Delivery dynasty Anthony Windram: from mum’s helper to parcel powerhouse

From his early days making school holiday deliveries alongside his mother to achieving earnings of up to $300,000 annually as a Franchise Partner, Anthony Windram’s journey in the delivery industry is as inspiring as it is lucrative. Today, a successful Franchise Partner, the Hoppers Crossing man has spent the past 33 years working his way up to become a one of the Victorian capital’s top small business operators in the courier sector.

Anthony is one of hundreds of CouriersPlease Franchise Partners across Australia who have built up a lucrative business within the fast-growing franchised courier and parcel delivery industry. Like many successful CouriersPlease entrepreneurs, Anthony has also turned his business into a family venture, involving multiple generations in its operations.

Anthony's initial exposure to the logistics industry in the ‘80s was significantly influenced by his mother Joan, a CouriersPlease contractor with territory in Moorabbin, Cheltenham and Highett. This early insight saw him quickly recognise the business opportunities and by 1991, he was fully committed working full-time alongside his mother, splitting the territory with her in 1996. Over the years, Anthony has owned five territories, splitting those into seven unique runs to diversify and grow his business interests. 

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Anthony has recently expanded operations into strategic growth areas including Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Tarneit, Williams Landing and Truganina. One of Anthony’s early territories was in Hoppers Crossing where he teamed up with his wife Denise. The pair then took on franchise territories in Derrimut, Deer Park and Ravenhall, with Denise eventually taking over the team’s western operations. 

Now, in a full circle moment, the couple’s son Lachlan – who also started his career by helping his parents during the school holidays – continues the family legacy, trading places with Denise who moved from the delivery van to the AM supervisor position at the CouriersPlease Truganina facility.

The decades-long-run has been lucrative, Anthony says, but he admits it was a journey of dedication that involved hard work and passion.

“Success in this industry requires consistency, punctuality and a smooth workflow. I’m the first to admit I’m a bit of a glutton for punishment but I’ve learned taking breaks is also important,” says Anthony.

In sharing his secrets to becoming a successful franchisee, Anthony adds that being well groomed, maintaining a clean van and a good dose of diligence are key ingredients.

As for what a day in the life, Anthony says his routine starts at 5am, arriving at the depot by 6am where he sorts out freight and by 8.30am he’s taking the loaded van out for deliveries. The day then wraps up by 4pm and while a smooth workflow is crucial to keep the franchise machine in motion, Anthony says the company’s community and culture also play a significant role.

“The CouriersPlease community is supportive and collaborative. Drivers assist each other, fostering a culture of teamwork and camaraderie. Newcomers are welcomed and guided by experienced partners such as myself which really sets them up for success,” he says.

Richard Thame, CEO of CouriersPlease, reflects on the enduring success of the Windram family and says, “This inspirational, multi-generational journey of Anthony and his family highlights the opportunities available through our franchise model for business growth and family involvement.” 

“We are committed to aiding our Franchise Partners in building robust businesses. As we continue to expand, we look forward to welcoming ambitious individuals ready to build their own successful small business ventures.”

ENDS