By Kirsty Ross
WERRIBEE’S very own rags to riches story is about a woman who took over her late husband’s business, conquered a male-dominated industry, and last week was named Personality of the Year.
Chris MacGregor, managing director of the West Sunshine venture MacGregor by Road, received the accolade during the 17th Annual Australian Freight Industry Awards.
She won the award for outstanding contribution to the freight industry.
But Ms MacGregor’s story is all the more special because she learned the trade from her beloved Bill Featherstone, who died after a long illness almost six years ago.
“He would be so proud of me now,” she said.
The couple moved to Werribee only 25 years ago and built their first home.
“When you’ve had it bad, you don’t want to go back,” Ms MacGregor said of her early days, which were fraught with financial struggles.
And it was her determined attitude that kept the business afloat after Bill’s stroke in 1989, and when their son, Martin, was just nine.
Ms MacGregor remodelled the business, nursed her husband and cared for her son until it became obvious that Bill needed full time care.
He secured a place at the Wyndham Lodge Community Nursing Home, where he spent his last nine years, until his death in August 2000.
“I never made a business decision without him,” she said.
“My darling heart taught me everything.”
In 2003, Martin donated $100,000 toward doubling the size of the centre’s facilities, and the family earned a reputation for generous charitable contributions.
Ms MacGregor, now 61, is far from slowing down, with her sights set on expanding the 34-year-old business next year.
Quite possibly the only managing director with a forklift operator’s licence, the down to earth boss said the award reflects the hard work of all of her staff.
“I’ve had an amazing journey and met some remarkable people, I’m grateful to everyone who contributed,” she said.
Recognised for her “personality, leadership and respect”, Ms MacGregor is known for her guidance in the yard, office and the community.
She is also chair of Melbourne’s West Area Consultative Committee, and the Brimbank-Melton Local Learning and Employment Network, is on the steering committee of Bizewest, and is a member of Footscray Rotary Club.
Ms MacGregor thrives on her work with the police delinquent program, Operation New Start, and was also a judge at the local version of Dancing with the Stars earlier this year.
She believes in being honest and ethical in business because, “If you’re not, you won’t last long”.
“I don’t care what people are good at, where they live and what do they do – as long as they do things to the best of their ability,” she said.
“If you do that, you will be recognised and given the opportunities.”
