Dream Doors founder’s next chapter

Derek Lilly (left) with Adrian Kay, Dream Doors NZ's Managing Director

Derek Lilly, the co-founder of the Dream Doors kitchen refurbishment company, has sold his interest in the US side of the business as part of a strategy to develop the company  globally.

Dream Doors entered the USA in 2018, after spending four years investigating the local market. The first master franchisee, in California, also took a stake in the parent company operated by a board of highly-experienced local businesspeople. With input from local market experts, the company was re-branded as ‘EatGatherLove’ to reflect the social benefits of having a great-looking kitchen at a reduced cost. Business has grown rapidly, with 12 franchise areas already sold.

Under the new arrangement, details of which remain confidential, Derek has sold the Eat Gather Love rights to the US based company, while retaining the IP rights for the rest of the world. Derek’s partner in Dream Doors New Zealand, Richard Prout, will remain on the board of the US company as well as the advisory boards of the New Zealand and new EatGatherLove global operations. New developments will be shared between all parties.

‘As a result, the change will not affect our existing Dream Doors franchisees in New Zealand and Australia in any significant way,’ says Derek. ‘I will still be involved in Dream Doors NZ, with the award-winning Adrian Kay as its Managing Director, and we will continue to grow the business here with opportunities for new franchisees in many parts of the country.’ Derek will continue in his CEO role for in NZ the foreseeable future.

‘At the same time, I will be looking to expand the business around the world. 80 percent of our kitchen refurbishment business globally is based on the concept of re-utlilising existing cabinetry and refacing surfaces. Of course you have to install new elements sometimes, but our aim is to create as little waste as possible, and we are constantly working on ways to reduce our carbon footprint. With environmental concerns now greater than ever, that puts Dream Doors and EatGatherLove right on trend.

‘Now we can continue to grow and share that experience with the world.’