Valuing the traditions of service

Dedicated staff, old-fashioned service and a strong belief in staying rural are fundamental factors behind the rapid expansion of Grant Daniel and Long.

GDL began operating in Dalby as a livestock and property agency in 1997 and now employs 40 staff in 12 outlets spread over much of southern Queensland.

Under the guidance of company principals Noel Grant, Peter Daniel, Jamie Long and John Cullen, the business has experienced exceptional growth with services extending into stud stock, merchandise, and real estate sales.

GDL principal Noel Grant, who has been a livestock agent for 38 years, believes a large part of the success of the firm lies in its commitment to small towns and the tradition of providing personalised service to every customer.

"Big companies and banks are providing less service and more automation but we believe in giving people a face they know and can trust.

"We have a strong belief in keeping business going in small towns and giving professional advice that services and supports regional communities.

"We recently opened an agency in Augathella where there hadn't been one for 40 years and the townspeople have really responded well."

Noel says high quality staff dedicated to meeting the company standards is a cornerstone of the company's growth.

GDL staff delivers quality service by targeting people's needs and having a solid understanding of the marketplace.

"Our employees are skilled professionals who can advise clients on how to best market their livestock and property.

"We know what people expect and we work with clients to meet their requirements."

The company has retained a position as Dalby's leading livestock agency while extending its operations into other major selling centres such as Longreach and Roma.

"Dalby is still the biggest one day sale in Australia. There's a fat and store sale every week of the year, except for over Christmas, and people know their cattle will be sold."

The total network includes branches in Taroom, Meandarra, Blackall, Miles, Millmerran, Augathella, Wandoan, Goondiwindi and St George.

The company is a large supplier of merchandise through Dalby Rural Supplies and also retails out of Meandarra, Taroom, Wandoan and Blackall.

Noel says the company intends to continue its growth and develop its current standing as one of the most successful private agencies in Queensland.

"We aim to build awareness by our motto of `old-fashioned service' so that people realise GDL is different from the rest."