Michael Malone – iiNet
Michael set up iiNet from his Mum's garage in 1995; and now he is the 3rd largest ISP in Australia, only behind the behemoths of Telstra and Optus. Despite Telstra trying to knock him off in 2006, he re-emerged stronger, and turned iiNet around to declare solid results in 2007 and a fantastic/innovative national marketing campaign. I also got the privilege to meet him a few times over the past year – he has a sharp intellect, devoted family man, is a wise counsel, helps others, and understands that doing the right thing by his staff, clients, suppliers means his shareholders do well too. A real person to be judged against, and to admire and emulate. Best of all, he is soft spoken and not one of those “show pony” entrepreneurs. I cannot think of anyone more deserving.
Nominated by: Name supplied
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