Loyaltyofclientsand staffoveracentury

THE books of history show the longevity of FP Nevins and Co has been forged through loyalty of clients and staff through the generations.

Old leather-bound ledgers inked in the purist hand of calligraphy 100 years ago recorded the first years of Fred Nevins’ stock and station and auctioneer business.

Bob Coutts joined enterprising Fred as clerk and through the generations, Bob’s descendants are among many Loddon families still loyal and valued clients of FP Nevins and Co.

Fred Nevins’ grandsons are helping a third generation of farmers and landowners every week at sheep and cattle markets, entrusted with property sales and clearing sales.

It is estimated that more than 5000 clients have been on the books of FP Nevins at different times over the last 10 decades - from the years soon after the end of World War One, through the Great Depression, World War Two and the eras of rapid change in primary production.

FP Nevins and Co has always been the farmer’s friend, the oldest family-owned local business where loyal clients on the land and in town are given service that comes from a century of experience and membership of peak industry groups. The company was a foundation member of Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association formed in 2004 and is also a member of the RMA network of Independent Agents.

Equal to customer loyalty is that of the staff that have supported three generations of the Nevins family in the business. Stock agent Doug Finlay has been part of the team since 2009 while young stock agent and up and coming auctioneer Johno Lacey joined in 2020.

FP Nevins and Co also has a branch office at Rochester, established in 2012 when real estate and livestock agent and auctioneer Tony Hooppell joined the company. Today, Tony’s son Hamish is also part of the Rochester team as livestock agent and auctioneer at the Echuca cattle markets.

The strong relationships between staff and clients have been a hallmark of FP Nevins and Co since the days when Fred Nevins travelled the railway lines auctioning livestock and goods. And it continues every day in local communities with FP Nevins and Co sponsoring and supporting clubs and events.

Clients will join the current directors of FP Nevins and Co, Chris, Luke and James, and staff at a centennial celebration this month where their loyalty and support will be recognised.

Through the generations

TODAY’S directors of FP Nevins and Co are Chris, Luke and James Nevins, grandsons of founder Fred.

Chris, son of Jack who died in 2011 aged 89, joined the sales team of the company in 1979 and today specialises in livestock and as an auctioneer.

Luke and James, twin sons of Jim Nevins, who passed away aged 72 years in 1996, joined the family business in 1984. James specialises in real estate and stock and Luke is auctioneer and the designated licensed agent.

Together with their experienced and loyal staff, Chris, Luke and James continue the traditions of service and advice started a century ago by Fred Nevins.