 |
8:25 AM Fri 15 May 2009 GMT
Must have been the perfect Gold Coast Autumn weather, or the very suave Wild Oats Merlot at the Southport Yacht Club marine industry luncheon today, but this Gold Coaster feels compelled to say that, one week prior SCIBS, the Gold Coast is ready, waiting and easily the best boat show venue there is.
My bias aside, I was not alone toasting the delights of our region, when the marine industry gathered in droves at the SYC (easily the best positioned Club on the east coast . . . or anywhere!) for the second annual luncheon celebrating just being in this industry.
With the sun streaming in to the function room, overlooking a bustling marina bursting with every type of vessel, Rob Mundle welcomed guests from all strats of the marine industry, who were treated to a presentation by special guest speaker, the 'Big Fella, Iain Murray AM. While this icon of sailing needs no introduction, a pr?cis of his CV is handy since he has worn so many hats in his 50 years.
Among his many recollections, a life long passion for sailing, boats and the sea. His achievements are too many and diverse to list, but I will attempt to do so in a feature for next week's news rounds.
Iain's main thesis, along with some highly inspiring conquests, corporate initiatives and musings on the state of the global industry, was that diversification is one reliable means of surviving and prospering in a depressed market.
For his part, as well as interests in property development, Iain is involved in marinas and custom boat building, owning Azzura Marine Group and its various brands - Marten and Sydney Yachts in Nowra, docks at Woolwich, Newcastle and Coomera and the HQ now at Middle Harbour, Sydney.
This is one busy man. His routine, commitments and responsibilities are positively dizzying for lesser mortals like us. And infused in to all the facets of his business is Iain's own brand of professionalism, aim for absolute quality and precision, focus on the individual needs of customers and his knack for anticipating and evolving to suit market pressures.
Says Iain: "Winning is a combination of great ideas, perfect implementation and hard work. My motivation comes from the desire to improve everything to a winning package."
Next week, the full story on Iain Murray, Azzura Marine and the company's plans for development and ambitions for the future.
by Jeni Bone
|
|
Macquarie Island, TAS
