Changing of the Guard
After 30 years at the helm, business founder Phillip Smart and Suzanne Mimnaw have recently sold their highly regarded local forklift dealership, Smart Forks (previously known as Suncoast Forklifts).
This Kunda Park based business has in excess of 150 forklifts in their fleet. These are on permanent or short-term hire to a diverse array of businesses Coast wide. The dealership also offers sales of new and used forks which are backed up by a reputable service and parts department.
The new owners taking on the challenge are Paul and Kath Loiacono, who relocated to the Sunshine Coast with their young family from NSW’s Central Coast early last year. Paul and Kath are no strangers to the forklift industry, they are highly experienced operators who have retained ownership of their dealership near Gosford known as Forklogic.
Paul reflects the Central Coast is a wonderful place; however, we felt the Sunshine Coast offered so much more. We relocated so the kids (twin boys and our daughter) can do their senior years here and we can all become part of the community. Doing business here is so much more relaxed, the climate is better, the traffic is calmer, people are less stressed and the growth opportunities in business are endless, we absolutely love it here!
I had contemplated starting a new dealership here, however, last May Rod from Savvy Business advertised Smart Forks which got my attention. Buying such a reputable business with so much history and long-term staff in place, was very attractive, so I didn’t hesitate to contact Rod to learn more…the rest is history!
No doubt this purchase was meant to be, Phillip and I have similar business acumen and beliefs and business operations are so similar. We know “old fashion service” is key to retaining custom, as is looking after the highly talented team that are in place at Smart Forks, they are the real assets of the business says Paul.
Coincidently, both Phillip and Paul both started their careers as auto electricians. This has led to an intimate knowledge of how the machines operate and the problems that can occur.
It was a pleasure to be involved in this sale, Team Savvy wish Paul & Kath every success with their new venture and life on the Sunshine Coast. We also wish Phillip and Suzanne a long, healthy, adventurous and happy retirement, they certainly deserve it.