Joe firmly builds ideas for future
I started as a landscaper mowing lawns around the Coast when I was 15. Now I am general manager of BuildingLink International. Our business territories extend all over South-East Asia, with our head office at Sanctuary Cove.
BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
I’ve been lucky to meet many people from all walks of life. One thing that has stayed with me is that your reputation is key. As an individual, all you have to trade off is your reputation or brand. Once you lose it, it’s gone and very hard to restore.
WHAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU STARTED OUT?
Just how much work experience teaches you. While uni was a great grounding, providing fundamental knowledge, nothing can prepare you for professional challenges as much as on-the-job experience. It’s a rapid learning curve that never stops.
YOUR GOLDEN RULE IN BUSINESS?
Patience. There’s an opportunity in every dealing, even if it’s a few years down the track. Sometimes you need to be there for the long run.
A LONG LUNCH – A WASTE OF TIME OR ESSENTIAL? EXPLAIN
The long lunch still definitely holds value. There are some things that are best discussed in the right setting and sometimes that can be a long lunch. It’s also great to celebrate your victories that the team has worked hard for, and a long lunch is a great way to do that with everyone involved.
WHO IS ON YOUR BUSINESS MOBILE’S SPEED DIAL?
My Dad – who is still the person I bounce ideas off daily. We can discuss things openly and in a way I sometimes can’t achieve with business partners or clients.
IF YOU HAD A SPARE $1M, WHAT INDUSTRY WOULD YOU INVEST IN?
Agritech and proptech – two things that are an essential part of the Australian economy, agriculture and property. It is a critical part of life that will only become more in-demand. We’re the envy of all our neighbours and when coupled with how technology is revolutionising traditional methods in this field, particularly in carbon capture, we will continue to stand out.
Proptech, because I’m directly involved in the industry and understand huge potential is still untapped due to the reluctance in our country to adopt emerging technologies.
WHAT SHOULD GOLD COAST PRIMARY STUDENTS STUDY?
Computer technology and coding – understanding the basics as this is a language of its own. At the same time, the value of good communication cannot be underestimated. It’s important for the next generation to communicate effectively.
BIGGEST FRUSTRATION DOING BUSINESS ON THE GOLD COAST? AND HOW TO FIX IT?
Infrastructure, both in an urban development and technological sense. If we’re hoping to be a global city, we need the infrastructure to match that vision and need the vision to look forward at least 60 years ahead.
For an infrastructure fix I would look at cities around the world and emulate their longer-term vision when it comes to urban design and accessibility for commuters.
International cities such as Singapore, Zurich, Seoul, Washington, and even closer to home in Canberra, are all examples of cities that were built with a long-term vision. It requires foresight, but also buy-in from residents.