Family-owned business Conroy Removals celebrate 50 years in 2022 and despite one of the most challenging times in their history, dealing with both the COVID pandemic and a flood wreaking havoc at their Onekawa, Napier base, the father and daughter-run operation has emerged stronger than ever. Just prior to COVID, general manager Fiona Conroy followed in her father David’s footsteps, joining The Icehouse business owner’s Programme at the Hawke’s Bay Business Hub.
Growing up, there was a hard and fast rule for Fiona Conroy – no joining the business until she had been out in the world to decide if it was a path she was really interested in.
Ever since she can remember, Fiona has been immersed in the family business. “That was just life, there was always the trucks and holiday work in the office.” After a “much-loved” OE and finishing a Bachelor of Business Studies, an opportunity came up to join the Wellington branch. “I thought I’ll give it 12 months and see how it goes” plus having finished uni’ studies meant there was a back-up plan “just in case things didn’t work out”.
Fiona eventually took the Conroy’s sales rep’ position in 2003 covering the Wellington, Manawatu and Wairarapa regions. Now back in Hawke’s Bay, Fiona is Conroy’s GM, based in the original Lipton Place Onekawa offices, juggling three children and being a director of local business, Pacific Powder Coating run by husband Joe Koenigsberger.
Off the back of the property market, this year’s growth at Conroys has been significant.
“There is a big push for house moves out of the cities. The continual lockdown for Aucklanders meant if they have the opportunity to leave, then it into the regions.
First published by The Profit. Click here to read the full article.