Jason Dobson is New World Balclutha’s new owner-operator, whose humble beginnings included cleaning up the PAK’nSAVE Invercargill carpark - where his father, Bryan, is still the owner-operator.
“My dad has been the owner-operator of PAK’nSAVE Invercargill for almost 31 years. I started out as a volunteer keeping the store tidy before stepping into a full-time job. I’ve operated checkouts and worked in almost every department, which is where my dream to follow in my father’s footsteps really started to take shape. Right from the outset, I realised the vital role a well-run supermarket plays in its local area,” said Dobson.
“New World Balclutha has been at the heart of its South Otago community for decades and the previous owners-operators Craig & Julie Broderick, have done an amazing job. Not only is the store a community favourite, offering a modern shopping experience, it also has really important sustainable features such as Co2 refrigeration and glass doors across freezers to conserve energy.”
Jason Dobson and team members of New World Balclutha
Jason worked on and off at PAK’nSAVE Invercargill while studying, then went to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles to study Executive Retail Management before working for Tesco in London.
“Working in the grocery industry really is a family affair. I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside my parents, Bryan and Anne Dobson as well as my brother, Matthew and sister, Tanya, who are both also enrolled in the Foodstuffs South Island owner-operator programme.”
“Balclutha and the New World store have an amazing community culture and it's nice to be part of a store where so many customers know us by name and vice versa. Our customers, and team members are very loyal, and many of our team have been at the store here for decades, which is a true testament to their dedication and why we have such a great culture.”
“This opportunity has given me a chance to serve the local community, and it’s a real privilege.”
