“My goal was to own my own business by the time I was 30. I achieved this three years early.”
Tony had artistic talents since his school days and picked up after-school jobs signwriting stockcars and price tickets for local retail outlets.
His first job was as a ticket writer for the New World Supermarket chains and a sign writer for Tauranga Museum. He gained his experience in the sign-writing during his time and later tried applying for numerous jobs with signwriting companies before successfully landing one with 'Commercial Signs'.
He became foreman within 3 months.
Tony left Commercial Signs and returned in 1985 taking a stake in the company. He later bought over the rest of the company and became sole owner.
“I was blown away by the audience’s response. The energy and power of his story wowed our members that day.”
Over the next 15 years, Tony grew the business from one with 2 staff and an annual turnover of $90,000 to one of the largest multi-million dollar commercial sign-writing businesses in New Zealand.
A whole chapter in the best-selling book "Success in New Zealand Business" has been devoted to his journey in business.