BOB BEAUMONT, Beaumont Tiles

50 years

Bob Beaumont’s father set up national retailer Beaumont Tiles back in 1960 and this year the current executive chairman is marking his 50th year in the business.

Eight years after RJ founded the business, then 19-year-old

Bob joined his father and says he immediately loved tiles and the tile retail industry.

“We started with one store in Adelaide which we had for around 20 years,” he says.

“Each new store we gradually opened was a big achievement, but we soon set some goals, and by 1990 we had reached our main goal – to be the biggest tile retailer in Australia.”

Today there are over 113 outlets across most states and the company is chasing a boost in sales to the tune of $500 million by the year 2022.

“It’s very important for a sustainable franchise model that the franchisee makes money first. If they don't, then you don’t have a franchise system. Well, not one that’s going to last anyway.

“We have added 50 franchise stores over the last five years and aspire to double this figure again over the same period.

“The bonus for us with franchising over having company stores is it provides us with the working capital we need to sustain our five-year growth plan, to hit $500m in sales and reach 180 stores,” says Beaumont.