Australia's first mobile hardware franchise launched from Townsville

Online, October 8, 2009 (Newswire.com) - A TOWNSVILLE man is starting to rollout plans to transform his successful mobile building hardware and supply business into a recognised international brand.
Steve Bertucci has operated his own business for eight years around the Townsville area servicing the building industry, from tradespeople to builders, and taking hardware directly to work sites so tradies never have to leave.
But an ambitious Steve and his young family are now looking at the bigger picture: They have turned the original business into a franchise model under the banner of Hardware 2 Site and are now giving others an opportunity to become part of Australia's first mobile hardware franchise.
"We are excited about offering this rare and valuable franchise opportunity into a market that has not been exposed to a franchise model of this kind before," Steve said.
"This is a unique concept where the owner operator takes a mobile hardware 'walk-in store' directly to building sites."
The van contains everything from trade hardware to locks in quality and respected brands, and is also equipped with mobile eftpos machines for the convenience of on-site purchasing.
Steve said the main benefit was that tradies no longer wasted valuable time and money by leaving their site when they ran out of product, or suffered the inconvenience of packing-up to source more material.
He was confident the concept would take off in other areas like the business had in Townsville.
"The hardware industry is a billion dollar industry in Australia and there are endless customers to supply," Steve said.
"We couldn't be more excited about the potential of this business because home builders, owner-builders, DIY, trade, construction and associated industries all need hardware.
"Businesses are always building new homes, units and office blocks or they are renovating."
Steve and his wife Kristen originally started up on their own after Steve became frustrated working for a big company in the building industry where he would make promises to customers and have no control over whether they would be met.
"I now have control of my financial future, work my own hours, spend more time with my children and I can build the business and reputation I want - this combined with the world's demand for hardware makes Hardware 2 Site a very attractive business opportunity," Steve said.
Someone else who thinks the Bertuccis are onto a winner is The Franchise Institute's managing director James Corne, who has been helping Steve to develop the systems to have his business franchise-ready.
"No-one else is doing what Steve does so there is a huge opportunity to take the concept nationally and even internationally," Mr Corne said.
"Steve is dedicated, has finetuned his systems and is in a position to offer support. This concept is great for people who need a change, want to get out of the office, love working with people and want instant customer satisfaction - in that sense Steve has it all in the box with Hardware 2 Site."
Steve and Kristen have begun their search for people who want to become franchisees and there are opportunities locally in Townsville and Australia wide.
"We are looking for people who are motivated and want to work for themselves and don't want the expense of high overheards, staffing issues and expensive shopfronts," Steve said.
"This is Australia's first mobile hardware franchise and we are very focused and passionate about building the brand and the success of the company.
"Those with an interest should get in now while the franchise is more affordable because we see the concept and brand tripling in three years."
Interested parties can contact 1300 685 687 or visit www.hardware2site.com.au for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Hardware 2 Site director Steve Bertucci on 0404 001 762.