With one dream realised,Collins aims higher
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Tuesday, 25 July, 2000 - 22:00
A DREAM to own a business by the time he was 30 has paid off for Hughmark Quality Furniture managing director Hugh Collins.
Mr Collins made his business ownership goal by the age of 28. Now he is working on being semi-retired by 40.
His journey into business ownership began with a trip around Australia. After leaving Sydney in the early 1990s, he decided Perth was a good place to start a business.
He had $5,000 tied up in investments and, despite the financial hardships of travelling, left that money untouched, knowing he would use it for a business one day.
After working in a commercial furniture operation, Mr Collins and a workmate decided to start their own business.
“We knew nothing about business, just how to make furniture,” he said.
“We started the business a 240 square metre factory. Within 18 months we had no room.
“When we moved to our new premises, I didn’t know how we would fill it. Now we’re bucking for space.”
Mr Collins said he knew exactly where he wanted his business to go. However, he found himself caught between working in his business and working on his business.
“I wanted to have a hands-on role and to be involved – but running the business is more important,” he said.
“I always wanted to service our clients better but I was too busy in other areas, such as making the furniture.”
His partner Bev Letton joined the company in 1998 and took on the marketing full-time.
Hughmark has made its mark in WA’s furniture industry, winning two Furniture Industry Association of Australia awards for its designs.
Mr Collins made his business ownership goal by the age of 28. Now he is working on being semi-retired by 40.
His journey into business ownership began with a trip around Australia. After leaving Sydney in the early 1990s, he decided Perth was a good place to start a business.
He had $5,000 tied up in investments and, despite the financial hardships of travelling, left that money untouched, knowing he would use it for a business one day.
After working in a commercial furniture operation, Mr Collins and a workmate decided to start their own business.
“We knew nothing about business, just how to make furniture,” he said.
“We started the business a 240 square metre factory. Within 18 months we had no room.
“When we moved to our new premises, I didn’t know how we would fill it. Now we’re bucking for space.”
Mr Collins said he knew exactly where he wanted his business to go. However, he found himself caught between working in his business and working on his business.
“I wanted to have a hands-on role and to be involved – but running the business is more important,” he said.
“I always wanted to service our clients better but I was too busy in other areas, such as making the furniture.”
His partner Bev Letton joined the company in 1998 and took on the marketing full-time.
Hughmark has made its mark in WA’s furniture industry, winning two Furniture Industry Association of Australia awards for its designs.