The very private Boston Ridge is embracing a more public life as a general manager — and sharing an insight into his love life too. His dad Matthew has maintained a high profile since his retirement from rugby league in 1999. Mum Sally and Los Angeles-based sister Jaime, 28, are also used to the limelight, but Boston has largely steered clear.
He and his dad own two Carfé carwash businesses, with Boston as general manager.
Matthew and French-born wife Chloe recently announced they would move to the French Riviera at the end of this month to start a new chapter with their young children, Kenzo and Lola. Matthew's 11-year-old son London, whom he had with former partner Carly Binding, will see his dad on visits.
Boston, 25, says he is determined to grow the business nationwide.
"I love my family. When I'm over that side of the world I will definitely make the time to see them all," Ridge tells Spy.
"Dad started Carfé when I was 4. We've got photos of me standing next to diggers at our Greenlane site while it was under construction.
"Back in the day, when I wanted extra pocket money, Dad got me in there working weekends from 13 years old. I started full-time when I was 17, cleaning wheels nine hours a day, six days a week. It was hard work but it taught me the fundamentals of the business."
As time went on Ridge proved his worth and worked his way up through the ranks to where he is now.
"I've worked my tail off and I will continue to do so. Being in the service industry, we live and die by our quality of service and workmanship.
"Over the years we've built a large and loyal clientele, of which we are very appreciative. We also get many new clients coming through every day, which we love to see."
Matthew Ridge and Boston Ridge. Photo / Instagram
Both his mum and dad are super proud of their son, but that permanent move from Kings College to full-time work with Matthew was a fright for Sally seven years ago.
"When I dropped out of school at 17 to clean cars, like any good mother, she was pretty hesitant as she only wanted the best for me. But, in saying that, she has come full circle and is very proud of where I'm at."
It was a similar move to that of his best friend at Kings and now Hollywood superstar KJ Apa, who also left school early.
"KJ is killing it," Boston says. "He was always destined for big things and I couldn't be happier for my brother."
Boston says it might sound like a cliche but everyone is capable of achieving their goals if they stick at it.
"I've lived and breathed Carfé since leaving school and here we are. Our work is far from glamorous, but I've stuck at it religiously, made considerable sacrifices, and couldn't be happier with where the businesses are going."
Boston has ambitious expansion plans for Carfé.
He devised the booking service and is also overseeing a new offshoot of the business called Autolabs, a range of New Zealand-made car detailing products he and his father developed. The brand has already built a customer base in the luxury car market.
"Autolabs was born out of the need for better quality products for Carfé, but not only that, we wanted to create products that were environmentally conscious," he says.
"We've got some pretty amazing formulations, an awesome brand and a great story. It's just a baby with plenty of growing to do, so we'll see what we can do with it."
There's also a leading lady in Boston's life — Tabitha Jessop, daughter of award-winning architect Darren.
"Tab and I met through a mutual friend and the rest is history. We've been together for more than three years. Our families have blended together so well," he says.
The couple have not moved in together yet as they work on developing their careers.
"She's amazing, she gets me and what I want to achieve in my life and our lives together."
