2013
The concept begins
Alex and Meaghan set out to combine equipment distribution, finance and ongoing service.
Our Story
Co-founders Alex Aldis and Meaghan Montgomery share their journey so far.
Founders
The people and purpose behind Flexikitch
Alex Aldis and Meaghan Montgomery started Flexikitch with a practical idea: make commercial kitchen equipment easier to access, easier to finance and easier to keep running.
From a home office idea to backing hospitality businesses across Australia
Like many start-ups, Flexikitch had humble beginnings in a home office with a handful of employees.
Its founders Meaghan Montgomery and Alex Aldis had developed a concept that combined the distribution, financing and ongoing service of commercial kitchen equipment, along with support and advice to help each customer thrive and grow.
Within a short time Flexikitch had spread its wings and was recognised as one of Australia's fastest-growing businesses by the Australian Financial Review in 2017 and 2018, and named among the AFR Fast 100 in 2020.
The idea was born in 2013 when Alex, after 20 years as a chef and restaurant and cafe owner, resolved to fix the issues around leasing and servicing kitchen equipment.
Meaghan was able to draw on her hospitality experience, plus her corporate background working in sales with the likes of Telstra, Optus and Energy Australia, to help get the concept up and running.
We've worked in the hospitality business ourselves; we understand how hard it can be, but we've also experienced that buzz you get when it is a full house and the kitchen is pumping.
Alex Aldis
Key moments in the Flexikitch journey
The story has grown quickly, but it has stayed anchored in the same idea: practical equipment support for hospitality operators.
2017
More room to grow
Flexikitch moved to larger facilities in Coburg, with more warehouse space and offices for the growing team.
2017-2018
Fast growth recognised
The Australian Financial Review recognised Flexikitch as one of Australia's fastest-growing businesses.
2020
AFR Fast 100
Flexikitch was named among the AFR Fast 100.
A business built around relationships
Since founding their dream business eight years ago, Alex, Meaghan and their hand-picked team have backed the dreams of many others in the hospitality and food retail industries, with a unique end-to-end solution across finance and equipment supply, and a strong emphasis on personal, tailored support for their customers.
"We are passionate about providing old-fashioned customer service with the support of innovation through technology," explains Meaghan. "We draw on the experience of old banker days, where customers actually got to know the person they were dealing with for a transaction. Our business has been significantly referral driven and is all built around relationships."
Alex says the early days were hard work, but it was exciting to see the business unfold and prosper.
Culture has always been part of the bigger picture
"Right from the start, team culture was extremely important to us," says Meaghan. "As leaders we want our team to understand we do not always know the right way, so we empower them to take ownership of decisions and they become involved in the bigger picture."
Alex says their aim is to make coming to work enjoyable. Staff receive paid wellbeing days off throughout the year, recognising the importance of promoting social and emotional wellbeing in the workplace.
Meaghan adds that the company also holds wellbeing days in-house, which incorporate massage, all-day grazing, juice bars, music and meditation.
What still guides the business
People
The right team
"Our people are truly our most important asset," says Meaghan.
Principles
Integrity and inclusivity
Having the right team around the business is a crucial core value and vision for the company.
Community
Helping others
Meaghan and Alex are actively involved with the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and support groups at the Royal Women's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit.
Championing the people behind hospitality businesses
Their passion for helping others and strong family and community values are also evident in their business, particularly with the emotional and practical support offered to their clients all over Australia during the Covid crisis.
A core value of the business is understanding that customers are people who have invested in themselves financially, emotionally and physically to create businesses that ultimately benefit society.
Alex says he is constantly inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of everyday Aussies with a dream.
People in the hospitality industry have always been known for their passion, grit and determination. We want our customers to feel supported in the knowledge we have their back in good times and bad, and we enjoy nothing more than playing a small part in their success.
