The William Buck Adelaide Story

Over its 125 years, many staff have walked through the rewarding; to develop future leaders who are closely
doors of Giles & Giles and William Buck Adelaide. Staff aligned with the firm’s strategy, who lead by example
who represent a wide diversity of thoughts, interests and represent the firm’s values. William Buck invests
and backgrounds. They all bring something different to heavily in attracting, retaining and developing staff who
the table, but they share one thing in common. They are critical to the circle of success. As it has proven
are all William Buck people! Team players, committed over the last 125 years, long-term relationships with
to professional excellence and caring for clients and clients and staff sustain and support the firm’s growth
for each other. The firm’s culture and its strong growth and many accomplishments and they will continue to
have enabled it to nurture young staff and provide do so well into the future.
them with career paths that are both challenging and

They all bring something different to
the table, but they share one thing in
common. They are William Buck people!

150

5

151

Our Clients

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

CLIENT
SERVICE

When it comes to client service, William Buck is very
clear on what’s important; genuine interest in and care
for clients, their business and their family.

When it comes to client service, William Buck is very clear WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
on what’s important; genuine interest in and care for clients,
their business and their family. If these things are done well Director Janine Williamson plays a customer service video
it can be life changing! The firm’s staff have a high care factor to her team that asks the question, “What else can I do
and are emotionally invested in their clients, perhaps even to for you?” The video features Walt Disney’s CEO walking
the point of having an over developed sense of responsibility. around Disneyland picking up rubbish and it demonstrates
However, that’s been a hallmark of the business, ever since Mr the importance of saying hello to everyone, no matter who
William Buck and Ken and Mawson Giles set the benchmark they are. “It really resonated with me,” Janine says. “With all
for customer service that went above and beyond. “It’s the of my clients I try and do the best I can.” Janine has several
main reason people choose to deal with us,” Jamie says. elderly clients whom she visits at home. She is very protective
“We understand things. We’re not just a small, suburban of them and believes that nothing is too much trouble, even
accounting firm doing tax returns, we take a much broader when it comes to helping them pay bills or move into aged
perspective and we’ll sit back and look at the big picture.” As care. “It’s all about what else can I do?” Janine says.
soon as graduates arrive at William Buck, they are taught the
importance of understanding what drives clients, identifying "Despite its growth and size,
the real issues and how the firm’s collective expertise can William Buck Adelaide maintains
be used to present a solution. the family values instilled by Ken

There are many examples of the little things that William and Mawson Giles."
Buck does to ensure it provides more than just a product
in return for a fee.

153

GETTING TO KNOW YOU KEEPING CONNECTED
William Buck Adelaide acknowledges that technology comes
William Buck Adelaide believes there is currency in really getting with its challenges for many clients, particularly elderly ones.
to know clients and the dynamics of their business. In the case Part of the firm’s personalised service is that it doesn’t try to
of family businesses, this means understanding the nuances force new technology onto its clients. Instead, its staff are
of the relationships and the strengths and weaknesses of always willing to assist and offer advice to clients as they
individual family members. Director Tom Laundy says these adapt to new technology. Some of the firm’s clients don’t
personal factors enable the firm to colour its advice by have email, so staff either mail documents or deliver them
considering the qualitative factors as well as the technical personally. The firm also has one client who still prefers fax!!
issues. “It’s important that we understand what sort of people HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY
they are, how they like to be communicated with and how Honesty is a hallmark of William Buck Adelaide. Former
to best reassure them and give them confidence,” he says. Giles & Giles Partner Graham Perrin said providing an open
and honest service is critical to gaining the client’s trust and
FAMILY VALUES respect. “In my experience, the firm has always been open,
honest and genuine,” Graham said. “That’s why clients stay
Stefan Ahrens, Managing Director of Ahrens Group, agrees and why the firm has been able to grow.”
that William Buck Adelaide’s culture is aligned with family
values. “I think it’s about the relationship, the flexibility, they Andrew Nicola and Stefan Ahrens
really do care,” Stefan says. “It’s not just a job, they are quite
passionate about what they do. Our CFO can ring Andrew
(Nicola) in the evening, or he’ll come around on the weekend
and sit down with the kids and explain everything. Andrew
loves coming up with great solutions, he really prides himself
on his work and everything he does. He gets as excited
about our business as we do.”

THROUGH THICK AND THIN

Over the last 125 years, William Buck has ridden the waves
with hundreds of clients. It’s a real buzz when clients get
excited about an unexpected windfall or a new strategy that
saves them money. However, staff also get a great deal of
satisfaction from supporting their clients through the tough
times. Whether it’s digging them out of sticky situation,
relieving stress or anxiety, or simply lending a sympathetic
ear, William Buck Adelaide prides itself on being there for
its clients through thick and thin.

"William Buck prides itself on being there for the good times
as well as the bad times."

154

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

GENUINE
CARE

With trust comes great responsibility and this has been
the main driver of William Buck Adelaide's growth.

With trust comes great responsibility and this has been the professional services, these personal gestures are the reason
main driver of William Buck Adelaide's growth. Receptionist why many clients consider William Buck to be their trusted
Liz Sellars has first-hand experience of the firm’s response advisor. With trust comes great responsibility and this has
to significant events in its clients’ lives. “We send flowers if been the main driver of William Buck growth; to broaden its
a client is hospitalised or there is a death in the family, or we range of specialist services. “Ultimately, it’s all about benefiting
deliver wine and chocolates for special birthdays,” Liz says. our clients, or what’s the point?” Jamie says.
“Clients always ring and ask us to pass on their gratitude
and appreciation.” Tee Ping Koh, is one of the firm’s many long-term valued
clients, having engaged William Buck more than 30 years ago.
Each of these little things adds up to provide a level of Tee Ping, who owned one of Adelaide’s largest pharmacies,
customer service that reaches above and beyond William
Buck Adelaide’s technical advice. In combination with its Liz Sellars, Receptionist

155

recalls that the firm had a different way of doing things than Former Director, Dennis Laundy, Wealth
other accountants. “The big difference between William Buck Advisory Director, Janine Williamson with Tee
and the others is there is intimacy with the relationship with Ping Koh, Burnside Village Pharmacy, 2013
the client, such that when you are talking to them you feel
as though they are only talking to you and no-one else,”
he says. “They have that ability to have that very personal
relationship, that you are all that matters to them and they
give you all their concentration, all the energy, all the focus
and all the attention that you need.” Tee Ping says trust is
the cornerstone of his long-term relationship with William
Buck. “Now my kids are having conversations with them
every now and then and I say to my kids ‘if you ever want
to have someone help you, then this is one group of people
that I am very comfortable with’. It is some testimonial for
me to say that to my kids.”

Friendly Faces

A Giles & Giles newsletter in 1989 reported that
receptionist Deborah Hudswell answered 300-500 calls a
day. “Thanks to her intimate knowledge of how the firm
operates and her sincere interest in the welfare of our
clients, Deborah is always able to direct enquiries to the
correct source for prompt action.” It is clear that nothing
has changed when it comes to friendly faces at the front
counter! Long-time marketing consultant Marc Makrid
says he remembers his first time visiting the Giles &
Giles office at 48 Greenhill Road where he was greeted by
Receptionist Liz Sellars, who is still with the firm today.
“Liz was lovely and she’s remained lovely all the way
through,” Marc says. “This firm has a welcoming sense
about it. It’s very friendly and caring. When you deal with
people at William Buck, you’re having a conversation
with a person, not with a technical robot who wants to
explain P&Ls to you. First and foremost, there’s a human
interaction before anything else happens.”

