How do you go from one spray truck in 1975 to a transport business with around 250 trucks and 300 staff?
In this episode, Andy Rowe sits down with Philip Wareing to unpack the story behind Philip Wareing Limited — from the early days of buying his first spray truck, to building a transport group through acquisitions, hard work, community support, and long-term thinking.
Philip shares how the business grew from one truck into a major Mid Canterbury operation, why Methven played such an important role in that journey, and the lessons he’s learned from 50 years in business.
They also talk about hiring, staff retention, business failures, succession, community sponsorship, and the simple advice Philip still believes in:
“Just work an hour longer than everyone else each day.”
This is a great conversation about business, resilience, legacy, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.
Links
Philip Wareing Limited: philipwareing.co.nz
Red Nine Studios: redninestudios.com
Chapters
00:39 What is Philip Wareing Limited?
01:23 Starting with one truck in 1975
03:40 The early days and first big decisions
04:36 Growing fast: 10,000 to 23,000 acres
05:17 The dream of owning a farm
08:04 Why Methven helped the business grow
11:07 Scaling to 250 trucks and 300 staff
15:23 Hiring lessons: one good, one average, one dud
24:35 Business advice: work one hour longer
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