March 2017, Sam Allen Wholesale will celebrate 40 years in business. This is a tremendous achievement for Sam. 40 years ago the marine landscape was quite different than today. Sam has always had a passion for boating, and sailed at a competitive level all through his teens and young adulthood; it only seemed natural after graduating high school to work in the Marine industry.
After gaining six years' experience in the marine retail and wholesale industry, and with the support of friends and family, Sam had an idea to start a business with his dad. Sam senior who was an avid fisherman and his hobby was selling bait at the local markets on the weekends. The idea they both had; was to be the first Fishing, Tackle and Marine Hardware Store in Australia. At the last minute plans fell through, but Sam's entrepreneurial spirit persevered, and in 1977 Sam Allen Agencies was born.
Living in Capalaba at the time and working out of the back of his car. Sam started out as the agent for L.W.Riley, Melbourne Rope Works and R.W. Basham. Based on commission, Sam would travel around selling Marine Hardware to all the Marine Retail and OEM's in Queensland. Sam's passion for sailing, boating and his charismatic ability to connect with people inspired strong customer relationships shaping the foundation of his business.
By December 1981 Sam moved the business to Balaclava Street in Woolloongabba. Sam Allen Agencies had grown to eight staff, was now carrying a large amount of consignment stock and the company name evolved to Sam Allen Wholesale. In 1985 Sam Allen Wholesale was holding well over five thousand SKUs and needed to increase the warehouse space. Sam decided the best way forward was to build a warehouse to suit the growth of the business. A perfect position was found in Manton Street, Morningside. By May of '87, the company had moved in.
Sam had built a reputation for reliability and fair dinkum service. By 2006 the company had grown to 20 staff and over ten thousand SKUs and moved to where we reside now. The business started from humble beginnings, through the strong leadership of Sam and backed by a professional team. Today Sam Allen Wholesale has become one of the leading Marine Wholesalers in Australia.
Sam Allen would like to thank all of his long term, past and current customers for their continued support. The company remains focussed on providing the best customer service, competitive prices and innovative products to the marketplace.