Deborah Hudswell, Receptionist, 1989

156

Chapter 5 | Our Clients areas, Partners from Giles & Giles were regular speakers at
Ag Bureaus and contributed articles on tax and other financial
STEP BACK IN TIME : topics to the local newspapers. This, of course, led to new
EARLY CONNECTION IN business. Even before Giles & Giles was formed, Ken Giles
THE REGIONS had built a name for himself in the bush, when he worked
for Evans & Giles. This reputation grew after Mawson joined
The Giles’ brothers very much went out of their way to his brother at Giles & Giles and they continued to work the
please their country clients, spending weeks at a time visiting country beat. The firm’s presence in regional South Australia
rural clients. Mawson Giles didn’t just work for farmers, he was consolidated in 1989, when it opened a fully-staffed
eventually became a farmer, when he purchased a cattle branch office in Kadina in the State’s Mid North. Former
property in the South East. This affinity with country folk is Partner Michael McLaren, who had been spending at least
still evident at William Buck Adelaide today, with the firm’s 10 weeks a year on the road visiting country clients, moved
client base retaining a strong flavour of regional clients, from permanently to Kadina where he remained for the next six
farmers to manufacturers, and everything in between. Former years. He was joined by a secretary, two bookkeepers and a
Managing Director Dennis Laundy, who was from a farm computer processor, to provide clients with a comprehensive
himself, said the firm’s modus operandi of visiting clients in range of services from accounting and secretarial reporting
the country was still underway in the 1980s. In 1984, 14 of to taxation advice, business management, personal finance
the firm’s 34 staff were involved in visiting country towns. and estate planning. Clients benefited immediately from
But Dennis says it was about more than the physical effort this development and within its first year, the Kadina office
to make these trips. It was about having a genuine interest in attracted many new clients. The Kadina office closed in 1996
clients. With such a large concentration of clients in regional when Michael returned to Adelaide.

Ken Giles visiting regional clients Flinders Ranges client trip mapped out

157

158

Chapter 5 | Our Clients investment strategy for some time. I can remember some of
his very blunt lessons on the folly of not contributing to super.
The Hoyle family from the Yorke Peninsula was one of the So, we set up self-managed super funds, then along came
firm’s clients who benefited from the Kadina office. They are the Wealth Advisory division. My father, with monotonous
still clients of William Buck Adelaide today. Mostyn (Mos) regularity, would remind Chris Kennedy that if he stuffed it
Hoyle was originally one of Dennis Laundy’s clients, but up and lost his money, that Chris should be prepared to
there’s been a generational transfer both in the family and the have Mum and Dad, along with the old Holden and the
firm. Director Paula Liddle now handles the account for Mos’ dogs move into his house.' Scott also issued a warning to
son, Scott, who now runs the family business. Dennis says Aaron Trombetta saying, ‘I have two large utes, two boats,
Mos proved himself to be forward thinking and ambitious, a jet ski, a toy poodle and I like 5-star digs, so keep your
taking the lead on buying farm supplies in bulk on behalf eyes on the ball!’” Dennis says Scott has an enormous
of his neighbours to bring down the price. He also set up amount of ability like his father and is prepared to take a
several side businesses which were involved in agricultural risk. However, Scott has proved to be very hesitant when it
supplies. Mos was particularly fee conscious and according comes to referring his friends and neighbours to William Buck
to Scott, he was convinced that Dennis used an egg timer Adelaide. He describes ”The Big Chief” Jamie McKeough
to calculate his fees. “My father was sure that the sand ran as an intelligent bloke with a selective hearing disorder”. “I
too fast and to remedy the situation he purchased Dennis have lost count of the amount of times I have asked him
an egg timer that ran very slowly!” Scott says. “The irony nicely to stop advertising and taking on new clients from my
of the egg timer challenge is that today I could not tell you area,” Scott says. “He is eroding my competitive advantage
how much William Buck charge for their services. Clearly, I in having William Buck as a business partner”! On a more
believe that the benefits that the firm provides to our business serious note, Scott says William Buck is the family’s choice
outweighs account analysis!” Scott says William Buck are of business partner, and a partner they could not do without!
more than just our accountants. “As well as tax planning
and compliance, they expertly navigate the complexity of Three generations of the Hoyle Family,
regulatory requirements,” Scott says. “Dennis had been Yorke Peninsula primary producers.
spruiking the benefits of superannuation as a long-term

159

Graham Perrin

Graham Perrin played a central role at Giles & Giles over
a period spanning nearly 30 years. During this time, he
was a valuable member of the firm’s leadership team and
he was also instrumental in maintaining and building
Giles & Giles’ strong regional client base. Graham was
raised on a wheat and sheep property at Redhill. He
recalls that when he went for a job interview, Mawson
Giles wasn’t overly concerned that he did not have any
formal qualifications. “They had a lot of rural clients
and he could see that I was very keen and I had a rural
background and I could talk to clients and understand
their language,” Graham said. Graham spent a lot of
time visiting the firm’s rural clients, particularly around
his home patch in the Mid North. “I loved getting back
to the farms and I got to know a lot of the country
clients,” Graham said. “One of our larger rural clients
was the Heaslip family who own a cattle station near
Alice Springs. My wife and I have been up and stayed
with them. They have been clients of the firm for more
than 50 years now.”

Graham Perrin, Former Senior Partner.
Graham sadly passed away 25 April 2022

160

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

CLIENT
VALUE

The 'one-firm firm' also allows the expertise within
specialist divisions to be shared across the firm,
providing clients with better solutions and better value.

William Buck Adelaide has come a long way since the Giles Wendy says. “If you want to solve a problem, you just don’t
& Giles days when it provided a limited number of tax, audit try and do it yourself. You go to the brains trust all around the
and accounting services. Life and business have become table and you get to the very bottom of what you’re trying
more complex. In particular, the introduction of CGT in 1985 to achieve to deliver the best outcome for the client.”Today,
and GST in 2000, increased the level of compliance and William Buck’s specialist services are able to address and
complexity for individuals and businesses and accounting resolve many different financial and investment issues for a
firms needed to become larger to deliver all the financial and single client. Many clients refer to the firm as a “one-stop
investment services their clients required, including individual shop”. In addition to the breadth of services offered, the
trusts, self-managed super funds, land-holding companies depth of these services means William Buck has the internal
and new business entities. This demand provided the catalyst capability to deal with incredibly complex issues and very
for William Buck Adelaide’s growth, which was achieved large amounts of money without having to engage tax lawyers
through a combination of organic growth and mergers. or other external providers. From the client’s point of view,
The outcome was a much larger firm of nearly 200 staff it’s very reassuring to be able to go to William Buck Adelaide
and a broader range of specialist services. In addition, the and have everything dealt with under one roof, from tax
firm cast aside the traditional silos that exist in accounting returns to financial planning and wealth advisory to estate
firms and adopted an integrated service model. William administration. It’s a massive competitive advantage which
Buck Adelaide’s firm-first attitude is an important part of its is serving the firm well. Clients have expressed their strong
culture and ensures that clients and the firm always come preference for dealing with one firm and building a trusted
first. Personal agendas and egos are left at the door. and long-term partnership. And while they don’t expect their
lead advisor to know everything, they are confident the firm’s
Former Director Wendy Drake says there’s no doubt that the collective pool of wisdom will have the answer. It is through
firm’s clients have benefited the most from the integrated this collective wisdom that the firm comes up with superior
approach. “The bottom line is that you can’t know it all,” outcomes for clients that other firms don’t.

161

Dr Tim Edwards from Adelaide Plastic Surgery Associates confidence and competency. “20-30 years ago we would
(APSA) says his business has benefited from William Buck’s have been circumspect about taking on some clients because
specialisation in the health and medical fields. This industry we didn’t have that breath of expertise and experience,”
has some unique and complex nuances, particularly for Wendy says. “But our growth and level of specialisation have
a practice as large as APSA which has grown from two taken us up to the next level of clients and we’ve proven
surgeons in 1998, to a team of eight surgeons and 40 that we can tackle more complex matters. I don’t think too
staff in 2022. Tim says his business crosses over between many firms can say that. That experience is gold.”
health care and commercial activities so it has a mixture
of funding which complicates the accounting. Adding to Dr Tim Edwards, Specialist Plastic
the financial complexity is the GST component on APSA’s and Reconstructive Surgeon – APSA
cosmetic surgery business and the fact that the doctors are
also the owners and require a fair and equitable division of
costs. “William Buck has been instrumental in setting up a
partnership agreement that has served us well, but equally
tweaking it as we have grown,” Tim says. “When we were
small, William Buck looked after our accounting on a one-
on-one basis and as we grew they quite happily divested
some of those responsibilities to our internal structures.
They’ve been a great business partner because they have
evolved as we have grown and they have been involved
every year in our strategy sessions and led those for us.
Our relationship as two businesses extends beyond the
business relationship and is a friendship relationship which
is lovely and the fact that we all get along on a personal level
is extremely rewarding.”

