Thrive after 65: Senior business leaders not slowing down
The Sunshine Coast’s senior business leaders, at 65 and beyond, have no desire to slow down or retire. SEE THE LIST
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For some of us, the word retirement inspires feelings of relaxation and finally a chance to enjoy all the things we have been putting off because of our dreaded jobs.
But for others, retirement is the furthest thing from their minds.
Here are some of the Sunshine Coast's senior business leaders, who at 65 and beyond, have no desire to slow down.
Bernie Stafford, 70 (Noosa North Shore 4WD Car Wash)
From mowing the lawns to chatting with customers, car wash owner Bernie Stafford loves everything about what he does.
But after 33 years in business, 2020 has been one of the toughest.
"Money is an important factor, this has recently been put into perspective with Covid," he said.
"I do not want to end up solely dependent on a pension.
"This is entirely my opinion, and I do not judge others with different ideas."
Mr Stafford has a healthy respect for retirement, but he believes too many retirees "mistake motion for progress".
"We must keep our mind, not only active, but also challenged and innovative," he said.
"Retirement does not mean to completely stop work, it means putting your own priorities on your time expenditure."
The long time car wash owner and proud former firefighter encouraged people contemplating starting a business to take the risk.
"In the worst case scenario, you will go broke - you won't be the first and you won't be the last," he said.
Annette Sym, 65 (cookbook author, Symply too good to be true)
Her nickname at high school was "Porky", but it is Annette Sym who has had the last laugh.
What was once a mission to lose the pounds has turned into a life-changing 23-year business journey for the cookbook queen.
"My business is my life's passion," she said.
"I love what I do and I am not planning to stop anytime soon."
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The author of the Symply too good to be true series said she preferred the words "me time" over retirement.
"I don't see myself being idol but living life to the fullest with lots of travel, extra time with family and friends and being creative in other ways other than my business," she said.
The best business advice Ms Sym said she had received was to treat customers as she would want to be treated.
"Never do what you do just for the money, but for the greater good for all concerned," she said.
Graeme Juniper, 'Baby Boomer' (managing director Juniper Development Group)
From the early lessons he learnt in the army disposals store he ran with his father, the Coast developer has become a sought-after business leader.
"I can mentor on a daily basis and I can help those that need help by listening and guiding those that seek advice," he said.
"It is something that at my age life's experiences can be shared."
From retailer to head of one of a leading development company, Mr Juniper said the best business advice he ever received was make it about the customer.
"Do not buy what you want, buy what the customer wants," he said.
Retirement is not on the radar for Mr Juniper as long as his work continues to excite him, reward him and remain challenging.
"Perhaps at some time a reduced workload will happen, but not yet," he said.
Tony Long, 74 (property consultant)
After 25 years in local government and 31 years in business, you would be forgiven for looking forward to a well-deserved rest.
But for Coast developer Tony Long, the thought of retirement conjures up the melodic country tune Don't let the old man in.
Mr Long said he was in the enviable position in life where he could generally decide what he wanted to do and when he wanted to do it.
"It's fair to say that I am not retired however I don't work full time," he said.
But it didn't come without a lifetime of hard work.
"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary," Mr Long said.
With no desire to retire, the not-for-profit advocate had big plans for the future.
"I am looking at rolling out a series of an innovative specialist disability accommodation units, and travel when allowed," he said.
David Oliver, 68 (Greenway Architects)
The big life goal for architect and life of the party David Oliver is to continue to add value to people's lives - and never decline a lunch invitation.
After nearly 40 years on the Coast the colourful character has no plans of slowing down.
"I have got too many balls in the air and I worry that I'd go blue mouldy without the daily challenges," he said.
Mr Oliver had no idea what retirement looked like and wasn't about to make assumptions.
"I haven't got there so I am unable speculate," he said.
The well-respected businessman pulled no punches when it came to valuable life advice.
"Deal with everyone equally, don't spin bulls--- and always be five minutes early for meetings," Mr Oliver said.
Laurie Williams, 75 (Hotel Beach House Nambour)
At 75, Laurie Williams can still pour a beer as good as any of them.
The manager of Nambour's Hotel Beach House said she did retire once.
It was the worst couple of months of her life.
"I was bored to tears," she said.
Not one to pull any punches, Ms Williams believes retirement is something that comes "a short time before Heaven".
When it comes to business advice, the publican grandmother had a simple, but effective theory.
"Never say no and always ask why," she said.
Ms Williams said she "has earnt her wrinkles" and was looking forward to the international borders opening up so she could enjoy a well-deserved break in Italy.
Robert Flipp, 75 (Director Flipp Property)
You'd think after 55 years in business you would learn a thing or to - for Robert Flipp it has been how to improve his golf game.
Starting out as an energetic 20 year old the best business advice he ever received was to "make a decision".
One could assume retirement will never factor in the property developer's life as he "cannot imagine doing nothing".
"My time is to a large degree my own, so if I want to play golf or go to lunch I make the time," Mr Flipp said.
"I'm not sure what the word retirement means to me as I'll always have investments and responsibilities to manage."
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