Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, likeable and switched on
Graham Beale does not wear a cape – and his underpants are definitely on the INSIDE – but that doesn’t slow him down in the superhero stakes. He’s a fully committed tornado of change and he’s sweeping across the sunny state of NSW. Graham, you see, believes in wallpaper. He’s seen a lot happen in the decorating industry over the years and he knows that there’s nothing like the right wallcovering to bring personality and creativity to a residential or commercial property. Today’s wallpapers are amazing and carry a huge range of designs, textures, colours and special finishes. But this outgoing hero of the highways and backroads didn’t just pop up overnight. He has acquired a vast knowledge and appreciation for the product after years of hard toil and thinking outside the square.
Wallpaper is coming back. Anyone can slap on some paint, so the market really needs the exciting possibilities created by modern wallpaper
Graham grew up in Bantry Bay, which he tells us was once regarded as the end of the earth. “No kerbing, no guttering, the bus terminated there and we sometimes had to fight bushfires!” His first job was stuffing letterboxes with political flyers. Even in his youth, this pedestrian pursuit gave him the opportunity to take a long look at the diverse architecture in every street. He also hardened his thighs and calves, shaping them into rock hard pistons that remain impressive to this day.
A bit later he took a job at a hardware store in Balgowlah, where his basic knowledge of structural design began to take shape. This led him to Feast Watson, a company that pioneered the use of wood finishing systems and is now a nationally recognised name within the Dulux Group. Graham worked his way up from Sales Rep, to Retail Operations Manager, then finally Brand Manager.
Finally, he was ready to take the big step of going out on his own and formed the Beale Industrial Group. The company set about representing a range of manufacturers and importers in the hardware, paint, flooring and automotive markets in NSW. Graham began to grow his customer base as he explored new markets and launched innovative products. Now he has brought all this experience to Hume Internationale, a company he can easily identify with as a true believer in the power of wallcoverings.
Don’t go into anything half-hearted, if your heart’s in it the sky’s the limit!
Why do you enjoy the wallcovering industry so much? You can give a room its own signature, you can create a specific ambience using the amazing range of wallpapers available in today’s market.
What’s your favourite wallpaper collection right now?There’s a New York cityscape that’s simply breathtaking, a wonderful addition to any modern space and it looks great in both black and silver.
Got any pearls of wisdom for budding decorators?Measure twice, cut once! Really think about your design beforehand, make sure you go over every detail carefully because preparation is everything.
And why is Hume the best option when it comes to wallcoverings?I like the people, they are passionate and they make it simple for their customers. They are always looking to develop the company, to make it the very best, plus they really do have everything you need.
So if you’re thinking of breathing new life into your walls, follow Graham’s lead and take the plunge! Give us a call today on (03) 9335 6711 or explore everything we have to offer online now.