One of the benefits of service specialisation and attracting
bigger and more complex clients is that it extends the
knowledge and experience of the firm’s professional staff.
This pushes everyone up to another level and makes it
possible to attract better clients. Over the years, this cycle
has been a very powerful driver of William Buck Adelaide’s
success. Former Director Wendy Drake says that every
job and every client teaches you something which builds

"William Buck has been instrumental in setting up a partnership agreement
that has served us well, but equally tweaking it as we have grown."

– Dr Tim Edwards, APSA

162

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

Frank Seeley AM, Executive Chairman of Seeley International

Frank Seeley AM, Executive Chairman of Seeley International say, ‘that’s a good idea, we hadn’t thought of that’, then it’s
says he’s been attending the “University of Life” since he was very worthwhile. William Buck are always ready to listen to any
10, when his father died and things changed dramatically suggestion and that’s what I like about them.” Frank says that
for his family. “I’m 80 now and I’m still in the University of he and William Buck have mutual respect for what each party
Life and I’m learning new things every day,” Frank says. brings to the table and that challenging each other creates
“It’s something I have in common with the people at William infinitely better outcomes for everyone. Frank quotes a verse
Buck. There’s no preciousness about them. Unfortunately from the Bible which he believes every business person should
some professionals, having made up their minds, don’t wish read. ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another’.
to be confused with the facts. However, I built my business “It’s that cut and thrust that sharpens all of us,” Frank says.
on the basis of asking questions and offering alternative “I think William Buck are learning from their clients along the
suggestions. Even if you have to make 99 suggestions all of way, it’s not that I’m particularly unique.”
which are wrong, and the 100th is the one where the experts

"William Buck are always ready to listen to any suggestion and that’s what
I like about them."

– Frank Seeley AM, Seeley International

163

Over the past two decades, specialisation has become a football club. They also had a connection with Director Ben
hallmark of William Buck. The firm is now able to provide a Trengove who grew up in the Bute district and had a good
greater breadth and depth of services to clients, particularly understanding of rural business. William Buck worked with the
those who are growing or face increasingly complex financial Moronys to prepare and execute a multi-generational strategy
issues. One such client is the Morony family who operate a to generate long-term financial and personal outcomes for
grain growing property south of Bute on the northern Yorke family members on and off-farm. “We took great confidence in
Peninsula. The property is operated by three generations knowing the William Buck team had experience dealing in this
of Moronys; Andrew and Jackie, their son Cameron, and area with other farming families,” Adrian said. “They listened,
Andrew’s parents Adrian and Lorraine. The Moronys engaged acted professionally and kept us informed along the entire
William Buck in 2014 when their growing enterprise required way. We now feel confident that we have better structures in
an accountant and business advisor with greater expertise place for the long-term.”
and experience. The Moronys were drawn to the firm because
of its excellent reputation and because it sponsored the local

"There is nobody else who knows our business as well as William Buck do.
We have been working with them for 40 years and we like their holistic,
integrated approach. It enables them to see the big picture."

– Adrian Hewett, Yorke Peninsula primary producer

Three generations of the Morony family. Andrew, Cameron and Adrian Morony with Ben Trengove (second from the left)

164

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

Caledonia Group Managing Directors Jim Cunningham and David Stephen

Another business that is benefiting from William Buck Adelaide’s "They are hands on, visible and in
expertise and experience is Caledonia Group, which provides regular contact and their technical
scaffolding, scaffolding design and engineering and industrial
services to a broad range of industry sectors. When the business abilities have never failed us.
embarked on a major growth stage in 2014 it turned to William They’ve proven to be exceptional
Buck Corporate Advisory Director Adrian Chugg for support.
Strategies and funding solutions were put in place and the growth partners."
business expanded from operating in two states, to become
one of the largest specialist access companies in Australia – David Stephen, Caledonia Group
and New Zealand, employing more than 400 staff. William
Buck's team has been heavily involved in providing broader
strategic advice, including the services of an external CFO and
assisting with the development of Caledonia’s 2020 strategic
plan. Caledonia Group Managing Director David Stephen says
every member of the William Buck team has delivered what
was expected and more. “They are hands on, visible and in
regular contact and their technical abilities have never failed us.
They’ve proven to be exceptional growth partners,” David says.

Jamie McKeough says many clients make the comment that David Stephen, Adrian Chugg and Jim Cunningham
they are glad William Buck Adelaide has grown alongside
them, otherwise they would have outgrown the firm and moved
on.” “That’s been the main motivation for our growth,” Jamie
says. “To ensure that we can provide the mid-market with all
the services the mid-market needs, as well as providing more
opportunities for our staff.”

165

Scott McKenzie, Technical/Operations Manager of Century Orchards

Paul Martin, former Chair of Jubilee Almonds and Century expertise and more corporate, high-end business approach
Orchards, says the upside of William Buck merging with MSI was critical during what he describes as the “complex
Tilley was that while it remained a personable relationship restructure” of Century Orchards. Phillip says that despite
there were benefits to his company, particularly during the sale the firm’s growth and professionalism, it has maintained
of Jubilee Almonds in 2015 and through several significant its warm and friendly approach. “At William Buck we feel
restructures for Century Orchards. as though we are part of the family, we feel well treated and
looked after. They have good ethical values in terms of looking
“When you are dealing with investors’ money it’s important after our shareholders and doing things the right way." It is
to have someone at the level that William Buck is at,” Paul full credit to them,” Phillip says. Phillip says that quite often
says. “They offer a range of expertise within the business at the company’s AGMs, which are held in the orchard at
and no matter what the question is they are able to work Loxton, it’s not just William Buck Directors who attend, but
through the issues and get the necessary answers for us.” other staff who work on the Century Orchards account. “It’s
in their free time, so it shows that they are interested in the
The current Chairman of Century Orchards (and Laragon), business,” Phillip says.
Phillip Henshall, agrees that William Buck’s greater depth of

"At William Buck we feel as though we are part of the family, we feel well
treated and looked after. They have good ethical values in terms of looking

after our shareholders and doing things the right way."

– Phillip Henshall, Chairman of Century Orchards

166

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

CLIENT EVENTS

Terry Lewis and Chris Kennedy Jamie McKeough and Colin Rugless

Sue Giles and Dennis Laundy Matthew and Lucy Tripodi Rick and Libby Vater

Alison and James Juers Liz and Kevin Scarce AO Daniel and Gabrielle Cehic AM

Brian and Barb Rugless, Dennis Laundy, Anne-Marie Quinn, Karen and Philip von Einem,
Peter Rugless and Shirley Rugless David and Anna Varley, Neil Clark

167

Mary-Anne and Bill Yeo, with Babis Mavrakis Danielle and Ben Hooper

Angela Carey, Gosia Schild, Grant Wilson and Christopher Penny Catherine Dichiera, Judy and Alan Burchard

Peter and Dianne Brock, Kerry Pam Stewart, Chris Duguid, Adrian Frinsdorf,
and Vivienne Henderson Lynn Stewart and Malcolm Wight Jane and Greg Mudie

Andrew and Gayle Robertson, with Adrian Frinsdorf Allan and Judy Burchard, Anthony and Michele Kittel,
Sandy and Patrick Schwerdt with Adrian Chugg

168

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

Ann Saunders, Libby Broomhead and Sue Warnecke Astrid Deen, Wendy Drake, Kaye
Challinger and Diane Ranck

