General News
16 August, 2023
“I’m going to miss coming to work”
GARY and Dorothy Crimmin will close the doors to their iconic family business after almost 80 years.
GARY and Dorothy Crimmin will close the doors to their iconic family business after almost 80 years.
The business has been among the longest serving small family businesses in Terang after Frank and Beryl Crimmin grew the business from a backyard shed to an institution of High Street.
Crimmins Floor Covering is now owned and operated by Frank and Beryl’s son, Gary, who joined the business 47 years ago.
Speaking with Western District Newspapers this week, Mr Crimmin said his career began as an apprentice after wanting to swap the classroom for something hands-on.
“I didn’t want to go to school, basically,” he said.
“I thought about an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic but my father wanted me to do an apprenticeship in upholstery.
“My first apprenticeship was as an upholsterer, doing everything from chairs and lounge suits to automotive trimming for cars, buggies, boats and sulkies.
“Whatever needed upholstering, I did it.”
From there Mr Crimmin moved on to an apprenticeship with Armstrong-Nylex where he would hone his skills in commercial vinyl and carpet laying.
With the dedication he had shown it was a clear choice for him to take the reigns when Frank retired, with he and wife Dorothy stepping in to continue the momentum Frank and Beryl had built.
“(Dad) passed away around 16 years ago and we’ve been here together for the last 25 years,” Mr Crimmin said.
“Dad started in the shed in his backyard, and was there a long time before he got in to a shop.
“He was probably in the shed in the backyard for around 10 years before moving in to our first shop, which is now the IGA Supermarket.
“That was our original shop before we moved up in to the current premises.”
The workload did not subside over the decades, with thousands of projects completed from household jobs to large commercial commitments.
“We’ve never been out of work,” Mr Crimmin said.
“Never been sitting back wondering what we would do over the next week
“There’s always been a backlog of three or four months in front of us – even through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mr Crimmin thanked the staff who have played a key role over the years, both for their commitment and willingness to hone their skills.
He said he wanted to make particular mention of Leon Farrell, who had spent almost 40 years with the business, through thick and thin.
“The staff we’ve had here have been wonderful, and fully qualified in every aspect from carpet laying to motor trimming and upholstery, to vinyl laying, floor sanding and tiling.
“Leon Farrell has been our longest serving employee, he’s been with the business for 37 years.
“He’s been happy here, and I’m happy he’s been here.
“He knew his job and has done a good job all the time.”
Gary and Dorothy will take a moment to catch their breath after their many decades dedicated to the business.
“Once we get the store sorted and tied away we can move on to other things,” he said.
“But we’ll get to spend a bit more time with the kids, and then probably look to do a bit of travel.”
The doors will stay open over the coming weeks as remaining products are sold, with half price specials currently drawing in plenty of interest from the community.
After almost 50 years Mr Crimmin said he knew the time was right, but acknowledged it wouldn’t be easy to step away.
“I’m going to miss coming to work,” he said.
