Gerry Harvey, born on September 18, 1939, in rural New South Wales, Australia, is an iconic entrepreneur and the executive chairman of Harvey Norman Holdings, a leading Australian retail chain. He is best known for co-founding the company with Ian Norman in 1982, which has since become a household name in the Australian retail industry, with Harvey Norman expanding its reach to New Zealand and Asia.

Early Life and Career:
Harvey grew up in a farming family in rural New South Wales and attended school in Bathurst and Katoomba. At 17, he moved to Sydney to attend university but dropped out shortly thereafter, finding his true calling in business. Early on, he worked door-to-door selling vacuum cleaners and fridges for Goodwins of Newtown, where he met Ian Norman. This partnership led to the opening of their first store, Norman Ross, in Sydney in 1961. The business grew to 42 stores with annual sales of A$240 million by 1979. However, after selling the company to Grace Bros. and it being subsequently acquired by Alan Bond’s Walton Bond company in 1982, Harvey was dismissed from his position. This setback, however, only fueled his determination.

Founding Harvey Norman:

In 1982, Harvey teamed up with Ian Norman to launch Harvey Norman, starting with their first store in Auburn, New South Wales. Over time, the company expanded rapidly, not only through its flagship stores but also by acquiring other retail chains like Domayne and Joyce Mayne. Today, Harvey Norman is one of the largest and most successful retailers in Australia, offering a wide range of products including electronics, furniture, and home appliances.

Business Philosophy and Public Persona:
Gerry Harvey is known for his hands-on approach to business. He often appears as a spokesman in radio advertisements for Harvey Norman, and is a frequent commentator on economic and business issues in the media. His maverick business style, which includes outspoken opinions on CEO compensation, has earned him a strong public profile. Harvey is a vocal critic of excessive CEO pay, often stating that no one is worth millions and advocating for payment through options and shares rather than high salaries.

In 1999, he took Harvey Norman international, forming a joint venture with George Goh Ching Wah of Ossia International to retail the Harvey Norman brand in Asia. The venture was a strategic move that allowed the brand to expand further into the Asian market.

Philanthropy and Interests:
Harvey is also heavily involved in thoroughbred breeding and racing. He owns Baramul Stud, one of the largest thoroughbred portfolios in the world, with over 600 horses in his stables. Additionally, he holds a 50% stake in Magic Millions, a premier thoroughbred auction event in Australia.

Personal Life:
Harvey has been married twice, first to Lynette, with whom he has two children, and later to Katie Page in 1988. They have two children together. Katie Page, who became CEO of Harvey Norman in 1999, has been a key figure in the company’s ongoing success.

Despite some controversial remarks, such as in 2008 when he described charity for the homeless as “a waste,” Harvey later clarified that he does contribute to various charitable causes. His public persona, often seen as tough and unfiltered, has contributed to his reputation as a no-nonsense businessman.

Net Worth and Recognition:
In 2014, Harvey’s net worth was estimated at A$1.55 billion, placing him among Australia’s wealthiest individuals. He was recognized for his contributions to business and entrepreneurship with the prestigious Order of Australia (AO) in 2009 and was inducted into the Australian Retail Hall of Fame in 2014.

Legacy and Impact:
Harvey’s legacy in Australian retail is undeniable. His ability to adapt, innovate, and expand Harvey Norman into new markets has left a lasting impact on the retail sector. Harvey’s hands-on approach, business acumen, and bold decisions have made him a respected figure in the industry. Through his company, he has created thousands of jobs and significantly influenced the retail landscape, making him a cornerstone of Australian entrepreneurship.

Awards and Achievements:

• Order of Australia (AO), 2009
• Australian Retail Hall of Fame Inductee, 2014
• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 1996
• Telstra Business of the Year, 2003
• Australian Businessman of the Year, 2009

Gerry Harvey’s career is a testament to his resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to business excellence. Through his work with Harvey Norman and his extensive business ventures, Harvey has cemented his place as one of Australia’s most influential and successful entrepreneurs.