Icons
Noel Kiely In this issue we take a look back at one of the industry’s true Icons – Noel Kiely. He is without a doubt a maverick and a true individual of the flooring business who through the decades turned the flooring industry on its head and has left an indelible mark. This pictorial history is a testament to his hard work and determination. In his own words, Noel talks about his working life...
My work life began in the way many of my generation did by selecting a trade. I started as an apprentice Coppersmith at A E Atherton in Latrobe St Melbourne. I won the Beasley Award for "Apprentice of the Year" but Coppersmithing wasn't my scene. I started a buy & sell business (via Bourke Appliances) to work colleagues, friends & family &. built up such a good business that Bourkes employed me. That's when I was drawn to the carpet / flooring industry and about four years later decided to start my own business Doncaster Furnishers in East Doncaster. I opened for business on the day our currency changed from pounds to dollars which is now 52 years ago. My main interest was carpets even though we had a wonderful furniture business selling top quality locally made and imported furniture. The Scandinavian look was the look at that time.
www.flooringmagazine.com.au
Instore berber display.
Flooring April/May 2018 | 45