Summary: Who: Franz Madlener founder of Villa and Hut When: 7pm, Tuesday May 11th, 2010 Where: NEW VENUE – Collins Quarter, 86a Collins Street, Melbourne RSVP: melbourne@thehive.com.au or on the Facebook event. Cost: FREE! Franz Madlener founder of Villa and Hut Franz Madlener owned his first retail store at the age of 18 and built it up into a small chain of stores specialising in surf and denim before accepting a buy-out. Franz went on to work for the Australian Retailers Association as their Senior Retail Consultant, working with clients such as British American Tobacco, Giants Liquor, and The Federal Governments’ Business Development Forum. In 1999, Franz invested just $12,000 to buy a container of handcrafted furniture from Java, and Villa & Hut was born. By 2001, the business had gone global with stores in the UK under a licensing structure, and by 2003, Villa & Hut’s ‘Kafe’ branded restaurants opened, using the same Global theme offering live music and food. By 2008, 30 Villa & Hut stores had opened around the planet such that annual turnover of the brand is exceeded $20 million, with over 3000 people directly or indirectly employed by the brand. In 2007 Franz was nominated as a finalist in the prestigious Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, and his Brand recognized by BRW magazine as one of Australia’s fastest growing companies, as well as one of Australia’s top rated Franchise brands on the BRW Fast Franchise list. His Villa & Hut brand has also been awarded as a finalist in the smartcompany.com top 50 businesses 3 years in a row, and named as one of Australia’s Coolest Businesses in the Anthill top 50 Cool Company Awards. A Smart Fast & Cool Upstart Entrepreneur! In May 2009, Allied Brands Ltd, one of Australia’s leading retail public companies & specialty franchise organizations took notice, and by June 2009 the Villa & Hut Brand was acquired by Allied Brands, with Franz staying on as Chief Executive Officer of the Villa & Hut Group. Sponsors www.smsglobal.com.au
