After almost four decades as the ACT’s only one stop shop for builders, homeowners and renovators, Cirillo Lighting and Ceramics (Cirillo) has sold its first franchise.
The Moharami family will open a Sydney showroom at 535 Pittwater Road, Brookvale: a popular home improvement retail hub and the family’s local community.
After comparing Cirillo to other franchise opportunities, the Moharami family decided it was a strongest business model available. The family was also drawn to the design of Cirillo’s Italian products.
“No other franchise offers high quality tiles, lights, bathroom-ware and kitchen appliances under the one roof,” explains Sam Moharami. “We were also impressed with the quality of the products, the presentation of the showroom and Cirillo’s commitment to customer service.”
Sam, the father of the family, is an electrical engineer with over 35 years of management and business experience. He will manage the Brookvale store on a full-time basis, working alongside his daughter-in-law, Bita. Sons, Bob and Ben will continue to pursue their professions but will both be involved in the franchise, which is seen as a crucial part of their future in Australia.
Managing Director, Joe Cirillo, identified franchising as the logical way to expand the third-generation family business in 2013, and has spent nearly three years refining the franchise offering. As part of Joe’s research, Sydney’s Northern Beaches were identified as a prime location for the first franchise.
“Franchising was the next organic step for us,” says Joe. “The Canberra business is a gem, but with the city’s population under 400,000, further expansion in the ACT is difficult. Additionally, there is a clear gap in the market in other states, as no one is offering a one-stop shop solution. Franchising the business means homeowners in other states can benefit from our model. “
Joe knows that the quality and success of the first franchise partner is key to the ongoing growth of the network, and the Moharami family is seen an ideal fit. The Canberra business is grounded in strong family values and this will now be replicated with another family run operation. Joe was also impressed with the Moharami’s passion for quality products.
“It is very humbling for Cirillo to have granted the Moharami family as our first franchisees; the perfect strategic fit on all levels,” says Joe. “Finding them has given us confidence that our selection process will attract suitable partners who recognise the strength of our offering.”