Paul Arnold

Paul Arnold, son of W.F Arnold and grandson of founder J.G Arnold, embodied the entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking approach that helped transform Arnold's from a local produce business into a regional leader in fresh food retail.

Joining the business at age 18 in 1948, Paul worked in every aspect of the operation before becoming a partner at 21. His hands-on experience and deep understanding of the business would prove invaluable in the decades that followed.

Paul's vision and business acumen led to several transformative decisions that shaped Arnold's future:

He pioneered the concept of washed and bagged potatoes, modernising produce preparation
In 1980, he made the bold decision to relocate the business to Osburn Street, Wodonga, securing the spacious location that would allow for decades of growth
Perhaps most remarkably, in his early 70s, he conceived the idea for Arnold's Online Home Delivery service. Despite never using a computer himself, he recognised the future of retail and insisted, "Let's get this going and be a step ahead."

His daughter Louise often reflects on his business philosophy: "What I learnt from him was the importance of staying ahead of the game and listening to our customers." Paul's strategy of refreshing the business every five years helped ensure Arnold's remained at the forefront of industry developments.

The success of his vision is evident in the growth of Arnold's Online, which launched in 2003 following his passing in 2002. What began with a single order from Monaco to West Wodonga grew into a service delivering to hundreds of customers across dozens of towns and suburbs.

Paul's legacy lives on in the modern Arnold's operation, where his principles of innovation, customer service, and forward thinking continue to guide the business. His ability to anticipate market trends and adapt to changing times set a standard for future generations, ensuring Arnold's remained relevant and successful in an ever-evolving retail landscape.

As we look at Arnold's today - with its thriving retail store, wholesale division, and online delivery service - we see the realisation of Paul Arnold's vision for a modern, diverse, and customer-focused business. His insistence on "staying ahead of the game" remains a cornerstone of Arnold's approach to business, honoured by the generations that followed him.