Perseverance paid off for oily-rag start-up

What makes your day at work?


Being informed by prospective clients that they have chosen Nedax. In a competitive market you're out there tendering for work and if you can provide a solution that's cost-effective and innovative, it's always rewarding to be chosen above other firms.


How did you get where you are today?


Back in 1987 I was let go from Wormald, a major fire protection security firm. I was put in a situation that I wasn't prepared for ... I had $200 in the bank and was halfway through building a yacht. I went out on my own, but it was pretty difficult being a one-man company going up against other established operations.

It was a case of perseverance and having intricate knowledge of the product - it's absolutely essential. If clients believe you have the knowledge it gives them confidence.


What is the most important lesson you have learned on your way up?


Remembering the important people in my life. In my case I've got a family and I try to spend as much time with them as possible. The problem with today's economy is people are spending more and more time at work and not enough time in their home environments. It's important because it gives you a human approach to life and business.


How have you dealt with any pitfalls in your career?


When I was let go from my job [at Wormald] it was a hell of a shock to the system, especially when I wasn't geared up for it.

Starting up a company off the smell of an oily rag was a pitfall itself. In retrospect it was a good thing, I probably wouldn't have gone out on my own otherwise.


What advice would you give to a young person starting out in business?


To take advice from people who have been successful. Set up a business plan and set out what you're trying to achieve.

It's important to have confidence in yourself, too. In our family we were always encouraged to do our own thing, like building a car or yacht. I believe it's much more difficult now. Kids are given cars and videos and all the trappings of life.


What's the biggest challenge for your organisation in the present economy?


I don't think there are too many challenges for us, everything's running along pretty smoothly. There is competition, but as long as we look after our clients and provide them with excellent service and back-up we don't have any problems. We are seeing a lot of growth up to the year 2000, but maybe next year after Y2K there may be a drop off. Obviously we're concerned about the possibility of a future government raising taxes. But overall we're pretty well happy with our market.


What would you have done differently?


I've worked very hard for the last 12 years and I would have liked to travel more. Once I started the business it took up so much of my time. That's one of the down sides of living in New Zealand, it's so isolated. I'd still love to do it sometime in the next 16 years.


What ambitions do you have?


To enjoy my children as they grow up, that would be one of my biggest ambitions. My father was working a lot when I was young and the opportunities to spend time with him didn't come up as much as I would have liked. I don't really want to be any more successful [in my career], I probably could be, but at a cost to my personal life.


How do you relax?


Sailing and networking are pretty important.

* Tony Phillips spoke with Libby Middlebrook.