A tribute to Franco Bortolin

A tribute to Franco Bortolin 
by Mark Canavan, Marketing and Vendor Relations Manager, Graphic Art Mart  

Gianfranco Bortolin was born on 28 June 1965,  but to all of us he was Franco. Franco started his career in the Signage Distribution Industry in 1985 with Discount Sign Supplies. He joined Graphic Art Mart in 1992 at Annandale looking after sales for NSW. The business grew significantly over the next few years, with moves to Girraween and then to North Rocks. On the back of his success in Sydney, Franco and wife Vanessa then led the geographic expansion of Graphic Art Mart into Queensland, setting up the first branch in Albion. Since then, the business has continued to expand, movin to Geebung and then to the current location in Virginia.

Franco was always willing to help. He started off selling paints and had a passion for brushes. He was heavily involved in ‘Letterheads ‘and helping develop young apprentices at the TAFE colleges across Sydney and Brisbane. Franco was also a fantastic leader. He built an amazing team in Brisbane, and helped young people grow into talented and experienced leaders in the industry.

Franco was a unique person. A talented sportsman, avid sailor, and fast-talking coffee connoisseur. It was not uncommon for him to bring his own coffee machine to events! He was a dedicated husband to Vanessa and doting father to Zara, who became the centre of his world. Franco was charismatic, passionate, caring and generous, and would do anything for those he cared about.

A beautiful son to Natale and Gilda, and wonderful brother to Maurice and Trish, he had an enormous heart and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Franco will forever be in the hearts of the team at Graphic Art Mart.