Industry know-how backs the Fox family of Rural Steel Supplies

It's just one of the indicators the family-owned business still does things the tried and tested traditional way.

This approach is part of the aim to provide old fashioned service based on respect, dignity and good support.

Rural Steel Supplies (RSS) was formed some 11 years ago when founder Cec Fox "went mad" after retiring from a career in the steel industry.

Mr Fox was chief executive of Metalcorp Steel, previously MI Deals in Steel, previously Ashley Moore Deals in Steel. At 18 he started as a truck driver and worked his way up through the businesses over 42 years.

Three months into his retirement he established RSS from a nil base with his wife Debbie.

Mr Fox said large business has changed the way it approaches customer service with many employees now salespeople with little empathy for those working in rural industries.

He determined to establish a business with country customer service as pivotal.

About six years ago, Mr Fox's son Ben joined the company to help guide it through the expansion.

With 75 years experience in the steel industry, the Fox family is one of the most knowledgeable teams regarding steel capabilities.

The Fox family is well known and respected throughout Queensland and the northern New South Wales.

Mr Fox said his natural affinity with the bush helped him appreciate farming trends over time.

"It comes back to many years supplying steel to farmers and graziers throughout Australia," Mr Fox said.

"About 40 years ago when brucellosis and tuberculosis were spreading, steel portable panels became major lines for the rural sector.

"Cattle were being walked 20 to 30km to yards and they would lose condition along the way.

"Portable steel panels allowed beef producers to set up temporary yards and spell them, changing the cattle industry forever."

While the majority of yards and fences in the early days were made of timber, the rise in white ants and a timber shortage about saw the rural sector turn to steel.

"The use of timber has always resulted in substantial loses in timber off-cuts," Mr Fox said.

"Steel off-cuts can be used for many and various purposes on a property."

The Fox family prides itself on keeping expenses down to a minimum level and passing theses savings onto the customer.

Mr Fox first placed minimal sized ads in the Queensland Country Life.

"After that, the phone started to ring," he said.

"The expansion of RSS can be attributed to the Queensland Country Life in which a substantial advertising campaign is carried out on a weekly basis."

Mr Fox paid homage to the media outlet which he says without which it would not have grown to the level it has today.

He also thanked those working the land itself.

"We would like to thank the rural sector of Queensland for their support over the past 11 years," he said.

The Fox family is willing to give advice on what steel to use in the construction of fences, yards, grids, sheds and other projects, with no obligation to purchase.

To assist further, Ben Fox produced a 100 page booklet detailing specifications, sizes, thicknesses, advice, suggestions, photographs and descriptions.

"It's a fantastic reference book for farmers to keep in the bottom drawer," Mr Fox said.