Wesche takes fresh business approach

THERE aren't many employees who can say their boss makes their lunch for them one day a week. But that's exactly what Pacco Group managing director and 2008 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year Leanne Wesche does for her 60-strong team at the group's O'Connor packinghouse.

"One of our greatest assets is our loyal team of up to 60 employees who can grade, trim and pack up to 80,000 pieces of fresh produce each day to fill customer orders," Ms Wesche told WA Business News.

"Their work is repetitive and fast paced in a noisy, cold environment, but no-one complains because it's not about the dollar or the conditions. They are part of our family and have journeyed with us.

"I prepare lunch for them each Thursday, take them to business award nights and they share in our company's successes. I could not run the business without them."

Ms Wesche stepped into the corporate fast lane in 1997 with the purchase of a sprout business that traded one day a week with a turnover of $120,000.

By being innovative, following health trends and building up a large domestic and international market, the company output soared to more than $2.8 million by 2002.

The strong relationship she developed with local supermarkets earned her a respected reputation in fresh produce, so when it came to her next business, she stayed within the area of her specialty.

"Pacco is helping WA supermarkets to follow today's market trend to wrap and portion produce," Ms Wesche said.

"Our O'Connor packing house has the latest packaging equipment and technology. Our business works with high volumes and small margins, so to be profitable, we have to work fast."

As Pacco doubled in size, Ms Wesche employed multi-skilled managers and stepped aside to work on the research and development of her new product, the Safeguard Fruit and Veggie Wash.

The highly motivated entrepreneur and business mentor conceived the idea of Safeguard Fruit and Veggie Wash, an organic concentrate that removes harmful bacteria, dirt, waxes, chemical and pesticide residue, three years ago.

Safeguard, the only natural and organic wash on the market, is now a familiar product on the shelves of Australian supermarkets.

It is also exported to 11 countries, including a launch into India this month. Keen interest has been expressed from the US, China and Europe.

Future plans for the business include a range of accompanying Veggie Wash items such as sachets, wipes and sprays for travellers, as well as a meat and fish wash for overseas markets.

Ms Wesche said she looked on her business career as a journey, treasuring the friendships she has made along the way and revelling in the learning experience.

"My policy is to make sure we are easy to deal with, and if a client wants to change the way we both do things, we happily accommodate the change," she said.

"That is the secret of our success."

WA has had a succesful history with the National Telstra Business Women awards, with five out of the past 10 awards (including last year) won by WA businesswomen: Wild Child Products CEO Leanne Preston, who won in 2007; associate dean at Edith Cowan University Professor Linda Kristjanson (2002) former Dome Coffees managing director Patria Jafferies (2000); and Brightwater Care Group chief executive Dr Penny Flett (1998).

Now a high-profile businesswoman and author, Ms Preston has won numerous awards and sits on the board of the Asthma Foundation of WA as president.

Ms Jafferies has remained highly engaged in the local business community since selling Dome Coffees in 2003. She is chair of Small Business Development Corporation and involved on a number of boards including the board of Australian Chamber Orchestra and Cullen Wines.

Dr Flett was recently awarded the Australian of the Year Award for Western Australia.