Ivan Vanis

Tasman Logistics

When you meet Ivan, it’s easy to understand why when he left Marcellin at the end of Year 12 he was able to become a salesperson selling phones and making a comfortable living. His engaging personality and gift of the gab ensured he was able to sell.

He lasted three months doing this before working for his Dad who was a Civil Engineer. With Ivan thinking he could take over the business one day, his Dad spoilt that plan by selling his business. From there, Ivan began working with heavy machinery which he loved, operating large container forklifts. He eventually ended up working for a company called Qube Holdings (a Logistics Provider) and at the same time studied part time for seven years at night doing a course called Supply Chain Logistics Management. However he does feel that the people he worked with along the way have been more useful than doing a course and his mentors have been of great assistance. Ivan became Depot Manager at Qube and then took a 12 month contract as Production Manager at Schweppes. He found this heavily unionised environment not to his liking and started at Tasman Logistics in 2010.

Ivan began at Tasman as the Warehouse Manager and after five years got the chance to buy in to the business. Every year he now reinvests his dividends and is one of the partners. Doing this has been a great motivator and means his is highly invested in the business.

Tasman Logistics is Australian based and are experts in transport, freight-forwarding, packing, warehousing and logistics, providing end-to-end transport and logistics solutions.

When asked what factors influence the success of Tasman, Ivan is very quick to say it’s the people. They feel it is better to have two great people who are paid well rather than more who don’t care. Over the years they have built a team who are young and hungry.

Other factors influencing success are the fact that they provide a good quality service and the fact that the culture is important to everyone. Workers can work their own hours as long as they get the job done. Ivan’s motto: Come and leave with a smile on your face.

The challenges for the business include dealing with the Government and compliance issues with the industry being one of the most heavily regulated. Tasman spend upwards of 1.5m annually on safety.

The economic environment also has an influence as does competition from the larger companies.

Like every other Old Collegian I have asked about why they like to maintain contact with Marcellin and still support the school, Ivan has a very similar answer: He always wanted to maintain ties with the school as he enjoyed his time here so much. Ivan says that he doesn’t have a bad thing to say about his time here.

Fun Facts:

Nickname: Vanis

Favourite Subject: Business Management

Favourite Holiday Destination: Croatia

TV Show You’d like to appear on: Billions

Favourite Canteen Food: Hot Dogs

Teacher You Remember: David De Silva, D Malasani

Ed Sheeran or Post Malone: Post Malone

Famous person you would like to meet: Warren Buffet

AFL Team: Carlton

Mercedes or Alfa Romeo: Mercedes

Worst school rule: Having socks pulled up

Cats or Dogs: Dogs

Do you still see Marcellin mates: Yes, a handful

OC most likely to be on the Bachelor: Adrian Ardesi