James thrives on positive thinking
FIRST JOB — AND WHERE ARE YOU NOW? I started my working life at 12 helping the milko on his afternoon run around Everton Park in Brisbane. I made $2 an afternoon jumping off the back of a moving milk truck, fending off dogs and delivering the glass bottles to customers’ front doors.
Now I am senior sales executive for Savills Commercial Property agency on the Gold Coast.
BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
At all times remember who you are and what you stand for. Building wealth is a consequence of your environment. If you build a network of good people who challenge your decisions and provide positive feedback to learn and grow from, you will be richer for the experience.
WHAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU STARTED OUT?
I wish I had bought more commercial property in the 1990s.
YOUR GOLDEN RULES IN BUSINESS?
Treat others as you would like to be treated. Work hard and believe in yourself. Maintain high standards, display complete transparency, and provide frequent communication to build the trust of clients and colleagues.
A LONG LUNCH — A WASTE OF TIME OR ESSENTIAL? EXPLAIN
If you had asked me this question 10 years ago I would have said essential. Now as a middle-aged father of three active boys, I would have to be diplomatic and say it depends on who is at the lunch and what the lunch is for.
WHO IS ON YOUR BUSINESS MOBILE’S SPEED DIAL?
The boss (I mean my amazing wife, Jill). Company director, my mentor, PA and contracts administrator and vendors and buyers.
IF YOU HAD A $1 MILLION SPARE, WHAT INDUSTRY WOULD YOU BE INVESTING IN NOW?
Income-producing commercial property or invest in the retirement and aged-care sectors either by direct investment into the larger public-listed companies or through becoming an equity partner. As Australia has an ageing population with disposable incomes, the retirement industry has the most significant upside of any sector within the market.
WHAT SHOULD GOLD COAST PRIMARY STUDENTS STUDY?
I would like to see some practical financial studies implemented into schools. Subjects that cover basic topics like income versus expenditure, budgeting and saving.
As we live on the Gold Coast I would like to see a focus on surf lifesaving, learning to read currents/rips and resuscitation techniques, which would give them valuable tools as they mature.
BIGGEST FRUSTRATION DOING BUSINESS ON THE GOLD COAST? AND HOW TO FIX IT?
People who say ‘no’ is my biggest frustration. The only way to fix it is by leading by example, overcoming challenges and being positive.