NEW CHAPTER FOR KEVIN HOGAN OF 'HOGAN'S'

Kevin’s career in the industry began in 1951 at just 17 years old, when he started his first job at Taylor’s Furnishings & Haberdashery Store in Warrnambool. Over the years he worked his way up from being a fitter to store assistant to store manager.

In 1973, Kevin and his wife moved from Warrnambool to manage the newly opened Taylor’s Store in Mount Waverley. Kevin ran Taylor’s until the early 1990s when he spotted an opportunity in the form of a vacant shop six blocks away from Taylor’s, establishing his own business from scratch. Hogan’s Curtains and Blinds was born.

In 2012 he sold the business to Linten Pty Ltd, which had been manufacturing the retailer’s window furnishings for 20+ years, continuing to work time in the business until 2018.

“Regarded as a highly effective business owner, with an outfit still open and operating after 26 years, Kevin built up a very good reputation in the industry,” said Hogan’s work associate Natasha. “He had a strong commitment to customer service that focused on each client’s unique requirements and his abilities were recognised when he was nominated as a Local Business Finalist in the Waverley Leader paper. He also supported the School of Interior Design by hiring newly qualified interior designers.”

“Loyalty to both staff and customers was a hallmark of Kevin’s style. Our current fitter Geoff has been working with Hogan’s since the day it first opened. Clientele loyalty has been gained and maintained during his time as the owner.”

In a world where newness is everything, Natasha said Kevin’s old fashioned, traditional approach to supplying timeless must have drapes and sheer curtains would be missed.

“Kevin’s wealth of knowledge has been an invaluable asset to the industry. Hard working and outstanding in customer service, he always found it easy to talk to and get to know customers.”

“When we asked Kevin what he’ll miss most, he answered: ‘I will miss the fabric smell when you open up first thing in the morning and the people, interacting with customers and making them happy.’ When clients came in and saw that Kevin was still working they’d always say: ‘Oh it’s lovely to see Mr Hogan is still around’.”

“Mr Hogan and his work ethic will be deeply missed and we wish him all the best with his retirement and this next chapter. His life passion has been his work, however he loves to socialise and spend time with his wife, grand-daughter and great grandson.”