Given his taste of extreme business success and the regression into bankruptcy, Geoff Pike would be forgiven for being down and out.
Contrarily, Mr Pike is the ultimate business mentor and credits learning from his mistakes for his positive attitude- a key lesson for youth at Thursday’s Grow Qld forum.
From humble beginnings as an apprentice plumber, drainer and gas fitter with the Bulloo Shire Council to establishing a workforce in excess of 300 within his multi skilled trade contracting company, General Trade Industries (GTI), Mr Pike knows the path to business success.
It can also be said that Mr Pike knows the feeling of failure in equal measure.
Mr Pike ran GTI as a sole trader from his home town of Thargomindah between 2001 and 2015 and enjoyed an annual turnover of more than $50 million while receiving various industry accolades such as dual international and Australian safety, environment and quality certification.
Mr Pike said his success came to a halt when an aggressive client held payment, ultimately causing him to put the business into liquidation.
“It was the hardest mental challenge I've ever been up against and it wasn’t just me affected but my whole family and lots of my friends,” he said.
After declaring himself bankrupt, Mr Pike went down the path of mentoring to assist young start-up businesses to reach their potential.
Mr Pike said his desire to open a business stemmed from observing his parents’ business and, in the spirit of Grow Qld, growing himself personally and professionally.
“I was very keen for the challenge and determination is key,” he said.
“Once people start seeking the challenge and seeing and realising their achievements along the way they’re going to enjoy it.”
Mr Pike said he holds no regrets and instead is thankful for the rewarding opportunities he made for himself.
“Everyone makes mistakes and some are worse than others but it’s most important to never dwell on your mistakes,” he said.
“I live with the philosophy that if you are ever going to regret something by not doing it then you must do it.
“It would be terribly painful after 50 years to look back and consider that you could or should have done something but you didn't.”
