Tycoon Stories

Inspiring Journeys of Business Success

Founder Stories

Jim Penman: Entrepreneur and Biohistorian

Early Life David “Jim” Penman was born into a family that emigrated from the United Kingdom to Australia in 1955. His mother, Margaret Moxham, was a teacher from Scone, NSW, who met his father, Tom Penman, during a holiday in…

Peter Irvine: A Leader in Franchising and Business Success

Early Life and Education Peter Irvine’s journey began in Sydney, where he laid the foundation for his future success. He pursued a career in advertising, eventually landing a position at DDB Needham, one of Sydney’s largest advertising agencies. Career at…

Glen Cooper: A Legacy of Excellence in Brewing

Early Life and Education Born in 1950, Glen Cooper is a fifth-generation member of the Cooper family, known for their longstanding contributions to Australia’s brewing industry. He received his early education at Prince Alfred College, where he began to develop…

John O’Brien: Revolutionizing Pool Maintenance and Franchising

Early Career and the Birth of Poolwerx John O’Brien’s journey began with a deep passion for both franchising and the pool industry. He launched Poolwerx in Australia in 1992 with a vision to create a franchise-based business offering expert pool…

Justin Dry: Pioneering the Future of Online Wine Retail

Early Life and Career Justin Dry’s journey into the world of wine began with a passion for community and connection. Before founding Vinomofo, Dry gained invaluable experience through several entrepreneurial ventures, including the wine-focused social platform Qwoff, launched in 2006….

Matt Bullock: Visionary Entrepreneur and Founder of eWAY

Early Life and Education Matt Bullock’s journey into the world of technology and entrepreneurship began in Canberra at the young age of 16. Fascinated by coding, Bullock started developing software while still in school. He sold his code to friends,…

Michael Sherlock: Transformative Leader in the Bakery Franchise Sector

Early Life and Education Michael Sherlock was born in 1951 to a carpenter and a train driver. He attended Monash University in the early 1970s, participating in a bonded teacher program. During this time, he became involved with a health…

Tom Potter: Entrepreneurial Visionary Behind Eagle Boys Pizza

Early Life and Education Tom Potter, born in Australia, grew up with humble beginnings in a country town. He left school at the age of 15 and faced joblessness by the age of 23. His passion for the food industry…

Tristan White: Founder and CEO of The Physio Co

Early Life and Education Tristan White was born in Australia and raised with a passion for health and fitness. He pursued his education at the University of Melbourne, where he became a qualified physiotherapist. With an aspiration to excel in…

Jason Smith: Revolutionizing Leadership in Healthcare

Early Life and Education Jason Smith founded the Back In Motion Health Group in 1999, starting from humble beginnings in his garage. His journey began after returning to work from a long service leave, only to find a rift between…

Fred Schebesta: Pioneering Entrepreneur in Digital Marketing and Fintech

Early Life and Education Fred Schebesta is an influential figure in Australia’s entrepreneurial landscape, known for his innovative approaches in digital marketing and fintech. Born in Sydney, he pursued a Bachelor of Finance degree at Macquarie University, where he developed…

Tom O’Toole OAM: A Baking Icon and Business Visionary

Tom O’Toole, born on January 30, 1952, in Tocumwal, New South Wales, is an Australian businessman, author, and inspirational speaker best known for transforming a small bakery into the Beechworth Bakery empire. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a…