Peta Laundy, Michele Arthur, Denine Pam and Roger Vater
McKeough and Cate Aucote

Graham Perrin, Janine Williamson and Claire Perrin Lisa and Geoff Vogt

169 Martin Hill and Haydn Wilkinson Santosh Poonnoose, Anju Chandy and Tom Laundy

STEP BACK IN TIME: up there was chance they could convince the Treasurer
THE SNOOK to make some amendments. “So Snooky put together a
AMENDMENTS list of seven or eight propositions and Bernardi took it to
Canberra,” Rob said. “The Treasurer looked at it and said
When the Federal Government legislated new Superannuation I can’t handle that one there but the rest I can, but don’t
rules in 2007, Wendy Drake took exception because one come back again! So, we got it through and everyone was
of her clients was about to retire and would stand to lose a happy. The firm made a bit of a fuss over it and took us out
substantial amount of money. She enlisted the help of Tax to lunch and dinner.” Whilst Ian is not certain of the extent of
Services Director Ian Snook who wrote a submission to the his input into the changes, within the walls of William Buck
Senate Committee for Superannuation. Ian’s challenge was Adelaide, this change to the legislation was known as “The
successful and an amendment was introduced for small to Snook Amendment”.
medium business in respect of planning and structuring for
retirement, allowing un-deducted contributions of up to $1
million per person into their superannuation. Rob Smyth, who
has been a client of Giles & Giles and William Buck Adelaide
since the 1980s, recalls how he was able to contribute to
“The Snook Amendment”. Rob was the farming client who
was set to retire and he happened to know Federal Senator
Cory Bernardi. A meeting was arranged with Wendy Drake,
Ian Snook and Bernardi (and Senator Grant Chapman), at
which the Senator suggested that with the election coming

Ian Snook, 1999
Rob and Jan Smyth with Ian Snook, 2006

170

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

MULTI-GENERATIONAL
CLIENTS

William Buck Adelaide goes to great lengths
to earn trusted advisor status from its clients.

William Buck goes to great lengths to earn trusted advisor The term “cradle to grave” is often used at William Buck to
status from its clients. Jamie McKeough says clients often describe long-term client relationships and multi-generational
know the answers, but they want confidence that they are wealth transfers. The reality is that “cradle to grave” has been
making the right decision. In this situation, he says the firm’s repeated many times over when it comes to those clients
role is to either endorse what its clients are doing, or tell them who have been with the firm for three or four generations.
if it’s a bad idea. “One of our advantages is that we actually These multi-generational clients are highly valued. William
run a business and we are also in the privileged position of Buck is deeply entrenched in their businesses, and often
seeing so many businesses that we work on,” Jamie says. in their lives. But it’s a two-way street.Whether the firm is
“Every business is unique and we see so many different helping clients run a profitable business and reinvest in the
situations, so from that we draw great knowledge to be business or elsewhere, helping them sell their business and
able to advise our clients.” Simply put, William Buck is in the invest the money for future generations, or assisting with
business of helping clients make good decisions! If the firm succession planning, the advice and support provided by
gets this right, it earns the trust and respect of clients and this William Buck has enormous value. Over the years, the firm
is the foundation of long-term relationships on which William has learned from experience how critical it is to stay ahead
Buck is built. The majority of the firm’s clients are privately of the curve when it comes to multi-generational families and
owned, or family businesses, as well as small corporates, not- businesses. Things can go horribly wrong when control and
for-profits and high net worth individuals. Not only is it easier wealth shift from one generation to another. However, through
to establish long-term relationships with these businesses, its role as trusted advisor William Buck helps clients plan for
which are traditionally more stable, but these clients place succession well in advance to ensure a smooth transition or
great value on building long-term relationships with their to facilitate an exit strategy. Client Adrian Hewett says his
trusted advisor. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement which family is a beneficiary of William Buck’s pro-active approach
aligns closely with William Buck's strategy, vision and values. to succession planning. After three generations running a
4,600 wheat, barley and sheep farming business on the

171

Yorke Peninsula, Adrian and his two brothers, Graham and a trusted advisor, were critical to achieving the clean and
Colin, decided to restructure to allow each of them to run amicable division of the business. “There is nobody else
their own business. “Working through the split has been who knows our business as well as they do,” Adrian says.
the most challenging issue we have faced as a farming “We have been working with them for 40 years and we like
enterprise,” Adrian says. “We were fortunate to have been their holistic, integrated approach. It enables them to see the
working with William Buck for many years, so they were in big picture – the business, our private wealth management,
a strong position to help us split our assets without creating taxation, superannuation and succession.”
capital gains tax.” William Buck’s intimate understanding of
the family and its farming operation, as well as its status as Adrian and Lincoln Hewett with Martin Hill

"We have been working with William Buck for over 40 years and we
like their holistic, integrated approach. It enables them to see the
big picture – the business, our private wealth management, taxation,

superannuation and succession."

– Adrian Hewett, Yorke Peninsula Primary Producer

172

Chapter 5 | Our Clients William Buck Adelaide’s new Family Office formalises the
range of services which the firm has been providing to family
Adrian Frinsdorf and Andrew Bradley, Family Office businesses for six generations. Relationships with many of
these families are still going strong and today’s clients take
great pride in the fact that their parents and grandparents
were also clients of Giles & Giles or William Buck Adelaide.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards educating
the next generation to manage wealth so that families don’t
fall apart over wealth transfer or have to split up their assets.
When it comes to multi-generational clients, William Buck
takes the view, “It’s a journey not a job.” The firm prides
itself on building long-term relationships and being there to
support family businesses through thick and thin. Being a
trusted advisor is a privilege and comes with a great deal of
responsibility. That’s not something William Buck Adelaide
takes lightly!

"Being a trusted advisor is a privilege and comes with a great deal of
responsibility. That's not something William Buck Adelaide takes lightly!"

North to South

South East farmer Richard Halliday recalls his annual service our family even before I started working on the
visits to Giles & Giles, which began about 40 years ago. farm,” Richard says. “My grandfather used to do his
“Usually when we rolled up, because we’d be the first accounting there, then Mum and Dad. “The firm has
appointment in the morning, you’d look over to the always had a strong commitment to its rural clients
parklands because Jack (Davis) used to be out in the and that’s something that has kept us there. Giles &
parklands walking before he started work, then he’d Giles, and now William Buck, they understand what
wander across the road and catch up with us. We’d head we do. We feel that connection to our business and to
into the old Giles & Giles building on Greenhill Road us. People say to me, ‘there’s no such thing as loyalty
and manoeuvre our way past miles and miles of filing anymore, it’s just whoever gives you the best deal’. But
cabinets and records and God knows what to Jack’s I actually believe there is value in loyalty because it’s
office.” Richard says his family has a long connection your understanding of each other and the trust that’s
with Giles & Giles which he believes goes to the firm’s most important.”
very beginning. “Jack used to come up to Orroroo to

173

STEP BACK IN TIME : Rob says Giles & Giles and William Buck Adelaide have
NOW AND THEN always treated farming and primary production with respect
and professionalism. “I have seen William Buck grow into the
William Buck has a long list of clients who have been with the huge company they are today, but still retain their personal
firm for more than 40 years, including former Port Adelaide touch from the front desk, to the advisors, to the various
footballer Geof Motley. Geof played football with Dean Trowse Directors, right up to the Managing Director,” Rob says.
and they were close friends, so he was well acquainted with Initially, Doris Brokensha was the McLean’s advisor at Giles &
Dean’s tax expertise. “Giles & Giles were very solid and very Giles, but on her retirement, Jamie McKeough took over their
reliable in the highest meaning of the word,” Geof says. “I account. They now trade as Riverhaven Enterprises and Top
still get looked after to this day by Martin Hill and I have a Multiplier with their son, Mark, as Managing Director. “Like
very strong relationship with William Buck which has never Giles & Giles, our business has grown from two employees
wavered. I had no hesitation working with Dean in the early in 1967 to more than 25 full-time staff,” Rob says. “We are
days based on his honesty and integrity and that’s something now seeing the third generation continuing the legacy with
the firm has been able to maintain today.” what was formerly Giles & Giles and we trust the firm will
continue to look after them as well as they have looked after
Riverland pork producers, orchardists and feed mill operators us for the last 55 years.”
Rob and Nancy McLean have been clients of Giles & Giles
and William Buck Adelaide since 1967. Before that, Ken and Doris Brokensha with Rob McLean, late 1980's.
Mawson Giles assisted Rob’s father, Murray, in the 1950s,
when he moved to the Riverland to set up a fruit orchard.

174

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

GROWING
TOGETHER

Over the last 20 years, William Buck
Adelaide has grown alongside some
of its most successful clients.

