At 15 left school to do a trade. He now runs a plumbing empire

Business Hunter president and Hunter businessman Tony Rhodes reflects on his career and the regional economy.

What influenced you to start a plumbing apprenticeship with H.L Mullane, aged 15?

I grew up in Cardiff, one of five kids attending Cardiff North Primary and Glendale High. My father and older brother were plumbers so without much thought I took an opportunity that their connection gave. In blue-collar Cardiff in the 1970s, it was almost expected that the best you could hope for was a job in a trade, retail or heavy industry.

What did you like about plumbing?

I'd like to say that I foresaw the fact that plumbers are custodians and providers of our planet's most precious resource but the reality is it was a path out of school. I was never particularly good at technical aspects of plumbing but did have a healthy appetite for hard work, a gift from my father, who has always believed that any obstacle can be overcome by working harder. Had I more self-awareness at 15 I may have stayed at school and become a school teacher or psychologist. The people parts of business is what I enjoy most.

What roles did you have before you bought the company?

It was a far smaller business in the '80s and '90s so all roles were hands-on. I experienced everything from reception, finance, invoicing, purchasing and project management, and more - a wonderful grounding. By the early '90s, I was running the business on behalf of the Mullane family, who were not actively involved, and in 1999 they very generously allowed me to buy it.

What is the most challenging part of being CEO?

Society often forgets that business leaders/owners are simply humans stretching themselves and subject to all the same frailties, doubts and fears as everyone else. Pushing through tough times is the most challenging part of leadership and can be a lonely road but listening, learning and working as a team to overcome hurdles is also the most rewarding.

And the best part?

The opportunities we provide for good people to grow. Since 1995 we've helped more than 300 apprentices complete training. To see so many people we met as raw young teens now in leadership roles at Mullane and elsewhere is fulfilling.

Why did you start The Mullane Foundation, which helps communities without clean water, electricity etc?

In 2002 I stumbled across a partially built school house in a remote mountainside village in Papua New Guinea. In discussions with the locals I made a commitment to try and help complete it. I underestimated the logistical challenges and failed miserably. That left an unscratched itch that resurfaced in 2008 when on a Kokoda charity hike, in partnership with Hunter Water, we found a boarding school in remote PNG, destroyed by a cyclone. We sent a team of tradespeople back and in two weeks of intense work got 280 kids back to school. We've since worked on hospitals, schools, disability centres and villages in PNG, The Philippines and Tonga. Next project: Central Australia.

What are your goals as president of Business Hunter (formerly Hunter Business Chamber)?

To ensure that we remain the primary voice of and for business in the Hunter. We need to connect with business, businesses to business and the region to decision-makers from outside the Hunter. I am a firm believer that the rising tide lifts all ships and am particularly keen to ensure that the Hunter is involved in fierce conversations with key influencers in government and business. The first step to our region reaching its potential is for us to clearly understand our strengths and opportunities and then convey that message concisely to those with whom we want to engage.

How do you see the regional economy's status?

There are always challenges and opportunities in business and COVID-related challenges have had our focus. While there are still those whose industries have been decimated, generally the Hunter through its location, lifestyle and economic diversity has done very well. The impact of the fiscal measures required to work through this period will continue to be felt for some time but, relative to the rest of the world, the Hunter has some cause for optimism. Perhaps the biggest upcoming challenge is the timing of our transition to new, more efficient and sustainable energy sources. The discussions happening are a necessary precursor to the action required as our community better understands the myriad repercussions of both action and inaction.

What value does Business Hunter brings members?

It represents and serves an incredible variety of businesses and each derives value in different ways. For many we are an information source and assistant to negotiating the inevitable red tape and bureaucracy. Others appreciate the connection with like-minded peers gained from our networking and educational events. Everyone benefits from our lobbying and policy advice to community leaders.

Best business advice you've received?

People choose to do business with people they trust. Build strong relationships

And your best advice?

The more you give the more you get. Give a little more than you think you can.