Insights & News

Gary Houston

Native of Scotland, but with my father in the Army we moved a lot, I spent 8 years at military boarding school in Dunblane, Scotland. A tour of Australia with the school pipe band and rugby team was my first visit Downunder. I returned two years later for a GAP year at Marist Brothers College, Ashgrove. Upon completion of my degree in Business and Sports Studies, I sold everything I had (which wasn’t a lot) and came back to Australia for a friend’s wedding.I was fortunate enough to secure sponsorship and a job with a well-known shipping company and spent 6 years there before moving into freight forwarding.

My background in logistics and the supply chain means I know ‘what can go wrong, will go wrong’ but I thrive on these challenges and enjoy finding the required solutions. I’m focused on building rapport with customers and suppliers alike and seek to surpass customers’ expectations at every opportunity.

I proudly became an Australian citizen in 2013 and a Dad in 2014. My wife Jaime is originally from Canada, so our daughter is first generation Australian but will no doubt have a mixed accent, for a few years at least.

Patricia Lorenzetti
Customer Service – Animal Nutrition

I grew up in the hinterland of Southern Brazil where I started my career working for a large meat producer and exporter. Since this time, I have worked with international trading businesses predominantly focused on food products.  One of the things that I love most about my job is that it gives me the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds.

I love the challenges of working in young and fast-growing companies like Maxum. The culture at Maxum makes it such an enjoyable and fun place to work. I especially love the way the company encourages and continually seeks out innovative ways to provide value to its customers and its strong focus on customer service.

David Russell
Director

I was born and raised in Montville, in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. During my first five years out of school, I lived in Goondiwindi where I worked as a jackaroo on mixed farming and sheep properties. I then spent two years travelling throughout the world, where I worked in both agricultural and financial sectors. Upon returning to Australia I completed a Diploma of Agribusiness, before joining the Maxum team. The current Russell household consists of myself, wife Courtney and daughters Harriet and Willow, and son Digby. I joined Maxum Foods in January 2005 and became a partner in the business in 2007.

Maxum’s team culture is hard to replicate – it is built on mate-ship and mutual respect for one another. We work hard, but we have fun doing it and have a lot of laughs along the way – even during our busiest moments we manage to find time out for a prank!

Breanna Caton
Marketing Manager

I grew up in Toowoomba and from there I moved onto Brisbane to complete my marketing degree. I now call Brisbane home after living in London and travelling Europe for a couple of years. In London I worked for a global payments company where I further developed my business-to-business marketing experience. However, with the desire to see more of the world I said goodbye to the corporate life and started a 6-month solo travelling adventure.

After returning to Brisbane you’ll often find me water skiing with my friends and family on weekends or out and about exploring new cafes and restaurants.

I love working at Maxum Foods because of the vibrant team culture and the diverse range of marketing projects certainly keeps me busy.

Santion Stancati

Coming Soon.

Graeme Kentish
Plant Manager

I grew up in Melbourne and trained as a Microbiologist. I commenced my career in the food industry working to improve the manufacture process of Vegemite. I have had production roles in brewing, cheese, smallgoods and beverage manufacture which have provided me with a broad experience in food manufacture processes and quality systems.

I enjoy competing in tennis and fun run events with my two children. In addition, I enjoy working on small projects around the house which is very satisfying when they are completed.

Working as part of a wonderful team to produce excellent products is a fantastic experience. The drive and energy at Maxum Foods provides plenty of challenges every day.

Samantha Quigley
Quality Assurance – Laverton

I grew up in a small country town in south east NSW, Albury-Wodonga. After being an avid traveller, setting off to experience the world, I settled in Melbourne where I recently completed a Science Degree in food and human nutrition. I joined Maxum in 2017 as part of the Stock Feed Quality Assurance Team- to increase customer satisfaction and product quality.

In my spare time I like to keep fit and you can usually find me trying out new restaurants and food hubs!

I joined Maxum for the culture and opportunity for growth. There are always new challenges and with the rapid expansion through the success of the business, I am always working on new projects in a fast passed and dynamic role.

Karen Wines
Warehouse and Logistics Manager

I was born in Auckland, New Zealand, lived in windy Wellington for four years and moved to Brisbane in March 2014. I’ve worked in the Freight Forwarding/ Import and Export industry for over 20 years and have a 21-year-old son and 15 year old daughter.