Over the last 20 years, William Buck Adelaide has grown no way we are ever going to be able to do that in five years.’
alongside some of its most successful clients. But these As it transpired, we exceeded that in five years, so despite
clients are not just those who generate the most revenue, or my total dubiousness about the whole thing it worked better
pay the highest fees. They are clients who are successful in than we had even planned.” Marc says that William Buck
their own right, whether that’s a farmer who is buying more Adelaide was there throughout Osmoflo’s journey, until the
land, an award-winning business or a client who is breaking Fabigs sold the business to Japanese trading houses over
new ground. William Buck Adelaide highly values those clients two stages in 2011 and 2017. At the time of the final sale,
who are like-minded and aligned with its vision and values. Osmoflo’s revenue exceeded more than $100 million. “When
While many of the firm’s clients fall into this category a few we started out, we had no experience on the financial side
stand-outs are Osmoflo, REDARC and Commercial Retail and we were flying by the seat of our pants,” Marc says. “We
Group (Chapley Foodlands). wrote business plans every year, but William Buck encouraged
us to be more strategic about our planning.” Since selling
Osmoflo started out as a modest company in a backyard the business, Marc says William Buck Adelaide now advises
garage selling water filtration products, with less than a $3 the Fabig family office and they deal with Andrew Nicola
million turnover when it became a client. Owners Marc and “who’s a bit of a junior Jamie in some respects”. “Not long
Annie Fabig admit they were dubious when Jamie McKeough after Andrew joined, I said to Jamie, ‘hang onto that bloke,
chaired their first-ever strategy meeting shortly after Osmoflo he’s a cracker!” Marc says. “I could tell how valuable he’d be
became a client of William Buck in 1999. Those attending to the business. He just conveyed the right spirit - care for
the strategy day projected the business could turn over more client, listens, responsive, all the great things you look for in
than $25 million in the next five years. “I went along with it staff members.”
and sort of smiled and participated, but my heart wasn’t in
it,” Marc says. “I remember leaving the room and going home
with Annie in the car and saying, ‘what a load of BS, there’s

175

Top: Osmoflo Board - Jamie McKeough, Graham Dooley, Annie and Marc Fabig and Kingsley Purdie
Bottom: Osmoflo Board - Keisuke Sakuraba, Takeshi Kurioka, Marc Fabig, Jamie McKeough and Graham Dooley

176

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

"The reason we’ve stayed with
William Buck for more than 20
years is that they’ve been able to
grow and ensure that the services
they provide REDARC are up to
the speed that we’re growing at.
As we grow internationally or take
on new markets, they are able to
support us in those initiatives."

- Anthony Kittel, REDARC

REDARC Advisory Board – Chris Johnson,
Paul Crawford, Jamie McKeough, Anthony and Michele
Kittel. (Absent: Donald McGurk, Peter Alexander
and David Longren)

As was the case with Osmoflo, Jamie McKeough was invited to of our business we have a key contact at William Buck who
join the Advisory Board of South Australian-based electronics is very responsive and flexible to our needs and ensures we
business REDARC. “This is the ultimate position of advising get the very best advice exactly when we need it,” they say.
to a client,” Jamie says. “We sit on the Board, so we are
intimately involved in the business and help contribute to their “The reason we’ve stayed with William Buck for more than 20
success.” Many of our competitors do not allow Directors to years is that they’ve been able to grow and ensure that the
sit on clients Boards, so this is a real advantage. services they provide REDARC are up to the speed that we’re
growing at. As we grow internationally or take on new markets,
REDARC is not only one of William Buck Adelaide’s greatest they are able to support us in those initiatives.” REDARC CFO
success stories, it is also one of the State’s greatest success Chris Johnson says the company recently established entities
stories after it was named Telstra Australian Business of the in the US and NZ. “The introductions that the Adelaide-based
Year in 2014. It has certainly been a rapid rise to fame and William Buck team has made for us to Praxity firms in both
fortune for REDARC which was bought by Anthony and of those jurisdictions has been absolutely fantastic,” Chris
Michele Kittel in 1997. At the time it had a turnover of $800,000 says. “William Buck know our business so well that a lot of
and employed eight people. The business has been a client the conversations can get straight to the point because they
of William Buck Adelaide’s since 1999, and in that time, it know exactly what we are after. They also know about the
has built a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, lifted staff future plans of the business so the relationship has got tighter
numbers to 300 and increased its annual turnover to more and tighter and it’s more an extension of REDARC than the
than $100 million. Anthony and Michele say they value William traditional service provider. The firm has definitely exceeded
Buck for its ability to build relationships with their team. “At our expectations.”
all levels of our organisation and within the individual parts

177

Michele and Anthony Kittel, owners of REDARC
REDARC Facility in Lonsdale

178

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

Breaking new ground

Clinical specialist Professor Toby Coates, who works at Potentially it will have a global impact and if it comes
the Royal Adelaide Hospital, relies on William Buck to to that we’ll either sell or manage whatever comes out
take care of the business side of things, so he can get on of it.” Toby says William Buck has supported him with
and do his job. Toby’s is a very important job, particularly specialist financial advice since he was an intern more
since he developed a start-up biotech company several than 25 years ago, when his aunt, Doris Brokensha, who
years ago which is breaking new ground in the treatment worked for Giles & Giles, told him “it was the firm to go
of Type 1 diabetes. “As a non-business person you don’t to”. “William Buck’s been a really important part of my
really know the right way to go or what to do when you financial life,” Toby says. “In fact, it’s been my financial
are setting up a new company, so the first thing I did was life because they’ve been able to take care of all the things
contact William Buck,” Toby says. “The Australian-made I don’t have time to take care of and they take care of it in
product we are trialling has the potential to revolutionise a very professional manner.”
the way we treat Type 1 diabetes which is very exciting.
Professor Toby Coates AO, Director
Kidney and Islet Transplantation

“I’ve always felt as a specialist that you need to outsource
to other specialists, therefore William Buck has been
a really important part of my financial life.”

- Professor Toby Coates AO

179

Growing in size, confidence and capability has enabled “It’s not just a job, William Buck
William Buck Adelaide to attract major new clients, among are passionate about what they
them Ahrens Group and Seeley International. Ahrens Group is do. Andrew Nicola loves coming
a national construction, engineering, mining and agri provider, up with great solutions, he really
which prior to engaging William Buck, was dealing with one prides himself on his work and
accounting firm for tax and another for audit. Managing everything he does. He gets as
Director Stefan Ahrens said the company wanted to use one excited about our business as we
accounting firm that looked after the whole lot. “We wanted
to go to a firm that we would get closer contact with so that do.”
we could build a relationship with them and our business,”
Stefan said. “That relationship is very important, so they - Stefan Ahrens, Ahrens Group
really understand us and understand what we are looking
for in the family side and the business.” Stefan Ahrens, Managing Director of Ahrens Group

Frank Seeley AM from Seeley International says that the staff 180
at William Buck have more empathy than previous providers
and have performed very well on all fronts since the firm
was engaged three years ago. “They’re a no-nonsense
no-fuss, customer-centric organisation and they provide
informed advice based on quality research,” Frank says.
Frank acknowledges that engaging a professional accounting
firm like William Buck is a very necessary part of the cost of
doing business. “It’s essential to have informed advice from
such professionals, otherwise at some point in time, you’re
going to get into trouble,” he says. “ It’s also an investment,
because it enables you to run your business with the least
number of unexpected, and potentially costly surprises. You
can’t avoid problems in business in this day and age, and in
fact, in the whole 50 years I’ve been in business, we’ve had
numerous issues from which we’ve had to extract ourselves,
and we know first-hand the benefits of being able to draw
on professionals advice such as William Buck can provide.

While William Buck is fully committed to existing clients, there
is always a desire to win new clients to grow and develop
the firm's people and our capability. One of the firm’s catch
phrases is “we want to win more than our fair share” and
the strength of the William Buck brand makes this possible.
“There is no doubt that we have to work hard to win new
clients and the pursuits are longer because the clients are
bigger,” Jamie says. ”We’ve had some great wins, but at
the end of the day, we just want William Buck to be thought
of if something happens.”

