Adelaide’s entrepreneurs and their connection to South Australia’s top schools
They’ve started businesses ranging from fashion houses to multiple restaurants, but where did these entrepreneurs go to school?
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You might know them as the bright minds behind an influential fashion brand or your favourite restaurant.
These entrepreneurs with their businesses have impacted South Australia.
But where did these business go-getters get their start?
Some left school early to get a head start in the industry, whereas others graduated from prominent Adelaide private schools.
As the school year is now well underway, we asked our entrepreneurs how their schooling impacted their career journey and what advice they have for students looking to innovate like they did.
Peter De Marco, 46 – Chicco Palms, Pizza e Mozzarella, Borsa
St Michael’s College, left in year 11 in 1996
Despite opening multiple restaurants since he was just 23, Peter De Marco did not finish school.
“I didn’t take school too serious and I left quite early,” he said.
But the restaurateur had a plan to study at TAFE to become a chef after dropping out of St Michael’s College in year 11 in 1996.
“I left (school) on the Friday and started (TAFE) on the Monday,” Mr De Marco said.
He then opened his first restaurant, Zucca, at just 23-years-old.
“I was surrounded by really good people and really good staff,” Mr De Marco said.
His advice to make the most of school as an aspiring entrepreneur, is “don’t overcomplicate it with complicated maths subjects”.
“They don’t delve into what you need for business,” he said.
While Mr De Marco’s kids both attend St Michael’s College and he is encouraging them to graduate, “school is not for everyone”.
“If you have a passion in an industry that doesn’t require it, get in early,” he said.
Last week, Mr De Marco opened his latest eatery, Super Americano on Glen Osmond Rd, which showcases traditional Neapolitan pizza, paninis and freshly baked rolls alongside classic Italian dishes.
Abby Potter, 32 – House of Campbell
Mary MacKillop College, graduated 2010
House of Campbell couture visionary Abby Potter knew at a young age she wanted to study fashion.
Ms Potter, who didn’t receive an ATAR when she graduated school, started her advanced diploma in applied fashion design at TAFE in year 12.
“I had a slightly reduced workload so I could do night classes at TAFE (while still at school),” she said.
After high school, she studied fashion full time for three years before working for costume and bridal businesses.
In 2019, she started the label House of Campbell.
“Working in the industry was the best thing I could have done,” Ms Potter said.
Young businessmen and women should establish a network and work in the industry before setting up their business, she advised.
“It was important to have that network to lean on,” she said.
Jamie Sherrah, 51 – Inject AI
Henley High School, graduated 1990
Artificial intelligence and software guru Jamie Sherrah topped his class in multiple STEM subjects.
“At school I was focused on getting good grades, because adults told me that’s what’s important,” Dr Sherrah said.
“That influence from school led me down the path of technical excellence.”
He went on to study engineering at university and then a PhD in machine learning.
“Most of my career has been very technical, which has established me now as a deep expert in AI,” Dr Sherrah said.
In 2018, he started Inject AI, which helps SMEs explore custom artificial intelligence solutions.
“I thought starting a company would give me more flexibility, and it allowed me to bring on staff as I got more clients, apply for grants and so on,” Dr Sherrah said.
He advises students who want to go into business to seek help from others.
“Go and get some experience first working in companies that are ambitious and growing, or plug into a local business network for support,” he said.
“There are so many skills you need and it helps to learn what is best practice.”
Tina Tedesco-Vella, 61 – EmployCareer
Morialta High School, graduated 1981
When Tina Tedesco-Vella graduated high school, she didn’t know what career she wanted to pursue.
“That uncertainty became a gift,” Ms Tedesco-Vella said.
“It gave me the freedom to stay curious, try new things and carve out a path that truly aligned with who I am.
“Looking back, the variety didn’t just broaden my horizons, it planted the seeds of the entrepreneurial mindset I carry with me today.”
She started EmployCareer, which offers personalised career development and transition services, in 2020 “during a time of deep reflection”.
“Like many, the pause brought on by the pandemic encouraged me to re-examine my career journey,” Ms Tedesco-Vella said.
For most of her working life, she had been working in disability services, connecting people with employers.
“I became increasingly aware of a gap in services that truly supported people with disabilities on their employment journey,” she said.
Ms Tedesco-Vella said for students who dream of starting a business “to stay curious and trust the process”.
“You don’t need to have everything figured out from the start,” she said.
Alex Tolson – Swyvl, Lateral Vision (online mapping tools)
Pembroke School, graduated 2009
Harry Carpenter – Corcillum (medical technology)
St John’s Grammar School, graduated 2010
Donny Walford – behind closed doors (coaching and mentoring programs for women)
Glengowrie High School, graduated 1976
Frank Hannon-Tan – Mum Cha, Amalfi Pizzeria, Mothervine (restaurateur)
St Ignatius’ College
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