Page 113 - Port Douglas Magazine 41

ANGELO

& RENAE extending her educational influence beyond the classroom to

MARANO their home life. Here, she assumes responsibility for the children’s
education, while Angelo excels in managing finances, a role aligned
with his career expertise.
Their harmonious partnership thrives on compromise, with Renae’s
laid-back approach complementing Angelo’s decisiveness. Their
communication is characterised by directness and honesty.
Despite Angelo’s demanding schedule, running a successful
MARANO’S FUEL, a cherished family enterprise in the Douglas Shire, business, not conforming to the typical CEO mould, managing
has been a cornerstone of Far North Queensland for more than multiple roles within the company, and surviving on three hours
six decades, supplying essential fuel and oils to businesses and of sleep per night, he always prioritises family above all else and
communities alike. recognises the importance of taking breaks. Together with Renae,
Leading this enduring legacy is CEO Angelo Marano, a third- they prioritise family travel and have explored about 20 countries
generation steward who guides with unwavering dedication. together.
Beside him is his life partner, Renae Marano, whose passion lies in In their sons, Lewis and Stirling, they see reflections of their own
education as a devoted secondary school teacher. Together, they aspirations and dreams. Encouraging them to pursue their own
form an impressive team, balancing the demands of business with interests and passions, Angelo and Renae instil into their boys values
their commitment to community and family values. of independence and resilience, preparing them for the future,
Angelo proudly carries on the tradition initiated by his ancestors, without imposing any expectation to join the family business.
tracing back to 1920 when his great-grandfather, also named As a family, they share a love for nature. They thoroughly enjoy
Angelo, migrated from Italy to lease a sugar cane farm in Saltwater going out on their boat with the family and enjoy the breathtaking
Creek, north of Cairns. This marked the inception of Marano Fuel’s surroundings. Their Italian heritage infuses warmth and vibrancy
journey, with the establishment of the first service station at Miallo, into their lives, evident in their love for family gatherings and culinary
where the primary Marano’s Fuel depot still operates today. traditions, from crafting homemade pasta sauce to hosting birthday
In 1964, Angelo’s two sons, Joe and Sam Marano, expanded parties with 90 relatives.
the business further, acquiring several sugar cane farms and Living here offers a lifestyle they hold dear, embracing the heat that
broadening the distribution of fuels and oils. others may find intolerable. During the wet season, they particularly
Growing up as one of Joe’s six children, Angelo absorbed the values enjoy sitting at the Courthouse Hotel in Port Douglas with cold beers,
of hard work and dedication, yet his entry into the family business relishing the tranquil atmosphere as they watch the rain, a cherished
was initially uncertain. His inclination towards independence, tradition that reflects their appreciation for life’s simple joys.
unusual in Italian families, led to clashes with his father. Seeking new Their path intertwines with the beating heart of the Douglas Shire,
horizons, Angelo pursued business management studies at JCU in resonating with the vibrant spirit of their home and the enduring
Cairns, later spending 12 years at ANZ Bank before finally embracing power of family bonds.
his heritage and joining the family business in 2006.
Despite the initial disagreements with his father, Angelo now maranos.com.au
recognises that these challenges strengthened their bond. With Joe
now semi-retired, the family business continues without his day-to-
day involvement.
As CEO, Angelo has steered remarkable growth, expanding from 15
to 170 employees and from a handful of trucks to 18, with operations
spanning 15 service stations.
This success wouldn’t have been possible without his life partner,
Renae, whose story intertwines with Angelo’s through their families’
long-standing connection. Attending the same school, Renae’s initial
lack of interest in Angelo didn’t prevent fate from bringing them
together, a turn of events she now considers the best thing that ever
happened to her.
Now happily married for 20 years, Angelo and Renae have two
children, Louis and Sterling. Their vow renewal ceremony at the
stunning Sugar Wharf in Port Douglas celebrated 15 years of love
and commitment.
As a committed school teacher at Mossman State High School,
Renae shares her passion for dance and literature with her students,