Founder & MD of Retail IQ, Founded & MD of Youthworks Group more
Having founded, built and sold a number of businesses, I have travelled the journey from small business owner to CEO of a reatail company with 16 store locations, 220 employees and annual sales of AUD$25M.
I have a deep appreciation for the roles that networks, influential leadership, perseverance,strategic management, operational excellence and innovative thinking all play in bringing about sustainable and improved commercial outcomes.
Having completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2008 and lecturing for an international University and a privately held global education center on a part-time basis, I remain committed to lifelong learning and the roles that both experience and education both play in developing sustainable competitive advantage.
As Founder and Managing Director of Retail IQ I oversee various aspects of the business including the provision of client advisory, recruitment and training services.
I founded the Youthworks retail fashion business in 1993 as a single store operation in Adelaide. Sole Shoes was then launched in 2000 as a lateral expansion of the Youthworks business. Over a period of 12 years, the company grew to 16 retail stores located across Adelaide and Melbourne, $25M annual sales, 220 employees and earned a national reputation for retailing excellence and marketing innovation. Youthworks Group was recognised with in excess of 20 industry based awards, culminating in winning the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Retailer of the Year award in 2003.
Business Awards
2011 Australian Business Arts Foundation (ABAF) award – for Rundle Mall’s innovative collaboration with the Adelaide Fringe Inc
2009 Entrepreneurs’ Organisation SA Chapter – Inducted into the Hall of Fame
2007 Entrepreneurs’ Organisation SA Chapter – Member of the Year 2007 presented by Westpac Business Banking
2004 Ernst & Young - Entrepreneur of the Year - Central Region (SA & NT) Finalist
2003 Australian Retailers Association – Retailer of the Year Award SA - Winner
2001 Australian Retailers Association – Retailer of the Year Award SA - Finalist
1999 Australian Catalogue Awards – Gold Award - Winner
1998 Australian Catalogue Award – Finalist
1998 Design Institute of Australia (DIA) – Retail Design Award - Winner
1998 Australia Day Council – Business Achievement Award - Winner
1997 The Myer Centre Adelaide – Retailer of the Year Award - Winner
