Makers, a regional success story
Mainstays
Schier Cabinet Makers has dabbled in a variety of services during its evolution.
An exploration into lounge suites and upholstery was brief and a return to a core business of kitchen creation and expansion into commercial projects became mainstays.
Mr Schier said the success of the business had made him ‘extremely’ proud of all involved.
“I’m very proud that it’s come out of Murtoa, and in many ways the ‘secret’ ingredient is that it’s the town’s community spirit that has driven much of our success,” he said.
“Another one of the big things you get proud of is seeing staff members, local people, coming through – initially as apprentices before they get married, have kids and buy their own homes.
“I consider that a real achievement. It’s great to be able to help people achieve goals.
“We give a lot of school kids a go, providing them with work after hours or in the holidays, and we work with Community Axis with people with disabilities.”
The expansion of work led to Schier Cabinet Makers opening a showroom in Wilson Street, Horsham, and then shifting to a larger and more appropriate building in Hamilton Road.
“I just want to keep moving forward,” Mr Schier said.
“We are the preferred suppliers of many commercial builders across western Victoria and I can’t see any sign of business slowing down.
“Now that our showroom is open for business, it’s doing what it’s meant to do. People are constantly walking in and it’s fantastic.”
Despite spare time being at a premium, Mr Schier continues to pursue his passion for music and performance with Paul Christopher and Jonno Martin with his band Acousticus Stomp.
“Playing music is just a great stress relief,” he said.
During the formative years of his business Mr Schier provided an example of championing a regional community as the primary driver of a merger between Wimmera Football League clubs Murtoa and Minyip.
He was also Minyip-murtoa club’s inaugural premiership president.
He said much of being able to combine personal interests and business had been the result of great support from his family including wife Dee and two children.