Joe Fusca

Chairs in Western Sydney

Biography

Joe has over 30 years of experience in fitout and refurbishment within the Sydney market.

He is currently the Managing Director of Graphite Projects Pty Ltd, a company he founded in 2012. The company employs 35 staff and has completed numerous projects for leading organisations.

Before establishing Graphite, Joe held the position of NSW State Manager at ISIS Group (now Shape), where he managed a business with approximately $100 million in annual turnover and 65 staff. During this time, he served on several senior management committees focused on implementing an HR Management System and leading the company rebrand in partnership with Lander & Associates.

It was also during this period that Joe participated in a two-year LSI – Human Synergistics executive coaching program, which further developed his skills in leadership, coaching, conflict resolution, and change management.

These skills, coupled with a Master of Management qualification from MGSM, have equipped him with the tools required to establish and grow a successful business.

Joe has previously participated in the NAWIC mentoring programs in 2015 and 2021.

His early career began with an engineering apprenticeship at Qantas Airways Ltd, where he spent 15 years and eventually became a foreman in the 747 Jet Engine line. During his time at Qantas, Joe completed several training programs in people management, team building, leadership, and motivation.

After leaving Qantas, he became a partner in an automotive repair and vehicle wrecking business for five years.

Married with three adult children, Joe has a strong interest in the development of people, sales, marketing, and business development.

Career Highlight

Although climbing through the ranks of a national organisation to become the state manager of its largest state was incredibly rewarding, there is no doubt that the highlight of my career has been to establish and grow Graphite along with my co-founders.

The business was ‘mapped out’ on the back of a beer coaster. We had to come up with a name, a brand, a vision, and then put the back-of-house framework of the business together. All of the things you take for granted in a large organisation had to be established — Financial, Legal, Insurance, Systems, HR, and Marketing frameworks, all from scratch.

It was a great experience and extremely rewarding. Today, Graphite is a well-respected organisation in the highly competitive fit-out and refurbishment market.

Beyond this, the other gratifying aspect has been witnessing the development of many exceptional young men and women with whom I have crossed paths over the years.

Why Coraggio

Establishing an running a successful business through the highs and lows can be challenging, and for many it can be a lonely place. Having been a member of Coraggio twice over the years, I have witnessed its development into a professional organisation that makes a tangible difference. Through an open, honest, safe, and genuine framework, business owners can share their collective wisdom, offer an unbiased view, and often achieve great outcomes. There is something quite special about that, and I’m excited to be part of it moving forward.