By Charlene Macaulay
This family trio has collectively notched up nearly three decades of service at Coles.
Customer service manager Vanessa Kantar, daughter Elisha and son Phillip all work at the Hoppers Crossing supermarket.
Vanessa, now a Point Cook resident, started working part-time at Coles in Williamstown as a night filler 20 years ago after having a baby and wanting to work closer to home. She was 26 years old at the time and the uniform was white tights and polka-dotted silk scarves.
“I was a very shy person when I started at Coles and working here has brought me out of my shell,” she said.
“I had amazing store managers who encouraged me to step up and be confident. Programs such as Coles’ retail leaders program helped me become a manager myself.
“I have the most incredible memories of long-term customers coming in as young couples, starting families and watching their kids grow up. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”
When her kids were young and had a day off school, they’d sometimes come in and help out with filing in the office, which led to Elisha (who is also a dental nurse) starting at the Williamstown store five years ago. Phillip (a year 11 Harvester Technical College student) joined the team three years ago.
All three started working at the Coles Hoppers Crossing store when it opened three years ago.
Vanessa’s husband also worked night fill shifts at the Williamstown store when the kids were young. Only one son, a tradie, has not tried his hand at stocking supermarket shelves.
