Hoogies is the onestop shop

AUSTRALIANS love a nickname. And, it says something about one of Yarra Glen’s most enduring businesses, and its owner, Frank Hoogenraad, that Hoogies of Yarra Glen has retained that tag of familiarity, which reflects its place in the community.
It’s 28 years since Hoogies started as a relatively small hardware and plumbing supplies business in the town, and 17 years since they took, what was at the time, a make or break move across the road to a new purposebuilt shop and timber yard.
The businesses expansion over the years has been a progressive, planned growth which Frank says has ensured the key elements of personal service, business ethics and commitment to providing for the needs of its customers remain a priority.
It’s very much about meeting the now hugely diverse interests of the Yarra Valley at a local level.
Recent developments include the new rural division which carries a range of products from farm and vineyard chemicals, stock feeds, drenches and vaccines to fencing materials and water tanks.
The equestrian sector is also catered for with horse rugs and Frank has also recently introduced a range of farm clothing starting with socks and boots and going right through to beanies, gloves and wet weather gear.
Hoogies have been a major player in the building industry for many years but supplying building materials for major winery and tourism infrastructure developments, including the multimillion dollar Balgownie apartments development at Dixons Creek, has taken the business to another level.
The introduction of landscaping materials pretty much makes Hoogies a onestop shop for everyone from the homehandyman and tradesman to large building companies.
“It is an exciting time for us all,” Frank said.
“At this very moment we are roofing over the timber area to enlarge the drivein store and we will commence construction of our new rural showroom in King Street in January next year.”
Feedback from a recent independent market research survey of customers confirmed for Frank and his staff that they are staying on track as the business moves ahead.
“It told us that people really do love dealing with us and, although there were some small criticisms about things missing from the range, there were many comments about individual staff members, and me personally,” Frank said.
While the recognition of his staff was certainly no surprise for Frank, he said it was welcome affirmation.
“They are absolutely fantastic for personalised service people who care, are ethical and committed to providing good service. I can count on every single one of them to do that,” he said.
If there is any criticism to be made of Hoogies, it is that they are not open on Sundays. Frank says while he regrets any inconvenience to his customers, it is a religious decision for him, and one, which also retains his own family values and those of his staff.
Hoogies Of Yarra Glen, 915 Bell Street, Yarra Glen, is open from Monday to Saturday. Phone 9730 1611.