By CASEY NEILL
HAIRHOUSE Warehouse Parkmore owner Tony Margaritis and wife Sophie took over the store in August 2010 when its franchisor noticed opportunity for growth going untapped.
In three years, the Keysborough store’s turnover has increased by 50 per cent and it now employs 10 people.
The Margaritis entered the Hairhouse Warehouse chain through a chance meeting with company co-founder Joseph Lattouf.
Awards chairman James Sturgess said Mr Margaritis and Mr Lattouf immediately built a rapport.
“With Tony’s long history in retail sales as a sales representative for major organisations, he took the plunge to go into a family business,” he said.
“What really struck Tony about the meeting was the passion of Joseph for hair care products, the business model and the desire to grow and develop.”
The Margaritis established the Cranbourne store soon after, devoting all their time to the business for two years.
“Tony understood that it was the one-percenters that were the key to growing a client base and retaining a client base,” Mr Sturgess said.
They also ran, improved and sold the Dandenong store before taking on Parkmore.
The Margaritis were inducted into the Hairhouse Warehouse Hall of Fame in 2010.
Mr Sturgess said their commitment to service excellence was a huge part of the success.
They conduct regular training sessions for staff, and “tweak” the store appearance to keep it fresh.
“And Tony and Sophie constantly go above and beyond the call of duty to help Parkmore in any way they can to give back to the centre,” Mr Sturgess said.
“Tony goes out of his way to help other retailers think of marketing ideas as he believes this will benefit every retailer and customer.”
NOMINEE – Small Business, Retail, Service Excellence and Premier Regional Business.
