Sean Buckley – Ultra Tune Q&A
1. Where were you born and raised?
I was raised in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria and was first born of son of Peter and Gloria Buckley. I had a younger brother Clayton (sadly deceased). I attended Mazenod College in Mulgrave where I completed my HSC. I then attended Chisholm Institute and completed a Bachelor of Business and Marketing graduating in 1984.
2. At what age did you know the career direction that you wanted to take?
Thirty years of age.
3. Were you always into cars?
Yes, I’ve always loved cars and been around them.
4. What was your first job?
After graduating from university I secured the position of Market Research Manager for Safeway/Woolworths working on new store development and new product ranges in the frozen ice cream division of which I launched a number of high end ice cream brands for the company. In 1988 I travelled to Hong Kong to work with Thomas Cook, travelling the world and setting up Thomas Cook Travel offices globally and resided for some period in India and Pakistan. I returned to Australia in 1994 and commenced work with Ultra Tune.
5. How did your career progress after your first job, to end up where you are today?
My first job had me stacking shelves in a supermarket. I’ve progressed to where I am today via a combination of savvy business decisions, gut feel, luck, hard work, taking counsel from some good people and being prepared to take a chance (or several) along the way.
6. As a high achiever in our industry, what advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry today?
Do something you enjoy. This can’t be under-estimated, you’ve got to love what you do, if you don’t it’ll never progress to where you want it to.
7. What is the one decision you made that you look back on and think ‘gee I really got that right’?
I bought a horse -Ms Andretti – back in 2006. Everyone told me it was a mistake, I believed otherwise, she went on to be the number one sprinting horse in the world in 2007. I still own her and am breeding from her and she still brings me a lot of pleasure.
8. What is the one decision you made that you look back on and think ‘gee I really got that wrong’?
I made a couple of poor business decisions when I was younger and lost everything as a consequence. That was a really tough time in my life, but looking back on it now it helped (a) make the person I am today by instilling persistence and determination in me, (b) making me value what I now have in my life and (c) helping me keep things in perspective and assist those who haven’t been as fortunate as me.
9. In your opinion what attribute is more important – skill or a good attitude?
Persistence .
10. What are your hobbies?
Watching the AFL, horse racing and boxing. I also take a keen interest in US politics.
11. Can you tell us a little about your family and what they mean to you?
My brother and father have both passed away and my mother lives on the Sunshine Coast where I visit her regularly. I’m not married but I have three beautiful daughters and I try to spend as much time as I possibly can with them in spite of my hectic work schedule.
12. In a job interview what would you describe as your strengths?
I haven’t sat a job interview in more than 25 years, but if I was forced to respond to this I’d say persistence and honesty (sometimes brutal honesty) are my two keen strengths.
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