On the weekends you can find me on the sideline of my daughter’s softball and netball games, or my son’s rugby league games. I love watching rugby league; I’m a true Warriors and Rabbitohs supporter and much to the disgust of my fellow Queensland workmates, I am a NSW fan!!

Working with the Maxum team is very enjoyable and rewarding. The company is growing at a rapid pace, with so many opportunities for its staff.

Jules Thollar
Procurement Manager

I was born and raised in Brisbane and with the knowledge of my home city, I carried out studies in Real Estate. In my career I have worked in sales support roles with a strong focus on customer service and outcomes, principles that I have carried into my work at Maxum. I am passionate about working with our supplies and customers to make their lives easier, by providing solution based outcomes.

After work you’ll probably find me playing netball or touch football. Outside of sport, I love nothing more than eating cheese and enjoying a glass of wine with my family and friends.

Maxum has a unique culture and I am proud to be apart of such a family orientated team.

Edwin Lloyd
Chief Financial Officer

I grew up in the Industrial north of the UK, between Manchester and Liverpool, which from an early age required me to choose an allegiance to a soccer team, Liverpool FC. From there I moved to the bright lights of London and completed my training as a Chartered Accountant. Throughout my financial career over the past 20 years, I’ve been involved in acquisitions, expansion activities overseas, and a listing onto the Nasdaq stock market. My wife is from Australia and we have 3 young girls and so family reasons have recently brought us to Australia.

There is such a positive energy at Maxum Foods. The commitment to doing everything to the best of your ability no matter what it is, is exactly my ethos.

Gary Houston
International Logistics Executive

A native Scotsman, I made the move to Australia and became a proud citizen in 2013 and a dad in 2014 with my wife Jamie. My background in logistics and the supply chain means I know ‘what can go wrong, will go wrong’ but I thrive on these challenges and enjoy finding the required solutions. I’m focused on building rapport with customers and suppliers alike and seek to surpass customers’ expectations at every opportunity.

I enjoy golfing, fishing and spending time outdoors, be it at the beach or out on the bike with my daughter. I am an avid sports fan and will watch just about anything…except cricket! (Un-Australian, I know). The synergy and enthusiasm of the Maxum team is unparalleled. Working here has allowed me to bring my expertise in logistics and the supply chain full circle.

Lyn Hall
Sales Support Executive – MaxCare

I am a born and breed True Blue Kiwi. Moved to Brisbane with all my family in May 2012, coming from 11 years employment in the rural farming sector in NZ. I joined Maxum Foods in May 2012. My hobbies are acrylic canvas painting, family, cooking and keeping fit. Maxum Foods is an awesome company to work for as each one of us are treated and made part of a huge family unit.

Fraser Macdonald
Sales Manager

I lived in Lancashire North West England until I was 22. Then, in 2002 a one-year backpacking trip turned into fourteen years living in Brisbane – I couldn’t be happier! I have worked in a range of industries from hospitality, health and fitness to sales and marketing before entering the dairy industry almost five years ago. I find that the dairy industry challenges, rewards and surprises me every day. I’ve helped hundreds of businesses around Australia manage their dairy ingredient requirements and look forward to partnering with many more in the future.

The most important thing to me about a work environment is the team around you. Maxum has a dynamic and enthusiastic team with decades of experience in the Dairy industry. The positive and energetic atmosphere is infectious and I’m certain this has played a significant part in Maxum Food’s success to date.

Aaron Bailey
Sales Manager – MaxCare

Born and bred a proud kiwi living in a small rural community (now residing in Melbourne with my wife Nikayla), my passion for dairy has always been a part of me. Being in an agricultural sales role back home in New Zealand and here in Victoria over the last twelve years, has given me a great foundation to now work for Maxum foods.

I am very fortunate to be a part of the Maxum foods family. A very passionate and dedicated group of people who work hard to strive to succeed. With our quality calf milk replacers made locally it is an outstanding opportunity to really grow the business two-fold. When I am away from work, you will find me dining with family and friends and attending many sporting events on offer in Melbourne.

Ged Kerr
Sales Manager

I was born and bred in Bonnie Scotland! I first came to Australia when I was only 15 years old on a School Rugby/ Pipe band tour. From a young age I always wanted to come back to Australia and was lucky enough to have a second opportunity at 18 years old after finishing High School.