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

Award-winning supermarkets

Commercial Retail Group owns and operates two of “I don’t know if he was doing that before he worked
South Australia’s most iconic and award-winning with us, but we drew out that passion to the next level.”
supermarkets, being the Frewville and Pasadena
Foodlands. Spero Chapley, son of the legendary Mr Adrian admits he is quite the “supermarket geek” and
Nick, says that for many years, his family kept tight loves working with the Chapleys and in the food retail
control of its numbers and relied on its instincts to industry in general. “The interaction I’ve had with some
run the business. amazing people has meant the world to me,” he says.
“It’s an industry I’m excited and passionate about. It’s
“It was a big deal for us to feel comfortable in the initial weird, I go overseas and I visit supermarkets just to see
discussions with William Buck and proceed,” Spero how they are set out and what ideas they have. I find
says. “It’s been a big change for us, but William Buck supermarkets quite fascinating and I spend half of my
and Adrian (Chugg) have given us more confidence life in supermarkets.” Strange then, that Adrian doesn’t
because they interrogate our numbers which is really do the family shopping!
important, and they have a broader sense of what’s
happening outside our four walls. Our business is Mr Nick Chapley with a photograph of his
known for being quite innovative and always moving first supermarket
into areas that no one dares to in our industry and in
those conversations, Adrian gives me a lot of confidence, Mr Nick Chapley with his son Spero Chapley,
whether he’s comfortable or supportive or he speaks the Director of Commercial Retail Group
truth and calls it when he doesn’t agree with something.”

Spero says in the past when he has dealt with other
business advisors it has been mainly transactional, but
he says it’s different with William Buck because the
relationship is profound. “Adrian has been amazing,”
Spero says. “He cares about the company and the
business and the reputation but also about the individuals
involved. Adrian enjoys the vibe and the conversations
he is involved in and he has a lot of respect for my father,
Mr Nick, and vice versa.”

The Chapley’s broader family are working within
the supermarket business, along with Spero’s sister
Emily. Naturally for Spero and his family, retail is their
passion and Spero describes himself as “basking in
this environment.” “Adrian is doing the same thing,”
he says. “When he was on his honeymoon in Europe he
was sending me photos of retail settings,” Spero says.

181

182

Chapter 5 | Our Clients

CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY

William Buck Adelaide has mastered the concept of services are essential in the much more complex
exceptional customer service, both in terms of the business environment in which the firm’s clients operate,
services provided and how they are delivered. Since the but they are still delivered with a friendly smile and
Giles & Giles days, the firm has built on the foundation a genuine understanding and interest in the client’s
of family values laid down by Ken and Mawson Giles business. This perpetuates the circle of success and
and carried them into the 21st century. In addition, by ensures that William Buck Adelaide remains the clear
broadening and deepening its range of professional leader in the mid-market and the firm of choice for
services, William Buck Adelaide now offers clients a fully clients who value a long-term relationship with a trusted
integrated service. A one-stop shop! These specialist advisor.

Professor Toby Coates, Director of Kidney and Pancreatic Islet Transplantation

183

When it comes to client service, William
Buck is very clear on what's important;
genuine interest in and care for clients
and their business, becoming a trusted
advisor by providing good advice and
building long-term relationships.

184

CONCLUSION

William Buck Adelaide is the firm of choice for clients who thank our staff, past and present, who have been such an
value a long-term relationship with a trusted advisor. This integral part of the William Buck journey. As we enjoy these
privileged position is not something William Buck takes celebrations, we raise a glass to Mr William Buck and to
lightly. It has taken the firm 125 years to refine and expand Ken and Mawson Giles who entrusted us to carry on their
its services, to build trusted relationships with clients, as strong family values and unwavering commitment to clients.
well as a well recognised and respected brand. Along the The solid foundation they laid has enabled William Buck
journey, William Buck has invested heavily in developing its Adelaide to remain grounded as it has pursued greatness.
staff; honing their professional expertise, bolstering their This story celebrates the firm’s achievements over the past
customer service skills and supporting their overall health 125 years and acknowledges all of the clients and staff who
and wellbeing. This sustained effort and commitment has have contributed to our success. It allows us to do what we
proven to be a winning formula and today, William Buck’s do best. Changing Lives!
clients and staff are reaping the benefits.

It’s fitting that as part of our 125th birthday celebrations
we thank our clients. Without long-term relationships with
our clients, we have nothing! And of course, we must

"This story celebrates the firm’s achievements over the past
125 years and acknowledges all of the clients and staff who have

contributed to our success."

185

186

THE WILLIAM BUCK
ADELAIDE TEAM

Suzanne Adams Tierney Cavanagh Alessandra Forero Matthew Illman
Belle Alcazaren Melanie Cel Galura Jenylyn Francisco Darren Ip
Shan Amante Joann Chang Chris Franco Shawn Johnstone
Amanda Anderson Amanda Cheeseman Adrian Frinsdorf Cody Jones
Jessie Anderson Adrian Chugg Lee Fuller Japjeet Kaur
Malcolm Anderson Abby Clements Amanda Galler Lily Keene
Michael Attaliotis Debbie Colebatch Pina Giangregorio James King
Kristie Baehnisch Jim Conferido Chris Giannopoulos Matthew King
Rosa Baldino Cherry Cruz Danielle Gibb Emma Kittel
Amelia Barbara Jessica Cumming Sarah Gibson Brooke Kleinig
Andrew Barlow Grace Danganan Cameron Green Tricia Kleinig
Danielle Barron Peter Davis Alison Gum Tharmini Kuruparan
Millie Basedow Hansini De Foneska Yoatzin Guzman Alice Lam
Marjorie Biasbas Chris Deed Jay Han Ellah Larase
Ayeisha Bishop Catherine Dichiera Alyce Hardstaff Luciana Larkin
Vanessa Blackshaw Vicki Dimas Tom Harvey Tom Laundy
Chelsea Bojnoordi James Dodd Jody Heptinstall Krizza Laxamana
Sonja Bollinger Layla Duckworth Amy Hewitt Geraldine Lee
Reimart Bote Kellie Dunnicliff Martin Hill Paula Liddle
Leena Bou Charuni Edirisinghe Natasha Hillman Eben Lok
Sharon Bowden Shaira Empleo Nicole Holton Shiena Macapagal
Andrew Bradley Michael Fairlie Kate Howard Scott MacKenzie
Georgina Brooks Melissa Feller Zaw Htoo Millie Maitland
Tom Burgess Michelle Fergusson Grace Hullah Alan Marks
Tanya Cap Kylie Fitzgerald Michelle Hurcombe Grant Martinella
Alison Castle Paer Flygare Paul Ibay Lavine Martis

187

Anele Masumbika Melissa Parente Jessica Stapleton Janine Williamson
Babis Mavrakis Sarah Parsons Kiran Strawhan Cassie Wilson
Luke McCauley Karan Patel Hannah Taylor Sarah Withall
Nathan McCormack Nikki Peng Shane Taylor Sindy Woo
Eimear McDaid Leng Phuah Alistair Taylor-Spry Valerie Xu
Caitlin McKeough Daniel Proctor Yong Teo Becky Yap
Jamie McKeough Alice Psevdos Mikiel Tesfa Michelle Zhao
Sarah McKeough Georgia Pyromallis Melissa Thayer
Cain Meschiati Jennifer Rees Lauryn Thompson Current as at 31 May 2022
Joshua Mills-Bayne Sharon Reinke Brea Thomson
Sheilla Morales Sarah Rigby Mary Tidswell 188
David Mounce Kimberley Rositano Alexander Toth
Caitlin Moxon Chris Rosser Ben Trengove
Lisa Murray Patrick Ryan Aaron Trombetta
Sean Nicholas Naomi Sack Sarah Tropeano
Samantha Nicholls Henry Schofield Emily Tropiano
Andrew Nicola Braden Schwark Danica Ulanday
Jingyi Niu Liz Sellars Ratna Uppalapati
Ashlynn Noack Sharvi Shah Jasmine Venzon
Jakeb Noble Kent Sharp Leah Villanoy
James Northcote Maria Siahamis Carmel Vinas-Wilson
Krishna Nyayapathi Amanda Sigley Jenny Vincent
Samantha Oxford Matthew Simmons Vani Wahi
Rosemary Pahl Anna Sivkova Yolanda Wang
Isadora Paixao de Oliveira Tei-El Smith Liam Weedall
Laxman Parameswaran Ian Snook James Whitehead

