Business Mentoring

Br John McMahon (OC63)

• Br John is very interested in supporting businesses in the Marcellin Network

Elvio DiZane (OC1971)

Elvio’s career commenced in banking. Having joined the ANZ after completing his HSC in 1972 he progressed through varying roles at branches to then moved on to their Training Centre in Melbourne.

In 1977 he travelled extensively throughout Europe to visit and reside in the region and towns of his Italian heritage. On his return in 1978, he joined the Barro Group in administration and was quickly seconded to a subsidiary business called Presto Building Panels as Plant Manager.

In 1979, Elvio joined British Paints and commenced his career as a sales representative. In 1981 he joined the Nylex Corporation. In 1983, he relocated to WA as State Sales Manager to integrate the merger of ACI and Nylex. He was asked to return to Victoria in 1984 to head up the sales operation. In 1986 Elvio was promoted to the role of Sales Manager National Hardware.

Later he joined Dulux Australia as State Trade Manager Vic/Tas. This involved managing 8 Dulux Trade Centres, and 10 Colormarket stores as well as Independent trade depots and distributors. In 1991 he was asked to head up the National Sales Operation & Administration of Dulux Retail coordinating sales operations, customer service marketing, finance and IT for a field force of 80 sales reps nationally.

In 1995, Elvio was approached by Shell Australia to be one of the first multi-site franchisees. He owned and managed 28 Shell service stations, 14 AutoCare workshops, 3 Carwashes, 1 Roadhouse and built the first Hungry Jacks under a Shell roof in Brisbane. Total staffing was 320.

In 1999, Elvio purchased the franchised group Barry’s The Home Improvers (formerly Mad Barry’s). Elvio set about restructuring the business. After a rationalisation there were 1 franchised and 7 company owned stores strategically placed from the north of Brisbane to the Gold Coast. Elvio sold the business in November 2010.

In 2011 Elvio joined Howards Storage World as Regional Manager – North looking after 8 franchised and 7 company owned stores from Darwin to the Gold Coast.

Elvio balances his work spending valued time with his wife of 37 years, his children; both married, a granddaughter and he is soon to be grandfather of twins. He is a keen cyclist and supporter of charities including MS for whom he raises funds and has this year committed to riding 160km on an organised ride in May.

Elvio’s mantra is “Business is a People Game” and believes the every career and business should be and can be successful!