I work at Maxum to be part of a young, motivated and exciting group of people who share all the same business and customer service beliefs as me. Maxum Foods is innovative, passionate and driven. Nothing is too much to ask.

Charles Cormack
Chief Operating Officer

I was born and raised in Zimbabwe and spent my childhood running wild in the bush and playing sport at school. I have a BSc in Engineering, an MBA in Finance and Marketing and spent 20 years managing large retail businesses across Asia and more recently Australia before joining Maxum Foods in 2013.

My objective in life is to work hard, play hard, live every moment and make a difference.

Maxum Foods is a young dynamic SME that has already made big waves in the dairy ingredients supply chain industry and will make many more. The company culture at Maxum is amazing and has a true focus on putting the customer first.

Kerry Mckenzie
Sales Support Executive

I was born and bred in Wellington New Zealand and moved to Brisbane with my family in July 2012. I previously worked in the Pharmacy industry in inventory and logistics roles for 13 years before joining Maxum Foods in August 2013.

I enjoy Shopping, house renovating, Bush walking and spending time with family and friends.

I love working at Maxum Foods, they have a great friendly and fun atmosphere.

Thomas Hayler
Management Accountant

Born and bred in Brisbane, I am passionate about the city that has offered me many opportunities to succeed. I’ve grown up enjoying the sunshine, wonderful public parks and amazing beaches; standing with my neighbours in tough times of drought and floods. I completed my studies locally at the University of Queensland attaining a Double Degree in Business and Commerce. After which I spent 4 years at professional services firm BDO attaining my qualification as a Chartered Accountant while developing skills across many different industries, all of which provided insight through their own unique business cultures and entrepreneurial challenges.

Maxum Foods is defined by a dynamic and fun environment that is committed to hard work and hard play, which drives me to achieve my best.

Kristen Moss
Sales Support Executive

Born in country NSW, I grew up spending time on my grandparent’s sheep and cattle property. In 2004, our family moved to the Gold Coast for more opportunities and warmer weather. After a successful and fast-paced 8-year career in the events industry, I transitioned into the corporate world to focus on sales, customer service and logistics.

I enjoy an active lifestyle, live music, spending time with family and friends and all things NRL. Travelling is also a passion of mine and I’m keen to continue experiencing new parts of the world.

I love working at Maxum because of the culture! We’re a close-knit team that are passionate, hardworking, innovative and fun.

Simone Ainsworth
Sales Manager

I grew up living on Brisbane’s Southside with my family. After completing a Bachelor of Business at QUT, I started working in the freight forwarding and logistics industry where I soon realised that my passion was in customer service and sales. I joined the Maxum team in October 2015 and haven’t looked back! In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, travelling and cooking. And a good wine! The culture at Maxum is fantastic. We are a young, motivated, close knit team who work hard but also like to have a bit of fun. Not a day goes by that we aren’t having a laugh or sharing our outside of work antics.

Tom Newton
National Manager MaxCare

A proud Queenslander, I now live in Western Victoria with my wife Lu and daughters Annabelle and Polly.

I started at Maxum in 2007 and spent three years in the Food business before moving into the Animal Nutrition side where in 2014 we launched the MaxCare Milk Replacer range and along with our dedicated team this is where I now spend my time.

When I’m away from work I love spending time with family and friends and having a surf whenever I can.

Maxum is a family that I am very lucky to be part of.  An inclusive, vibrant and progressive business that offers support, opportunities and reward to those who are willing to have a crack.

Denise Harper
Administration

Born in Rockhampton but grew up in Brisbane.

I spent 30 years in the insurance industry in various roles, the last of which was support in a Sales and Marketing Department.  I joined the Maxum Team in July 2013 and immediately became addicted to the fantastic company culture. The feeling of being part of a ‘work family’ is extraordinary. I have watched the company grow at a steady rate of knots over the past 4 years and it is exciting to be contributing to this.

The Dairy Industry is very interesting, and I thoroughly enjoy the diversity of my role. One phone call could be from a large food manufacturer in Sydney and the next call could be from a farmer in central Victoria.

Palaq Anand
Quality Assurance Manager

I was born and raised in India, later moving to the USA studying a Master’s in Food Science. I have worked in the Food industry for over 10 years wearing multiple hats which has helped me learn many aspects of food processing. My husband and I moved to Australia 3 years ago, firstly to Melbourne until we craved the sun and sand and recently moved to Queensland.

