STORY BY MAHMOOD FAZAL, PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

The artist Vincent Van Gogh writes, “I dream of painting and then I paint my dream.” For the Haymes family business, making paint was much more than an expression of ideas - it was about the legacy of family. 

“I have a very checkered history...I did some stupid stuff. I lived in the states for five years, I had a number of businesses. I got myself into lots of trouble and strife,” explains Matt Haymes, with his heart on his sleeve. “At the age of 33, Dad was starting to look for succession and retirement.” 

Haymes Paint company is a family run business born in Ballarat in 1935 although their regional roots stretch back even further. In 1890, Thomas Jefferson Haymes opened a painting contracting business and supplies store in Ballarat. And in 1935, Thomas’ son Henry Haymes registered his own manufacturing plant in Ballarat. It’s now in the hands of the fourth generation of Haymes. 

Matt, along with his brother and sister who were working as accountants, got together to keep the family business alive. “The first few years were pretty Rocky. Like everything, everyone's trying to find their feet. There was a bit of individual ego involved as well. It wasn't long before Dad put his foot down and said, If you kids can't work this out I’ll sell it.”

“We all pulled our head in and worked really hard. We have mutual respect for each other's strengths, we also began to understand our own individual, and collective weaknesses. Now we all complement each other incredibly well. So we're very lucky. And we do love each other, which is probably a bit weird.”

Although the Haymes business is now the leading independent paint manufacturer in the country, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. “Dad was adopted, so there wasn’t a natural succession for him to go on to the family business. His siblings had a large ownership of the business. Dad was making shoes.”

“And we remember how tough it was growing up, there was not a lot of money. When Dad got involved in the late 60s, the company was on its knees.” Matt’s father joined the business in the warehouse before making his way through manufacturing and eventually becoming a managing director. By the mid-80s, he bought the business. 

“I think Dad’s business philosophies were very much get your hands dirty, treat people the way you want to be treated and pay your bills on time. Your customers are bloody important but that they do come second to your people.” 

Those key principles remain the foundations of the Haymes business. “The term family business and familyness in business is the key to our operation,” explains Matt. “So obviously we’ve got mum, Dad, myself, my brother, my sister, and our families. But we've got 300 families all around the country that have worked with our company for generations.” 

The Haymes business model only deals with other family businesses; 15,000 professional family trade businesses, independent paint specialists and independent hardware stores. “That whole idea of familyness leads to community, which leads to Australian, which leads to care for the environment. These are the cornerstones of what we’re creating,” asserts Matt. “We’re a family business because of the 300 families not because of our family. We always say, blood is thicker than paint. Sounds corny, but it is.” 

The other underlying principle, that rings throughout the family constitution is even more simple; “Don’t fuck it up,” laughs Matt.                             

Haymes Paint

1800 033 431 

www.haymespaint.com.au

Wendouree Industrial Park, Ballarat