Australia’s next business icon
Ambitious and busy are two words that come to mind when describing
UniSA student and graduate, Glen Vollebregt. And they
might even be an understatement.
Currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Language and Culture Studies after completing a Master of Journalism this year and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) in 2005, Vollebregt also works full time in marketing, runs two businesses and is working on a third business venture.
It seems quite fitting that the 24-year-old recently reached the top four in an interstate business competition – a bit like a mini season of "The Apprentice" sans Donald Trump.
"People like Richard Branson and Donald Trump are iconic entrepreneurs running exciting and innovative organisations," he said. "Australia needs an icon like that in its business world."
The Victorian Business Icon Competition saw 37 people aged 18-25 years old competing over seven days to test their entrepreneurial, teamwork, leadership and creative skills. Along the way, contestants were eliminated, leaving four contestants with the task of making a final business pitch to 200 people including CEOs and potential investors.
While Vollebregt didn’t take out the number one spot, it has led to a new business venture for him. His idea for a new financial product has stemmed into development meetings with an IT firm and he hopes to have the product on the market within 12 months.
In addition to this, he continues to run a real estate development business and an annual 100 Brightest Young Minds Summit.
"I’m not 100 per cent sure where I’ll be in five or ten years, but I do have some definite goals around being financially independent sooner rather than later, and then being able to help other people," he said.
"I like to think that with success comes responsibility to give back to the community."