Brisbane is the perfect fit for the outdoor lifestyle I enjoy with my husband and toddler. I also like to paint, often spending a Sunday afternoon with a glass of wine, creating a piece of art.

I’m excited to be part of a growing business which is customer focussed but also adapts to the ever- changing market needs.

John Hallo
Sales Manager

I was born and raised in Goondiwindi QLD before making my way to Brisbane to study Business in 2000. I previously worked in recruitment before taking the role with Maxum Foods in February 2010. My hobbies include watching and following almost any kind of sport, along with spending time with my two boys. I love working at Maxum because of the energetic nature of the company. It’s fun to be amongst a team that are forever trying to better themselves.

Rod Shaw
Sales Manager – MaxCare

Born and raised in the Waikato, New Zealand, Dairy is in my blood. My family and I have been animal health professionals for 34 years who are currently living in Beechworth- Victoria.

My hobbies include showing and racing my minis as a member of several car clubs and enjoying long bush walks with my wife Ell. Professionally, I feel very fortunate to work at Maxum as their business and culture allow me to continue my sales career in an innovative, dynamic and rewarding environment. The team, their interest and attitude is exciting and a challenge hard to resist.

Annabel Russell
Sales Support Executive

I was lucky to grow up in a large family in Montville, QLD. I attended school in Brisbane and on completing a Bachelor of Business, I bought a one-way ticket to explore the world. The Australian weather drew me back though & after 10 years away working with the HR and Healthcare industries, I was ready to move home. I was then given the opportunity to join the Sales team at Maxum Foods & I jumped at it. I love to travel & I have a love/hate relationship with running!

Maxum Foods has old school values and manners with an energetic and fun culture – A rare find and a great company to work for.

Russel Waters
Sales Manager – Animal Nutrition

I was born and raised on a cattle, sheep and grain property on the Darling Downs in Queensland and moved to the Sunshine Coast in my late teens. Several years ago I moved into the animal health sector and I haven’t looked back. I am passionate about agriculture and agribusiness and am thrilled to be working within the Australian Dairy industry.

Our family love to spend time at the beach/ocean. If not at the beach I love to work/play on our hobby farm in Palmwoods.

I feel fortunate to be part of a dynamic and innovative Australian company within the Dairy Industry. Maxum not only offer top quality products, they have a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service.

Nick Hunt
IT Manager

I have been involved in the Information Technology sector for over 10 years and in that time, I have fulfilled a range of roles. I have a passion for technology and love learning new things.

I have a variety of interests and hobbies, including fine miniature painting, home brewing Melomels and ciders as well as playing with my children.

Maxum provides a unique challenge, being that we rely on a wide range of technologies and I’m relied upon to provide support, knowledge and expertise. This ensures our sales team have the tools to continue providing a fantastic service and product to our customers.

Dustin Boughton
Director

I grew up on the Sunshine Coast enjoying many of the benefits this location offers – surfing, fishing, camping & playing football. From there I moved to Brisbane and completed a Business Marketing degree. I have now been in the dairy industry for 18 years, working for Fonterra & other dairy organisations travelling the world importing & exporting product.

In 2003, Ben Woodhouse & I started Maxum Foods with a desire to offer customers a greater level of service. I currently have a young family based in Brisbane, which I enjoy spending time with and watching them develop and grow. My philosophy is to treat people as you would expect to be treated & this has led to many of our customers becoming long term personal friends. We are passionate about the dairy industry & servicing our customers with quality ingredients to assist them in growing their businesses.

Ben Woodhouse
Director

I was brought up in Central Queensland on cattle properties before starting boarding school in year 5 at Toowoomba Prep, following school I went on to study Business (Agribusiness) at the University of Queensland. I now live in Brisbane trying to control a young family. I have been at Maxum from day 1 in May 2003, founding the business with Dustin. I am passionate about Australian Agriculture and am very proud to be involved in the Australian Dairy Industry.

Dustin and I started Maxum Foods because we saw an opportunity to make it EASY for customers to source high quality, competitively priced Dairy Ingredients from a Global marketplace. The business has now grown substantially into one of the premier suppliers of dairy ingredients in Australia and NZ.