b'CHAPTER 01CONCRETE BEGINNINGS | 5Wally was a creator andand tobogganed behind the car. This was all before television, Joan reminisces. Radio and telephone were our only forms of inventor, and one of the mostcommunication, but we were never bored!important pioneers of theThe kids made plenty of mates and were invited to all the local gatherings, mostly thanks to Wallys outgoing personality. He was Australian hire industry. known for being an incredibly warm and friendly person who could strike up a conversation with a stranger and end up with a new friend or business associate. In contrast, Theo was more reserved, preferring to avoid the spotlight; as Joan puts it, She was the town mouse.WORDS THAT FOUNDED A COMPANYWhile in Bathurst, Wally started a new businessW. Kennard & CoPty Ltdthat supplied farm machinery and equipment, and acted as an agent for several manufacturers. One of those was the maker of the Lightburn Concrete Mixers, which was one of Wallys passions after pumps. It was when someone asked to borrow it that Wally Left Walter and responded with the phrase that has become a part of Kennards Theo Kennard, 1973. history and industry folklore: I wont lend it to you, but Ill hire it to you. The result of those immortal words is the focus of the rest of this book. Wally was a creator and inventor, and one of the most important pioneers of the Australian hire industry. He was always looking for ways to save a buck and make a profit, and he passedon these traits to his sons, Nev and Andy.Wally and TheoIn 1942 Andy is 1930s 1940smarry in 1935;born; in 1943 theWally died at sea, on a ship to England via the Panama Canal, on Neville is born infamily moves to30 June 1973, at the age of seventy. His journey on the Oronsay 1937; and Joan isBathurst.was nostalgic, a desire to see the old country one more time. At the born in 1939. time of his death, Kennards had five branches; Wally never could Wally startshave dreamed that the business he started with a dozen words Kennard Agencies. would become one of the most successful family-owned companies in Australian history. He may have been gone for fifty years, but The company Wally Kennard has achieved immortality thanks to the achievements 1948does its first hire. and memories he left behind.Wally hires his first concrete mixer from 142 Russell Street, Bathurst.'