Where do you live? My family and I live on a working farm in Reesville (Maleny), where we breed Brangus cattle. We are also lucky enough to own a place at Peregian Beach.
First job? Working in northern Australia on a large cattle station as a stockman. Not long after this, I started my first business at a young age.
What are you currently working on? Mosaic has plans to roll out a $175 million-plus pipeline of five to six projects across the Sunshine Coast over a two-year period, with the first two projects being luxury beachside apartment buildings at Kings Beach. We’re extremely proud of the fact that we will not only be bringing beautifully designed projects to areas in the Sunshine Coast that have pent-up demand for iconic residential buildings of the calibre that has not been seen in the area for 10-plus years, but our development pipeline will bring real economic benefit to the region by creating over 650 direct and indirect full-time equivalent positions, with 380 of those jobs on the Coast. We are also passionate about ensuring that we engage closely and respectfully within the communities where we are developing, whilst also ensuring our projects will be highly sustainable from an environmental perspective.
Your family includes. . . My wife Kathryn and I have been married for 12 years and we have four children; Noah 10, Freddie 8, Archie 5 and Florrie 3.
First car? 1979 Toyota FJ Landcruiser. Still my favourite car that I have ever owned.
Favourite book? A Fortunate Life by AB Facey.
What are you reading now? Multiple books at the same time, which is very typical for me: How Will Capitalism End? By Wolfgang Streeck, The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer, Creating Room to Read by John Wood, and Spirit Level – Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better by Kate Pickett.
Favourite music? I like various artists – Mumford & Sons, Ed Sheeran and Angus & Julia Stone.
Best advice you’ve been given? Walk your talk and do what you say you will do, and don’t assume anything.
How long have you lived on the Sunshine Coast? Over a decade; we have strong emotional ties to the Coast.
Why do you live here? It’s understated. The cafe, restaurant and shopping choice has evolved but the Coast has kept its laid-back feel. The natural landscape is phenomenal – hinterland, mountains, national parks and stunning beaches – best place in Australia to live.
If you could change one thing on the Coast, what would it be? I would like to see light rail connect the southern end of the Coast to the north and I would like to see more employment opportunities created so that young people can stay here, plan for the future and raise their own families. Less people competing for waves would also be nice, but that’s not going to happen (ha, ha).
Best day in your life? My wedding day and the birth of our four kids. Cannot be beaten.
You are happiest when? I am with my wife and kids. And personally, when I am surfing or on the farm.
What frustrates you the most? My perceived lack of time to do everything I want to do daily and weekly.
How do you deal with your frustrations? Not so well at times, but being active and outdoors is really important.
If you could tell your 18-year-old self anything what would it be? Be humble, show empathy regardless of your differences, be grateful daily, don’t bullshit and don’t cut corners.
Tea or coffee? Definitely coffee – strong. Mostly double shot short flat whites or macchiatos.
NRL or AFL? NRL – Broncos.