TESTIMONIALS

“I’m learning new things every day. It’s something I have in “William Buck have been an integral partner during our
common with the people at William Buck. They are ready company’s growth, providing extremely sound advice on a
to listen to everything and anything and that’s what I like myriad of matters over the 16 years they have been acting
about them.” as our external accountants. What has stood out for me is
Frank Seeley AM that the strong relationship with William Buck has continued
Seeley International to grow and due to their ability to retain great people has
ensured we are dealing with the same familiar faces for
“William Buck are an integral part of Leyton Funds and many years.”
Anna’s and my businesses. Martin is like family and we’ve Patrick Schwerdt
had plenty of colourful discussions and disagreements, but Cooperages
he’s guided us brilliantly to get to where we are today. We
feel enormously comfortable with William Buck. We can “The staff at William Buck have acted professionally at all
have any conversation we like, we can ask the dumbest times and have always been friendly, courteous, welcoming
questions and we always get the best answers. It’s proven and dealt with any requests promptly and efficiently. From
over a period of time that we haven’t dropped the ball too my perspective, William Buck has managed the current
many times.” COVID-19 pandemic seamlessly. It is hoped this relationship
Damien Brown will continue long into the future.”
Leyton Funds Paul Lewis
Panaramitee Pastoral Company
“It’s not just a job, they are passionate about what they do.
Andrew Nicola loves coming up with great solutions, he really “William provides a sophisticated and tailored business
prides himself on his work and everything he does. He gets advisory service with the highest levels of professional
as excited about our business as we do.” integrity. William Buck were invaluable when guiding our
Stefan Ahrens business through a sale process with a large publicly listed
Ahrens Group company.”
Dr. Fergus Whitehead
“Joining William Buck has been one of the best financial Adelaide Pathology Partners
decisions we have made. The level of advice and
professionalism from William Buck is truly outstanding and “All of the team are very professional, courteous and
the people that manage our accounts and their staff are knowledgeable in their areas of expertise. It is a very personal
like family.” service and nothing is ever too much trouble. Any requests
Rick and Libby Vater for assistance are dealt with in a timely manner. The team
Vater Machinery really take the time and trouble to understand the business
and are able to tailor their style accordingly.”
189 Howard Coombs
Seeley International

“We have always had a great relationship with the William “William Buck have made a significant and positive impact
Buck people over the last 30 years as they offer on our business and we now consider William Buck as an
specialised ‘personal’ service.” integral part of the team at Caledonia. They’ve proven to be
Chris Penny exceptional growth partners.”
Ginn and Penny Insurance Brokers David Stephen
Caledonia Scaffolding
“There is outstanding professionalism in the way they conduct
their business - trustworthiness, their people, their culture “Adrian and his team go above and beyond on business
and values. They focus on the best outcomes by giving acquisition assignments to ensure all the boxes are ticked,
sound advice and choices. We know we are in safe hands to reduce our risk while remaining commercial in their advice.
with William Buck because they are our partners in business Ultimately Matt and Adrian have been integral in helping
and they care. Our accountants are an integral part of our me to establish Amplify Equity Solutions, for which I am
business and provide peace of mind that we are doing extremely grateful.”
things right.” Tristan Just
Roger Vater Amplify Equity Solutions
Vater Machinery
“Their advice has always been constructive, creative as
“Without exception, we have found them to be extremely appropriate, timely and reflective of “value for money”, with
knowledgeable with valuable and timely expertise in an unerring capacity to identify the issues of concern to
accounting, tax matters and financial advice. Some have potential clients.”
indeed become good friends and are now helping our family’s Seth Thuraisingham
next generation.” Consilium Technology
Malcolm and Gail Wicks
“In business it is so important to build strong relationships and
“The longest professional relationship I have ever had, and William Buck with their business ethics of trustworthiness,
it continues strongly today. My perception is that William lawfulness, respect and compassion have established
Buck Adelaide is performing extremely well, going from this with the Rugless Family. I have been amazed at their
strength to strength. One of these strengths is being able development into such a modern accounting firm among the
to provide advice for any situation and if it falls outside their best in Adelaide. In striving for excellence they have created
considerable reach William Buck has a range of contacts that a modern environment offering many services.”
can be called upon. This means that the culture at William Graham Rugless
Buck is well managed, or they understand their clients well, Rugless Family Retail Group
or more likely both.”
Bill Trowbridge “For well over 40 years William Buck have been my financial
Brecon Breeders rock. They have supported myself, my family and businesses
in all financial matters including accounting, reporting and
“The endearing qualities of William Buck that we financial planning. Corner store friendly service mixed with
most value are the honesty, trust, respect and first class know how of an international standard. True trusted
friendship that we now share and the feeling professionals giving you peace of mind.”
that you take a genuine interest in our affairs and Stephen Loechel
encourage us to grow and expand our business. Global Wombat
For William Buck to survive and expand for 125
years, you must be doing a lot of things right.” 190
Grant Rundle
Rundle Farming

“We find the staff at William Buck approachable, helpful “Our Audit team from William Buck has been focussed,
and professional in every way. They have assisted us in professional and very easy to work with. Any issues are
providing financial clarity, supporting us in all aspects of discussed robustly without fear or favour with the objective
financial management, and helping us achieve a comfortable of ensuring the most appropriate outcomes.”
retirement lifestyle. We are truly grateful for the ongoing Neil Retallick
support and direction provided to us.” The Barossa Co-Op
Cheryl Cope
“We retired in September 2001 and thankfully met with
“The appeal to us is the longevity of staff and their advice William Buck and they took away all our concerns having to
based on the knowledge of our background, family situation, manage ourselves financially. We have enjoyed a fantastic
interests and risk appetite. We trust their advice and their relationship with everything handled professionally by the
honesty. In a few words I would say that William Buck despite helpful and very friendly staff.”
its growth, are people focussed, conservative, honest and Barry and Chris Farmer
reliable with a genuine interest in positive outcomes for
their clients.” “Your Directors knowing their customers and their needs is
Kevin Clarke your greatest benefit, the same as it is for us to know our
clients’ needs and expectations. It is reassuring working with
“We started dealings with William Buck back in the mid- a professional company such as William Buck.”
nineties. Since then we have never looked back. We have Phil Perry
always found all the people we deal with at William Buck very LH Perry and Sons
professional, helpful and friendly to deal with, that includes
Jody and her team in marketing and Liz and the team at “From Liz, at reception to the rest of the staff that crosses my
reception. The advice and recommendations William Buck path, I always feel that there is friendly genuine help at hand.
has provided has always been considered, relevant, honest Never lose this personal touch, all of you. It is a standout
and valued, and time has proved it to be well founded and quality. I know the firm is now huge, but each person is
pertinent.” important so please don’t lose the personal touch.”
Peter Owens Sue Trott
Colour Tech Copying Five Geese Wines

“As a long time client of William Buck (50 years) we have “The team at William Buck have completely immersed
enjoyed an excellent relationship with the company. Their staff themselves into the idiosyncrasies of our business. This
are very welcoming and professional, always effecting the includes taking time to visit our head office in Germany
best outcomes for our business. William Buck is a company to fully understand our business mechanics. I believe this
that places great emphasis on making the small operator delivered an outcome that could not be matched by any
feel as important to them as the big business enterprises.” other financial services business.”
Ian and Pam Rodgers Ian Biggs
E M Rodgers and Son Titan Strapping Systems Asia-Pacific

“We have had an affiliation with William Buck for over 40 “We had a very small operation and it was carefully, carefully
years. Staff have always been friendly approachable efficient does it, but today I wouldn’t describe our business as
and effective. Their knowledge, expertise and professionalism conservative. I would describe it as aggressive. William
in their field is excellent/outstanding.” Buck has definitely supported our growth and I feel confident
Scott and Julie Clarke that we can turn to them if we need anything.”
John Tremlett

