Yeppoon father proves goodwill and a fairdinkum attitude gets you everywhere in business

Written on the 12th of December 2008 by Melanie Kent

My father Craig Poole is a shining example of the quintessential good aussie bloke who has used his people skills to go forward in his business.

He's no millionaire, but his existing customers rave about him because he works with pride and is always up for a joke and a chat.

Cooee Bay Mowing is a lawn mowing business my father started a few years ago, and since then he has proven that if you treat your customers well and do a good job, they'll always come back - even in an economic downturn.

I was inspired to hear him tell of an elderley pensioner who presented him with a dozen stubbies as a Christmas bonus, to thank him for his reliability and efforts througout the year.

It's examples like these that make you feel good about the future - even though that lady was probably living on a couple of hundred dollars a week, she could still spare enough money to buy my dad a Christmas gift - in fact a number of his customers have met him on the front lawn with thank you gifts.

It just goes to show that if you stay positive, keep up that rapport with your clients and give others a hand when  they need it, they will always stay loyal and return the favour!

I think that's how we can all get through any tough times ahead - by helping each other out and keeping a smile on our faces.