Kitchens could be the heart of the home.
Growing up in NSW, Mark was surrounded by hardworking tradespeople and a community that valued dedication and honesty.
These values shaped his character from the beginning. He wasn’t content just working on projects; he wanted to build something lasting, something that would reflect his commitment to quality and people.
The Birth of Harrington Kitchens
In the early 1990s, Mark made a bold decision. From a small home office and workshop, he started Harrington Kitchens.
He had no investors, no flashy marketing campaigns, just a few tools, determination, and the vision of creating kitchens that combined beauty with functionality.
Those first years weren’t easy. Mark wore every hat in the business: designer, builder, salesperson, and delivery driver. He poured countless hours into meeting clients face-to-face, listening to their dreams, and ensuring every detail was right.
His reputation spread not through advertising, but through word-of-mouth, as families began to recommend him to neighbours and friends.
Staying in Business — The Real Challenge
While starting a business was tough, staying in business became the true test. Over 30 years, Mark and his team faced changing design trends, economic downturns, and the growing competition of large-scale retailers.
The Global Financial Crisis tightened budgets, supply chain challenges made projects unpredictable, and the pandemic tested resilience once again.
Yet through it all, Harrington Kitchens endured. The key? Mark’s unwavering focus on people: both customers and staff. He built a company culture where relationships mattered as much as craftsmanship. Every client was assigned a dedicated consultant from start to finish, ensuring the process was personal, not transactional.
His employees became family, many staying with the business for years.
Scaling with Integrity
What started at a kitchen table grew into a thriving company with a dedicated manufacturing facility, two showrooms in Narellan and Bowral, and a team of over 25 locals.
Mark insisted on using Australian-made materials wherever possible, prioritising quality and supporting local suppliers.
This balance of growth and integrity is what turned Harrington Kitchens into more than just a business. It became a trusted brand in the Macarthur and Southern Highlands regions.
Lessons from 30 Years in Business
Mark’s journey with Harrington Kitchens offers timeless lessons for entrepreneurs:
• Starting is only half the battle. Longevity requires resilience, adaptability, and commitment to evolving with your market.
• Customer trust is everything. Treat every project as personal, not just a transaction.
• Culture sustains growth. Build a team that believes in the same values and you’ll weather challenges together.
• Stay true to your roots. In an age of mass production, quality craftsmanship and authenticity never go out of style.
Looking Ahead
As Harrington Kitchens celebrates 30 years, Mark remains as passionate as ever about his work. His success is not defined by flashy expansion or overnight wins, but by steady growth, genuine relationships, and kitchens that stand the test of time.
It’s a story that reflects the Australian dream: a humble start-up built with grit, resilience, and community spirit, now thriving three decades on.
Visit: www.harringtonkitchens.com.au