191

“MRS Property and Harmony Property Investments have “We feel we truly have friends in William Buck from the
enjoyed a long and successful partnership across a number of receptionists right through to the upper management. We
areas of our businesses. We particularly enjoy the accessibility really would be lost without the support from the whole
to the Senior Management at William Buck and the prompt team. Each and every one of them are always polite, friendly
and efficient turnaround times to get things done once an and helpful and we are so pleased we made the decision
agreed scope of work or task has been agreed.” to engage your company with our association now in its
Geoff Robertson 15th year.”
MRS Property Mel and Ann Dalton
Trammel Toolings
“It is crucial to have expert financial advice in order to achieve
success and this is essentially what Dennis Laundy and “When we started out, we were flying by the seat of our
the team from Giles & Giles and William Buck managed to pants. We wrote business plans every year, but William Buck
do with care and professionalism for my parents Mick and encouraged us to be more strategic about our planning.”
Marie Dermody and their business, Dermody Petroleum.” Marc Fabig
Cate Aucote Armas Group

“We now reflect on the huge influence Jamie McKeough and “They have an understanding of what we do, they want
all his associated talented staff at William Buck have had us to do well and they go above and beyond to look at
and continue to have on the success of our family business alternatives, to look at options that will give the best result
Hansen Farms. In particular our Hansen Family as a whole. for our company. It’s been a really good experience!”
We have left meetings and felt such relief in knowing we Mike O’Reilly
have all bases covered, expert advice always and secure O’Reilly Model Flight
in the knowledge that we have been looked after with our
future generations protected by the BEST.” “I have always found the William Buck people to be very
Garry and Merrawyn Hansen professional and very committed to looking after our affairs
and our best interests. In the end it all boils down to the
“We and our business have been clients of William Buck people and trust. My wife and I have much confidence and
Adelaide for more than 20 years. In my relationships with immense trust in the integrity of the William Buck people to
our own personal/business consultants and advisers this serve our best interests. Congratulations William Buck for
is what I look for; Professionalism, Integrity, Personalised your 125th anniversary. I wish you many more anniversaries.”
service. Above and beyond that I am not repared to work Dr Richard Hamilton
with an adviser unless I can develop a friendly, enjoyable and Richard Hamilton and Leconfield Wines
common ground relationship. This is what I have experienced and Hamilton House Plastic Surgery
with Jamie and the team at William Buck Adelaide.”
Doug Reed “The big difference between William Buck and the others is
Germein Reed Lawyers and Conveyancers there is intimacy with the relationship with the client, such
that when you are talking to them you feel as though they
“It has been a revelation since switching from KPMG to are only talking to you and no-one else.”
William Buck. The quality of advice has been superior and Tee Ping Koh
the service reflects the genuine interest WB staff show toward
their clients.” “William Buck is our choice in business partner, and a partner
Ian Drummond we could not do without.”
Australian Property Projects Scott Hoyle

192

“What William Buck has been able to demonstrate so well “We have a personal relationship with these people and I
“We have seen William Buck grow into the huge company think that’s one of the beauties of William Buck. To use the
they are today, but still retain their personal touch from the old adage it’s like a big family and you become comfortable
front desk, to the advisors, to the various Directors, right up and confident in that relationship that you’ve built to know
to the Managing Director.” that they have got your best interest as a business at heart.”
Rob and Nancy McLean Richard Halliday
River Haven Enterprises
“William Buck are really interested to understand not only
“I have been using Giles & Giles/William Buck for 40 plus what we are doing but why. With William Buck and Adrian
years. They are reliable and solid. I’ve always been extremely that relationship is profound. They give us confidence in our
satisfied with their service that they have provided.” decision making.”
Geof Motley Spero Chapley
Pasadena and Frewville Foodland
“At William Buck we feel as though we are part of the family, Commercial Retail Group
we feel well treated and looked after. They are always
professional, but warm and friendly, and they have good “We would like to thank all of the staff at William Buck
ethical values in terms of looking after our shareholders, who have helped two generations of our family over
and doing things the right way.” the many years. Their advice is appreciated, especially
Philip Henshall for succession planning, and always conducted in a
Century Orchards friendly, amicable way. We value their assistance and
hope it continues on into the next generations.”
“What William Buck has been able to demonstrate so well John and Susan Wilkinson
is the building of relationships with our team so that at all
levels of our organisation and within the individual parts of “I’ve always felt as a specialist that you need to outsource
our business we have a key contact at William Buck who is to specialists to manage things, so to me to outsource to
very responsive and flexible to our needs, ensuring we get William Buck and have the best people taking care of the
the very best advice exactly when we need it.” finances is exactly how I like to do it. William Buck’s been
Anthony and Michele Kittel a really important part of my financial life. In fact, it’s been
REDARC my financial life.”
Professor Toby Coates AO
“We’ve recently established a US and NZ entity and the Director of Kidney and Islet Transplantation
introductions that the Adelaide-based William Buck team Royal Adelaide Hospital
has made for us in both of those jurisdictions has been
absolutely fantastic. William Buck has definitely exceeded “William Buck are a big part of our business. We almost treat
our expectations. The ability for them to understand our each other like family. We can confide in them. I always feel
business and introduce us to their networks has been really a big sense of relief after catching up with our advisors at
important as we’ve grown.” William Buck. William Buck were instrumental in our Brighton
Chris Johnson project and we just couldn’t have done it without them.”
REDARC Tim Rugless
Brighton Foodland
“They are friendly and professional and they listen to determine
the right advice that helps you accomplish your goals.”
Daniel Palumbo
Palumbo

193

“Our family’s been dealing with William Buck for over 50 “Martin has been a constant help; understanding and
years. We’ve sought advice from William Buck and we’ve never making one feel inadequate however inadequate the
trusted what they’ve told us and followed through on that. question. We are also glad to have had the advice of the
It’s always worked out well for us and we wouldn’t be in the Financial Planning arm of the business. Wendy Drake was
position we are now without their sound advice.” an inspiration in our early planning days, and Adrian Frinsdorf
Paul and Brett Paterson has kept us on track since.”
Helen and Geoff Fels
“William Buck’s content knowledge of general practice is
excellent. You can’t just go to any old accountant for this “William Buck offers a range of expertise within the business
stuff. It’s not enough even to understand health, you have and one thing that stands out is that no matter what the
to understand general practice and these guys really do. question is, they are able to work through the issues and
They speak our language.” they are able to get the necessary answers for us.”
Danny Byrne Paul Martin
Chandlers Hill Surgery Century Orchards

“We took great confidence in knowing the William Buck team “William Buck is genuine, trustworthy, empathetic, reliable,
had experience dealing in multi-generational issues with humanitarian, knowledgeable. So friendly and pleasant.”
other farming families. They listened, acted professionally Colin and Jude Hewett
and kept us informed along the entire way.”
Adrian Morony “Papa would certainly be happy that the firm has continued
on and hasn’t been gobbled up by another Adelaide firm,
“There is nobody else who knows our business as well as but rather has chosen to be part of a bigger brand. Also,
they do. We have been working with them for 40 years and the commitment from William Buck Adelaide to capture this
we like their holistic, integrated approach. It enables them history and to ask questions about Papa - I’m sure that’s
to see the big picture.” something he would love to know.”
Adrian Hewett Crawford Giles

“We joined William Buck after they acquired Giles & Giles. “William Buck are innately embedded in my business at
Our first adviser was Roger McLaughlin followed by Emma every level from an operator basis all the way through to a
Mather and finally, Tom Laundy. Tom has guided us through Director basis and I appreciate that because William Buck
many changes in structure, succession and superannuation.” truly do understand my business because they are part of
Brian Ramsey it. They understand us, we understand them. We are willing
Ramsey Proprietors and active partners working together for the best outcome
for this business.”
“Whilst there were perceived benefits to being a client of Mark Laucke
the smaller entity, these were overshadowed by the greater Laucke Flour Mill
knowledge and resource base of William Buck whose
services we continue to appreciate. We note William Buck’s
growth aspirations and hope that your firm grows not only
in corporate size, but also knowledge and service capability
- without losing the important values of trust, honesty and
making each client feel ‘valued’.”
Client for over 50 years

194

195