SA Chapter HALL OF FAME

Web: www.beaumont-tiles.com.au

With just £1000 ($2000) capital, Raymond John Beaumont established a small stationery and gift wholesale business during the mid 1940s selling to stores throughout Adelaide city. In 1960 Ray recognised an opportunity – builders had commented that tiles were difficult to obtain. As he had formed some contacts through his business, he decided to branch into ceramic tiles. He placed his first order and established a new brand, Beaumont Tiles, operating from a single garage behind his home at Glengowrie.

The idea was a success! So the second and the third orders were added; and then, in 1965, Ray purchased a city-based warehouse at 203 Wright Street, Adelaide. This was extended with the purchase of an adjacent property, and a third at the rear.

Ray and Verna Beaumont had four sons. In 1968, their son, Bob Beaumont, joined the company. The other sons joined the business in various capacities over the years.

The purchase of property at 200 Grote Street in 1974 meant that a showroom and warehouse could be located on a single site and still stands as part of Beaumont Tiles’ premier showroom.

In 1980, the first interstate branch was opened in Darwin, and expansion of sites into the suburbs of Adelaide began. The product range was also expanded in 1983 – the beginning of an aggressive growth period into rural South Australia and the other states. In 1990, Beaumont purchased Australia’s largest tile supplier, Crosby Tiles.

Ray and Verna were active board members of the business for many years. Bob became managing director and, as Ray approached 90, Bob also took on the role of Chairman in recent years. All four brothers are currently on the board and claim to have never argued over an issue. Third generation, Christie, joined the company in 2005 after university studies, and so the family commitment continues.

In spite of recessions, interest rate rises and strong competition, in their lifetime, Ray and Verna Beaumont lived to see their humble beginnings in the garage-based tile business grow to become the biggest and most successful tile distributor in Australia, with outlets in five states and territories and employing over 400 staff, with a further 400 in franchised stores.