WHEN James Hogan saw a newspaper ad offering to sell a small drapery shop under the Story Bridge 30 years ago, he saw a modest business proposition.
The humble shop he purchased ultimately grew to a $100 million operation called Totally Workwear, with 65 outlets selling millions of pairs of boots, work shirts and hard hats every year.
There are now plans to expand the chain to 100 stores over the next few years. Mr Hogan, who sold the business to King Gee in 2000 but remains as the owner of several franchised shops, rode a wave of growth underpinned not only by the state’s economic expansion but by tougher health and safety regulations.
“In the early days, workers would get about in a blue singlet and shorts,” Mr Hogan said. “With improved health and safety there was a requirement for work boots and other safety gear.”
