My Journey

Born in Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia in 1987, my early life was characterised by a loving family and a dynamic upbringing. My mother, Vikki, was a dedicated theatre assistant, often working night shifts at local hospitals. My father, Mark, forged a successful career in the supermarket industry, rising through the ranks to become a senior buyer for Franklins. Due to my father's career progression, our family relocated frequently, primarily between Sydney and the Gold Coast. This instilled in me a sense of adaptability and resilience from a young age.

As one of three children, with an older brother and younger sister, I witnessed firsthand the dedication and work ethic of my parents. Their commitment to providing for our family instilled in me the importance of perseverance and pursuing one's goals.

The frequent relocations necessitated attending various schools, presenting both challenges and opportunities. While leaving friendships behind was difficult, each new environment honed my ability to forge connections quickly, often through sports like basketball and football. Although I was a capable student, my true passion lay in athletics, particularly basketball. Inspired by my older brother Shane, who entered the workforce at fourteen to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations, I contemplated a similar path to dedicate myself fully to my basketball pursuits. However, recognising the importance of education, my parents encouraged me to complete my schooling. A compromise was reached: I could leave school early if I secured full-time employment.

My father's connections in the supermarket industry paved the way for my first job in the morning fill team at a local Franklins store. The early mornings were demanding, but the position allowed me to train in the afternoons, fueling my basketball ambitions. This early entry into the workforce proved invaluable. Surrounded by experienced colleagues, I gained insights into professional success and the importance of dedication and teamwork.

A subsequent opportunity at Howard's Storage World further broadened my skill set, exposing me to retail sales, merchandising, and warehouse management. Throughout this period, I dedicated myself to basketball, training rigorously, refereeing games to deepen my understanding of the sport, and even working in the canteen to earn extra income.

Despite facing setbacks and doubts from coaches who deemed me "too small" for the point guard position, I persevered. My determination and work ethic propelled me to captain championship-winning teams and ultimately secure a spot on the New South Wales Metro Under 18 State Team. I even had the privilege of training with the West Sydney Razorbacks NBL team during pre-season camps.

My basketball journey culminated in playing for the Sutherland Sharks ABA Team alongside my brother and accomplished athletes like BJ Carter. This experience, which included winning the NSW ABA championship, was a dream realised.

However, the NBL's financial instability at that time prompted a pivotal decision. Recognising the need for financial security, I heeded my father's advice and shifted my focus to business, my other passion. Securing a sales representative position at Smart Chef, a kitchenware and hardware supplier, marked a turning point. At seventeen, I thrived in this results-oriented environment, eventually relocating to the Gold Coast to launch their Queensland operations. This experience provided invaluable entrepreneurial foundations.

Seeking further challenges, I transitioned to Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) at the age of twenty. Despite a memorable first interview – arriving in my work uniform after prioritising a customer commitment – my dedication resonated with the hiring manager. This marked the beginning of a decade-long career with CCA, where I held progressively responsible roles, consistently exceeding expectations and earning accolades for my leadership and performance.

While at CCA, an entrepreneurial spark ignited. Exposure to business owners and their challenges, coupled with my brother's experience importing from China, led me to explore the drinkware market. This marked the genesis of D-STILL, a brand I co-founded and nurtured alongside my demanding corporate career.

Balancing my responsibilities at CCA with the burgeoning demands of D-STILL required unwavering commitment. Investing personal savings, securing a business partner, and navigating the complexities of international sourcing and logistics were just some of the hurdles overcome.

Despite continued success at CCA, including a promotion to Group Business Manager in Sydney, my entrepreneurial drive remained strong. An unexpected reunion with Simon Noble, my former employer at Howard's Storage World, led to a significant investment in D-STILL, fueling its expansion.

Further career advancements within CCA, including managing key accounts like the QSRH Group, provided invaluable experience in strategic account management and negotiation. A subsequent role at Vittoria Coffee deepened my understanding of the coffee industry and further honed my leadership skills.

Ultimately, the allure of dedicating myself fully to D-STILL proved irresistible. With renewed investment from Simon, I embarked on the challenging but exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship. A successful trip to China secured new supply chain partners and expanded our product offerings.

Back in Australia, we addressed operational challenges, including warehousing and inventory management, ultimately transitioning to a third-party logistics provider in Sydney. Leveraging my extensive network, we secured key accounts with major hospitality players, validating the market demand for our high-quality, unbreakable drinkware.

Strategic hires, including Ray Ghassibe as Head of Sales and Beck Khoury to lead marketing, strengthened our team. Relocating back to Queensland to focus on regional expansion, we faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The near-collapse of the hospitality industry forced difficult decisions, including salary reductions and supplier negotiations. However, our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment saw us through.

Emerging from the pandemic, we doubled down on e-commerce, diversified our online presence, and secured a national retail partnership with Barbeques Galore. Recognising the limitations of our 3PL model, we established a dedicated warehouse, office, and showroom on the Gold Coast.

Continued growth necessitated restructuring and investment in technology, leading to a more efficient and experienced team. The arrival of my son, Jett, in 2023 brought renewed perspective and underscored the importance of family.

Exploring new avenues for growth, we launched Vision Hospitality, a full-service hospitality supplies division. This strategic expansion leveraged existing customer relationships and addressed a broader market need.

Tragically, in 2023, we lost Simon to a sudden heart attack. His passing left a void but also strengthened our resolve to honor his legacy by continuing to build the business. Establishing an advisory board composed of experienced industry leaders provided invaluable support and guidance.

Today, D-STILL and Vision Hospitality are thriving. We are poised for international expansion and continued growth, driven by a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. The journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, setbacks and successes. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the unwavering support of family, friends, and colleagues. The journey continues...