TRADE Waihi’s Mr Mitre 10 ends long career When the Bold family bought Waihi’s Mitre 10 Home & Trade store in 1993 they inherited Mr Mitre 10 himself, Graham Walker. An institution in the Mitre 10 world, as well as the township, Graham has a 30 year history with the store. “He was the General Manager when we took over and remained in that position leading the team,” says Nicky Bold, whose family owns Waihi Mitre 10 and Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga. Mitre 10 bids farewell to one of its most colourful and committed employees. Graham is retiring. His decision to retire was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his wife of 45 years, Heather. Nicky says Graham will be a loss to the store.
“His product knowledge is immense and his strong personal relationships within the industry shows what a true asset he has been to the company.” Graham, a former plumber, has always led by example and taken a very hands approach to his role. He’s never asked his staff to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. Long time customer Graeme (Noddy) McCabe of Baker Construction Ltd, Waihi, says he’s stuck with Mitre 10 for 20 years because Graham has always looked after him. It’s the personal touch that has made the difference. “We have had other suppliers chasing us for business but we’ve remained loyal to Mitre 10. They’ve never let us down. It’s been a great company to work with and hopefully it continues.” Graham came into the building supplies industry by default. After shifting from Wellington to Waihi, he built a new home. Over the course of the 10 month project he became involved with the local building supplies store to the point where they invited him to join the business. Graham saw huge opportunities to grow the business and develop its networks. The Waihi store is now a multi-million dollar business with a well established trade base, drawing clients from Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. Paeroa builder, Murray Pennell of Murray Pennell Builders, chooses to bypass his local supplier and deal with Waihi Mitre 10, some 15-20 minutes away. “Service is the big thing,” says Murray, who has traded solely 2
with the store for 12 years and hasn’t bothered to seek prices from other suppliers. He’s enjoyed a good working relationship with Graham, found him easy to talk to, and liked that way he dealt efficiently with any problems.
“Graham has a good team behind him and I believe things will continue to run smoothly.” Morrinsville builder, Kelvin Lalich of Kelvin Lalich Builders Ltd, knew Graham back in early days before the business became a Mitre 10 store. Kelvin was driving trucks then, delivering timber to the yard. When he returned to his building trade 25 years ago, Mitre 10 immediately became his supplier.