THE GRILL: Kevin Malouf

DCN speaks with Price and Speed Containers founder and managing director Kevin Malouf about work, fine dining and his passion for waterski racing

How did you get into the world of freight? 

As an 18-year-old I started with a customs agency in Sydney back in the early 1980s. At the time I was one of the youngest people working there. It taught me a lot about what customs agents want and the service levels they expect from a depot.  

What makes your work special? 

Providing an outstanding service. It used to be that the only way to compete was by dropping rates, it was very cutthroat. Over time and by working with shippers and observing shipping lines, you learn that it is as much, if not more, about providing great service in meeting the needs of clients. 

Would you encourage young people to seek a career in logistics? 

Yes, I think logistics has a lot to offer young people in terms of growth. I feel our trade has a lot of grey-haired people, those who were around in the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Our industry needs more young people coming through. You have to understand the challenges, especially with over-dimensional cargo and how to move it and the mishaps that can occur. That comes with experience and that is why I would encourage young people to get in early. 

Which school did you go to? 

I went to boarding school at Joeys (St Joseph’s College in Hunter’s Hill). I had to live with 300 other guys seven days a week and got back one day a week to see my parents. That teaches you to get on with others and how to gauge people. This was important as getting on with people is exactly what freight forwarding is all about and the relationships with importers and exporters. They are going to trust you, use your services and then use you again. That’s what I learned at Joey’s. 

Have you got a family?  

Yes, my wife Christine and I have been married for 28 years. We have two kids, our son Louie who is 27 and our daughter Jessica who is 25. They are both heavily involved with Price and Speed. Louie runs our sales and yard operations while Jessica manages the house bond office. 

Are you proud of having your children working for Price and Speed? 

Yes, 100%. I am looking forward to handing over the Price and Speed business to Louie and Jessica. After building a business for more than 40 years, I am keen to see it stay in the family and grow rather than be sold to multinationals. 

Where is your favourite place for a family holiday?  

That would have to be Italy, particularly Sicily. Christine speaks Italian which makes time in that country all the more enjoyable. We love the culture, the people and the cuisine. It is a special place. Closer to home, we have a farm up at Wiseman’s Ferry near the Hawkesbury River. That’s a peaceful place to get away from the big smoke of Sydney. 

What do you enjoy watching on television?  

We have been streaming The White Lotus series. I think it is very well-written and the character development is excellent. I also really enjoyed watching Last King of the Cross. It is set in Sydney and I knew some of the characters which makes it relatable. 

What else do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I waterski-race and have three racing boats. Two racers going up to 100 miles per hour!  I’ve always loved speed boats, that is definitely my passion. Waterski racing is a great team sport, with your drivers, skiers and observers working together. 

Who do you find inspirational in the world?  

The US political scientist John Mearsheimer, a professor from Harvard University. He has a great view on the role of the USA in the world. I listen to his recordings. Another would be Warren Buffett, the famous investor and philanthropist.  

Where’s your favourite place to dine?  

Yes, China Doll at Woolloomooloo, Sydney. I would describe it as upscale Chinese cuisine. Great food and special location, sometimes frequented by famous Australians like Russell Crowe and John Laws. It is very popular which can make it a challenge securing a reservation on a weekend. 

If you could invite three people for dinner who would they be? What would you cook? 

Paul McCartney from The Beatles whose music I very much enjoy. Then I would say Warren Buffett again for his ideas on business and achieving success. Finally, I would l invite Anthony Pratt from VISY, a business I consider a tremendous Australian success story. I bought a site from Anthony Pratt’s late father, Richard, in Botany several years ago. If it was me doing chef duties I’d cook steak but if Christine was in the kitchen it would be Italian cuisine. 

Have you got any plans to retire? 

Only when they carry me out in a box. I still love the work I do and have plenty of energy. In fact, I have more energy now at 64 than ever before. 

This article appeared in the June-July edition of DCN Magazine