store in the main street of Yarrawonga on the Murray River in Victoria.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE KEY TO YOUR GROWTH?
Making sure we produce a quality product! Finding passionate, inspiring people to join our team and investing in them and the future of the business. Being authentic and sharing our family story has allowed us to connect with our customers.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUALLY EXPAND YOUR PRODUCT OFFERING?
Being located in the food-bowl of Victoria has allowed us access to some of the most amazing producers in the state, we love to use fresh regional Australian produce in our products. Also having the next generation and our energetic team bringing new and exciting ideas to the table, I’m always looking for inspiration for the next product.

HOW DO YOU ALWAYS STAY RELEVANT IN YOUR FIELD AND STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME?
Making sure we monitor trends, while ensuring we are always doing something ’different’ or ’new’. Listening to our customers’ feedback has been crucial in ensuring we are on the right track and are offering a suitable product range.
HAS DIGITAL MARKETING BEEN AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY? WHAT WORKED AND WHAT HASN’T?
Although we had begun investing into our digital presence pre-COVID, we were forced to pivot very quickly once our cafe shut during COVID. We have since gone through three iterations of our website and brought our entire marketing team in-house, which has contributed to the strength of our branding you see today.
Being authentic, true to ourselves and to your customers online is what’s worked best for us.
Working with a marketing agency hasn’t been good for us long term. They are beneficial at the beginning, and they certainly can add value to small businesses during the startup stage. However taking the risk and hiring a full team to work in-house was the best decision we made for our brand.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF FROM RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Truly being present for my team, and my family is crucial. I am not always right and encourage feedback. Good things come from ‘loving the differences’ and seeing the best in people.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING AN AUSSIE MADE BUSINESS?
Australia is known for producing quality goods and Australians are proud to support local businesses. The Australian-made small- business food community is known for its high standards, and using premium Australian ingredients. Rich Glen is proudly Australian made and Australian owned. We’re fourth generation farmers and pride ourselves on also supporting other regional and Australian made products throughout our stores.
WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR FOCUS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?
Continuing to prioritise memorable customer experiences, both online and instore, as we want to be known for our incredible customer service. Investing in our team’s personal and professional growth.
Continually working to improve the way we operate, to allow the business to grow without compromising on our core missions and values. We also believe in getting our story out there as it’s a unique one.
IMAGES: CHLOE SMITH

