Regan Vick
Accomplished leader of people in the Sports, Non-profit and Business sectors
Regan Vick
Accomplished leader of people in the Sports, Non-profit and Business sectors
Accomplished leader of people in the Sports, Non-profit and Business sectors
Accomplished leader of people in the Sports, Non-profit and Business sectors
Legend has it that my journey as a business professional began at 21, when I launched my first venture, a sports marketing company in Brisbane, Australia. However, the truth is, my journey commenced long before then. This is my unfolding story.
Growing up in a family of four children, I learned early on to carve out my own path. While I wasn't the oldest commanding authority, the loudest middle child, or the youngest receiving all the attention, I knew I had to find my own way. As a kid, we received $2 a week for tidying our rooms, which I promptly spent on mixed lollies from the corner store. However, I soon realized that $2 didn't stretch as far as it used to, thanks to inflation on lollies in the '90s. Determined to earn more, I followed my dad's advice and started knocking on doors, offering to do odd jobs like lawn mowing and rock moving. These experiences taught me the value of hard work and money.
When I hit about 15, I started working alongside my dad, who's an agricultural pilot. Those early mornings were tough – cold and dark – as we sprayed farms in remote areas. It was heavy lifting; I'd haul 50kg bags across the airstrip, up onto the plane's wing, and into the hopper, one ton per run. After moving a ton of bags, we'd wait on the strip for what felt like hours before starting again. One day, frustrated with being there, I ate both my dad's and my lunch. That moment taught me two things: the importance of a strong work ethic to get the job done right, and that I needed a plan if I wanted a different future.
Growing up in Tasmania in the '90s, teenagers faced limited options. It seemed you either played sports and drank beer or became a target for those who did. I opted for the former, envisioning a future centered around sports. While I had talent, I knew I wasn't pro material, leaving me with the idea of opening a sports bar as the next best thing. I scouted a location, developed the layout, menu, event ideas, and studied management while gaining experience in bars and restaurants. However, after a few years of saving, I realised the goal to gather enough funds for a lease, staff, and stock was out of my reach at that time. Putting that dream on hold, I embarked on a journey of travel and self-discovery, seeking something, though unsure of what exactly it was at the time.
After applying for numerous positions in the sports industry, I was fortunate to secure a role in sports marketing, representing grassroots football clients. The director of that company played a significant role in inspiring my journey in the sports industry and continues to mentor me to this day. A pivotal moment came during an event when a friend approached me with drunken bravado, questioning why I was in what he deemed a dead-end job. His remarks, comparing his income as a furniture removalist to mine, ignited a determination to create something meaningful. Just five months after entering the world of sports marketing, I took the leap and founded my first business, Global Sports.
Global Sports was a sports marketing firm that specialized in representing sports clients at events. Established in Brisbane in 2003, Global Sports initially expanded its operations throughout Queensland before further growth into New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. Our work encompassed a wide range of services for major sporting clubs and organizations, including fundraising and membership drives.
Impressed by Global Sports' successful client work in Australia, a national sporting organization in New Zealand sought their expertise to establish and manage a fundraising program. This initiative supported New Zealand athletes in competing on the global stage. In 2009, Global Sports expanded into New Zealand, swiftly establishing itself as a leading industry player and garnering awards for its exceptional performance.
Following successful initiatives by a Los Angeles-based non-profit, Global Sports ventured into the USA in 2012, rebranding as Global Events to reflect our expanded non-profit endeavors. With a team of over 300 members across three countries, we worked with leading figures in the sports and non-profit sectors, generating substantial annual turnover for our clients. After 15 years of building Global Events, I sought a new challenge to continue my professional journey.
As a new comer to the marketing industry, I was recognised as the best new managing director of a marketing company in Australia & New Zealand 2005.
In our inaugural year of operation in New Zealand, I was honored as the top Managing Director of a marketing company for the year 2012.
I received a Rolex watch in recognition of my outstanding achievements within the marketing industry. At its peak, I oversaw Global Sports, spanning 30+ offices in 3 countries, with 300+ staff and contractors, generating $40M+ annually.
After 15 years in sports marketing, I was ready for a fresh adventure. Having led businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, working with major brands in sports and non-profits, and managing over 300 team members, it was time for a change. In 2017, I returned to Brisbane, where my journey began, and embarked on new ventures in marketing, education, recruitment, virtual assistants and consulting. My volunteer work at Easts Old Boys Rugby, Veterans Rugby Queensland, and the Optimization Hub, enable me to contribute my time and skills to support community initiatives and promote growth. While working in these other fields, I reaffirmed that the sports industry is where my true passions lie.
In every new venture, my primary aim is to cultivate a winning culture that brings pride to everyone involved. There's no greater satisfaction than knowing that my efforts contribute to the success of clients, staff, management, and ownership in both their personal and professional endeavors.
I've set a personal goal to visit 50 countries, and I'm currently at 29. Countries like Croatia, Iceland, Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland have yet to been checked off, and I still have exciting destinations like China, Japan, Vietnam, Nepal, Peru and many others to explore.
Balancing success in the workplace with a fulfilling personal life is key to long-term happiness and growth. I strive to excel professionally while also enjoying a rich and fulfilling life. This balance not only enhances my overall well-being but also boosts productivity and creativity in the workplace, leading to sustained success and growth.
Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial to me. Whether it's playing rugby, touch, or basketball, or enjoying activities like mountain biking, boating, scuba diving, and hiking, staying active keeps me energized and engaged. I also find relaxation in activities like skiing, gym workouts, yoga, meditation, and unwinding at the beach or by the pool.
I believe in embracing new experiences as they add excitement and flavor to life! Whether it's attending a sporting event, concert, or comedy show, embarking on a road trip, exploring festivals or markets, or indulging in a retreat or conference, each new experience brings joy and fulfillment. I also enjoy discovering new restaurants, bars, and cuisines, as well as meeting new people, as it enriches my life in countless ways.
I firmly believe that my future self is shaped by the choices I make today. Personal growth is an ongoing journey, and I am committed to evolving as a man, partner, friend, team member, family member, and leader. While I aim for continuous improvement, I understand that perfection is not attainable, and I embrace the journey of self-improvement with humility and determination.
I strive to stay grounded, remain present, absorb wisdom from those around me, and uplift others to become their best selves.
I believe in harnessing my personal strengths to navigate life's challenges with resilience and determination.
Reinventing oneself, refreshing skills, adapting to change and accepting others are all constants in life that begin with an open mind.
CQ University
SIT
The Stark Institute
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