A Legacy of Care Kari Ravizza and the Heart of McCathies Furniture Plus

Honouring the legacy of a family business established long before she was born, Kari Ravizza has spent the past 13 years as Managing Director of McCathies Furniture Plus, though in many ways, she has been part of its story her entire life.

Born and raised in Ayr, Kari grew up immersed in the rhythms of small business. After graduating from Ayr State High School, she initially followed a different calling, pursuing a Bachelor of Education at James Cook University in Townsville and embarking on a career as an Early Childhood Teacher.

“I had grown up in the family business, but I followed my passion for teaching straight after high school,” Kari said.

Teaching was a career she loved deeply, shaping her people-first approach to leadership. However, in 2011, an opportunity arose that would bring Kari and her husband Rob back to the Burdekin and into the family business.

The couple had always considered the Burdekin home, regularly returning with their children, Chelsea and Jye, to visit family. When the chance came to buy into McCathies Furniture Plus, the decision felt natural.

“At the start of 2013, we bought into the business, moved our family home, and I took leave from teaching to begin my career as a business owner,” Kari said.

McCathies Furniture Plus was first established in 1974 by Kari’s grandparents, Jack and Milly McCathie, before passing to her parents, John and Lyndy McCathie, in the 1990s. Today, Kari and Rob proudly lead the business as third-generation owners.

Throughout her 13 years managing the business, Kari has experienced many highs and lows, with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 standing out as both one of her greatest challenges and most unexpectedly rewarding periods.

“We went from fearing the worst to being the busiest we had ever been,” Kari recalled.

“With families spending more time at home, people began investing in their living spaces. Demand skyrocketed. It was exhausting — but incredibly rewarding.”

Yet for Kari, the most meaningful moments of business have never been about growth alone; they have always centred on people.

One moment from her early days in the business remains especially close to her heart.

“I remember helping a woman who had a terminal illness choose a mattress she would spend much of her remaining time on,” Kari said.

“It wasn’t about making a sale. It was about making sure she was comfortable and felt cared for.”

“That’s when I realised I’m not just selling furniture,” she said.

“I’m supporting people through some of the most important — and vulnerable — moments of their lives.”

That philosophy underpins everything Kari does. She believes business can be personal without losing professionalism and values genuine connection with staff, customers and the wider community.

Like many small business owners, Kari wears many hats — from managing staff and ordering stock to delivering furniture and sweeping floors.

Beyond the business, Kari is deeply involved in the local community, and she currently serves as Secretary of the Burdekin Chamber of Commerce and as the Ambassador Co-ordinator for the Burdekin Water Festival.

Outside of work, Kari enjoys audiobooks on her morning runs, playing the piano and singing (mostly in the shower). Yet, family remains at the centre of her world, and she and Rob are proud parents to Chelsea and Jye. The family also adores their beloved fur babies; Minus, a 17-year-old Pomeranian cross Chihuahua, and Holly, a 13-year-old Toy Poodle.

Looking ahead, Kari describes 2026 as a year of growth and change for McCathies Furniture Plus.

“I hope the risks we’re taking now have paid off,” she said, “and the business continues to be successful, well supported, and still supporting others in return.”

Compassionate, determined and genuine, Kari Ravizza’s leadership reflects not only the strength of a family legacy, but a deep commitment to people, community and purpose.

Q: Looking back, what do you wish your younger self understood about building a career or business as a woman?

A:  Looking back, I wish my younger self understood that where you are now is not always where you will be in the future. Things change, you grow, and opportunities come along that you never expected.

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