Everyone need a Buddy

Jan Juc mum Jen Benyan and her business partner, Danni Morris, have created the Buddy Wagon, a compact and stylish collapsible wagon that can carry up to 70kg.

After Jen took a trip to America three years ago to visit Danni, a former Jan Juc resident, the idea for the first Australian Buddy Wagon was born.

“Wagon culture, with collapsible carts, is a way of life in America and we thought it would suit the outdoor lifestyle of Australians perfectly,” Jen said.

“We both had two young kids at the time, we still do, and we couldn’t believe we hadn’t got on to the idea earlier!

“Starting up we talked on the phone a lot. We considered the Australian market, researched types of wagons and then started step by step.

“This business was a new venture for both of us. Creating a brand, choosing the right product, importing, logistics, online business, advertising and social media, there was a lot to think about and learn.”

The Buddy Wagon is an Australian premium product with endless uses.

From getting equipment to the beach, gardening, to pulling injured dogs, boating, horse events, sports, markets, for a person with disabilities to get their shopping around, diving equipment, schools, wineries and everything in between.

Before the Buddy Wagon business, Danni had just moved to America with her family for her husband’s work.

“In the years prior to leaving we had two kids; they were four and five when we moved, so I had had a few years at home with the children, not in the workforce,” Danni said.

“Before having kids,, I had a business called Super Pursuit, which offered presentations to schools about following your passions and not underestimating what you can do. Buddy Wagon is testament to that.”

Before Jen had children, she managed the back office of a retail company in Melbourne.

“Being a small company meant that I was hands-on in many aspects of running the business, including catalogue design, merchandising, buying, stock control and accounting,” she said.

“This experience has held me in good stead now that I run my own business. Thank goodness school and kinder now give me a little bit more interrupted time to focus on Buddy Wagon since having kids.

“It’s incredible really what small business gives you, we’ve learnt so much, met many great people along the way who have helped us start and grow our business.

“In a small business you do everything from the logistics, the marketing, the product, customer service etc, so it’s busy but really rewarding. A steep learning curve!

“Working with an old friend has also been amazing; we respect each other and because of Buddy Wagon get to talk regularly even though we’re on other sides of the world.

Both Jen and Danni would like Buddy Wagon to be a household name and product: “A Buddy for Life. And everything in it.”

The Buddy Wagon collapses to a compact size for easy storage, weighs 9kg, holds 70kg, is sturdy, has a collapsible handle, foot brake, durable fabric and can be taken on a plane like a pram for easy travel.

“Our latest product is a personalised Buddy Wagon,” Jen said.

“Customers can put their family name, company name, business or school logo on either a black or red wagon to create their own unique product. This is a new product that we think people are going to love.”

“We also work with Australian artists to create our ‘limited edition’ wagons. We only do a small print run and once sold out we move onto the next design.

“Our first limited edition wagon, the Mullet Wagon, had the beautiful blue fabric designed by local Jan Juc artist Amanda Carson.”

Buddy Wagons are available online at buddywagon.com.au, or head to the Buddy Wagon Facebook page and Instagram @buddywagon for new styles and occasional competitions.