Dandenong businessman Gerry Ryan and swimming champion Tammy van Wisse get a photo with the Melbourne Cup at last week’s SEBN Christmas Industry Breakfast.
By Bridget Cook
LISTENING to the life story of founder of Jayco Corporation Gerry Ryan, it’s hard to believe how he could have anything left on his bucket list.
But when asked that question by South East Business Network (SEBN) Manager Sandra George at an industry breakfast last week, the successful businessman and entrepreneur extraordinaire simply answer “plenty”.
One of Australia’s most successful businessmen, a Melbourne Cup winner, helping to develop the world-acclaimed human powered and animatronic life sized dinosaurs spectacular ‘Walking with the Dinosaurs’ are just some of his achievements.
Mr Ryan shared his story to about 350 people from local businesses at SEBN’s Christmas Industry Breakfast last Thursday at Betfair Park.
The huge attendance a reflection of the pulling power of this successful, yet humble, man.
Mr Ryan spoke of his humble beginnings, starting Jayco and how he helped it become the biggest producer of recreational vehicles in Australasia.
He shared with businesses what he believes it takes to build and run a successful enterprise.
Mr Ryan said from his own experience, it takes a number of factors to build a successful business.
“Ideas and intuition to start with, a certain amount of courage, obviously a good eye for opportunity and sufficient means to seize the day,” he said.
He said he also worked by “The Five P’s”, which stood for, people, good or great people to work with, passion, perspiration, persistence and planning.
“But it doesn’t end there,” he said. “To succeed in business, you also need a bit of luck.
Mr Ryan also gave business people plenty to take home with them, talking on the manufacturing sector’s struggle for survival, the future of Australian manufacturing and Jayco and leadership.
He said he hoped business could take away at least a few things each from his talk.
“Start by daring to dream,” he said.
“Set your goals, work hard to achieve them, and be in there for the long haul. And where you are able to, try to help others to achieve their goals and ambitions.
“Also accept the fact that you will sometimes make mistakes.”
While the focus was mostly on business, Mr Ryan had plenty more to share with the crowd.
He spoke of his win in the 150th Melbourne Cup with Americain and his most recent venture, the world-acclaimed ‘Walking with the Dinosaurs’. He said that the first dinosaur made was actually built in the Springvale Scout Hall.
Mr Ryan said the Melbourne Cup was one of his greater achievements in his lifetime.
“Everyone was trying to win that Cup,” he said. “Just to have a runner in the Melbourne Cup was huge, but to win it was just amazing.”
The Melbourne Cup was at the event, with people being given the opportunity to have their photo taken with it.
