Mark Oliver

What do you do at ANC?

I’m an Owner Driver with a 2-tonne transit van delivering for Pet Circle.

Transport career experience?

I am new to the transport industry. After 20+ years in real estate I put a lot of thought into my career change. I did not want to be stuck in an office anymore. I wanted something more physical and active, and a job where I could apply my customer service experience from real estate.

Favourite part of your job?

As an Owner Driver and a pet lover, delivering for Pet Circle is ideal. There is more and more repeat business so I’m starting to get to know the customers, I get to meet their puppy or kitten, we can chat about the weekend, I love it. I like getting up early, being out on the road and going to new places every day.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I love sport, playing tennis, watching the AFL and soccer, and going for a run or walk along the beach. When I’m not playing or watching sport I enjoy spending time with family.

What do you think delivering extraordinary experiences means?

I think manners is the number one priority, and following special instructions from the customer because it’s obviously important to them.

Sami Nahlous

What do you do at ANC?

I am an Owner Driver, with a Mercedes Sprinter van, delivering for IKEA, Pet Circle, Bunnings and The Good Guys.

Transport career experience?

I was a Stone Mason, designing and constructing kitchen bench tops for 15 years. It’s dirty, the dust is unhealthy, and there was no margin to grow as a business owner. Working for yourself you know you will reap the rewards for your efforts. I said to a friend I would love to have my own business, he suggested I become an Owner Driver. I didn’t realise he worked with ANC until I joined. The world is too small and it’s nice to know I am working with like minded people.

Favourite part of your job?

I love a challenge, it is very enjoyable. The most important thing is the customer service, good feedback, the smile on their face. It is value like money for me. When the customer says “thank you” and gives feedback to ANC it makes me happy.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

It’s all about my family and friends, with Sunday spent with my two daughters and wife. Weekends are also a chance to do some work at home.

What do you think delivering extraordinary experiences means?

To be a professional Owner Driver you need to communicate, accept and respect others. You have to be patient and challenge yourself to be even better tomorrow.

Sherman

What do you do at ANC?

I’ve been an Owner Driver since April 2020, renting my Mercedes Sprinter van through Budget.

Transport career experience?

I was in the removals’ industry, in operations management, primarily running branches in various cities. I saw a decline because of COVID with people not moving and international transfers on hold. I decided to explore the more time sensitive freight because it is a growing market. There is no better way of learning than actually doing it to understand the business. You gain respect, coming from the ground up, and ultimately will be a better manager.

Favourite part of your job?

I’m loving the independence, relying on myself to do the job and problem solve. Although I feel I have the best of both worlds with ANC who has my back. Best of all are the Pet Circle customers, they’re great, their feedback is great. I see happy people because they want to see me, incredibly grateful they’re getting their delivery the next day. They’re often surprised saying “I just called yesterday and here it is, wow”. I love it when I get to meet the pets, but often I just hear them bark behind the front door. Perhaps we can offer a service of delivery and patting, or delivery and dog walking?

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I love hiking and camping with my wife. We often head to the Blue Mountains or the Royal National Park on weekends. We hike and camp every second weekend.

What do you think delivering extraordinary experiences mean?

Communication on all levels is important, and being able to deliver to the customer’s expectations regarding time and date, is critical. If we say we’re delivering on a certain day, we will do our utmost to make sure it happens. Customers understand issues arise, however being proactive in communicating the issue, gives the customer reassurance. Being on the front line, it’s the delivery team (and great back-up team) who need to communicate to the customer and manage their expectations, simply by talking to them with a smile.