Originally from New Zealand, Bir has spent most of his life in Shepparton. And while many his age are just getting started, he’s already set on a clear goal: becoming a successful business owner.
His journey began last year when he launched a car detailing business. After servicing 200 cars in a year, an opportunity came up that changed everything.
Nicole and Brendan Kennedy, long-time owners of the IGA on Poplar Ave, Shepparton, decided to sell as they prepared for retirement.
Bir had been eyeing the store for a year. With enough saved for the deposit, he put his hand up to buy it.
“I’ve always wanted to be in business, and I’ve always had the support to do what I wanted to do,” Bir said.
“So, I started car detailing last year, for one whole year — so I started my own business in that, and we done around 200 cars last year.
“And the money from that and some safe investments gave me the opportunity to purchase the store.
“I’ve been looking at this place for a while — for about a year — and then got everything aligned to purchase for December.
“December is when I gave the deposit and I took over on the fourth of February.”
Bir has a diverse professional background, with experience in construction management and customer service. But when asked why he took on this new challenge, his answer was simple:
“I wanted to be closer to the community,” he said.
The transition was described as “smooth”.
All seven employees from the previous ownership remained on staff: Rosa Knez, who has been there for 12 years, Rose Pollock for seven, Maria Beckett for five, Richard McKay for three, Ivy Fan for two, Connor Moore for one, and Leeanne McGee for six months.
The Kennedys stayed on for two days to help with the handover before Bir officially stepped in.
Looking ahead, Bir has big plans for the store. He hopes to expand the product range and compete with larger supermarkets.
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