Old Boy Brett Edwards (2015) reflects on his life since school with the sliding doors moment that changed and shaped his career path and sees him employing two of his best mates who are also Churchie Old Boys.

“In 2019, little did I know that I stood at a crossroad that would shape my current position. Let's go back to that time.

I juggled multiple roles in 2019: working as an estimator at my brother's construction firm, running a bar in Fortitude Valley, and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business and Behavioural Science at QUT. One day, while discussing my desire to take on more bartending hours, my brother suggested a different path. Instead of another job, he advised me to start a concrete manufacturing company that his firm, Pembroke Construction, would purchase from. And just like that, the ball began to roll.

My living situation involved a share house with my school friends from Churchie. Unfortunately for them, the car garage beneath our house became my new workplace. I poured concrete day and night while working and studying. The business grew from the basement to my own yard, and soon enough, I quit my job to pursue my own business.

Amidst our progress, the unexpected COVID-19 storm struck Australia. This challenging time provided an opportunity for introspection. Pouring concrete didn't yield the financial results I had hoped for, but it led me to explore new avenues. Importing galvanized steel posts for retaining walls turned out to be the right choice. Suddenly, my losses transformed into profits.

From that point on, momentum was on my side. The business soared, opening doors to yet another opportunity presented by my brother. He had launched a waste recycling plant in 2022 and asked me to run it in exchange for a stake in the company. Today, I am the proud owner and operator of BRProducts and Pembroke Waste.

I would be lying if I said that this journey has been a smooth or solitary one. It was built upon a strong foundation of support. My mother, a resilient doer, who never lets external voices discourage her from achieving her goals. My father, despite carrying the weight of the world, refuses to be defeated by it. And my brother, who fearlessly embraces failure as a stepping stone to success. Additionally, I had the privilege of attending one of the country's finest schools, where I was surrounded by accomplished individuals in their respective fields. These surroundings allowed me to flourish in an environment that can beat you down if you don’t have the strength and/or resilience to keep going.

To all the Churchie Old Boys reading this, I want to share a valuable piece of advice: hard work has no substitute. Luck is not a random occurrence; it arises when opportunity intersects with preparation. You have countless opportunities before you, so make sure you are prepared to seize them.

Remember: Luck = Opportunity + Preparation.”