Testimonials

'Power-Up' Business Seminar

Held recently in Bundaberg QLD with Peter and Tony Gattari (Achievers Group)

Doug Webber – Webbers Retravision

Jodie Brooks – Franchisee, Gloria Jeans Coffees Bundaberg

Michael Mcphee – Innovative Tiling

Heather Boon – Act Management

Robert Driver – Director

Daniel Baldry – Citicoast Church

Luke Mills – Dixon Homes

Shane and Nina Roberts

"I had the pleasure of working closely with Peter for many years in the late 1970s when he was intimately involved with the McDonald’s business as a senior executive at DDB Needham, the advertising agency servicing McDonald’s where I was a senior executive in the initial years of my own career. In those days, the challenge of establishing the McDonald's brand essence was still a very big one and Peter was a key part of the team that worked so effectively to achieve the initial base of success that is so clearly reflected in the McDonald's brand today in Australia, some 30 years later.

Peter always stood out as a real team player—never overly assertive, but his methods resulted in very effective progress in his own quiet, but steely determined manner. The things that stood out to me in those days were his very high work ethic, combining working very hard with the ability to effectively communicate to all and sundry. He revealed a true sense of care and concern for people in all that he did and this resulted in a deep respect for his views and input to the direction of the McDonald's business in those early days in Australia.

He later went on to put all that experience to good work as one of the key executive team that very successfully developed the Gloria Jean’s Coffees organisation in Australia. For me, it was a pleasure to see him leading from the front in that role and putting the experiences of our time together to such effective use in developing his own career path in the Gloria Jean’s Coffees world. Obviously, he did that very successfully.

Peter is a true example of the ‘quiet achiever’, who has been able to let his results do the talking , while at the same time delivering a genuine concern and respect for all those who he had to deal with. I am sure this has been a core basis for his success in business."

Bob Mansfield

Former CEO and Chairman of McDonald's Australia.

“When it comes to meeting people who think big, I can't think of anyone else like Peter Irvine. To have a vision for 25 Gloria Jean’s Coffees stores and then have the determination and vision to see it grow to over 400, plus take it around the world, that shows the depth of his belief and commitment to following a BIG vision. I'm always inspired whenever I hear him speak, and have learnt many valuable lessons over the years.”

Jason Berry

General Manager, radio station 96five FM, Brisbane, Australia.

“Two things I know about Peter Irvine as a result of my 25 years of contact with him in the meeting rooms of DDB Needham Advertising and on the squash court—he's a fierce competitor, which he hides behind a placid easy-going exterior; and he's a very thoughtful individual who makes his own way regardless of popularist or trendy chatter.
Knowing those two things about Peter will make his book compelling reading for me.”

Peter Ritchie

Founding Director of McDonald’s Australia.

“It was my privilege to get to know Peter over 13 years ago and since then we have had occasions to work closely together. One particular time was when I chaired the board of Quest Australia and he was an active and integral fellow board member. I soon appreciated the wealth of his very hands-on experience that he brought to the table. Peter’s input was obviously based on years of working at the ‘coal face’ of business where he was able to distinguish between what really works against what is more theoretical, which frequently looks good in text books but lacks real impact and effectiveness.

I know Peter will offer tremendous input and ideas in his book that will assist the reader in achieving effective plans for their own organisations and companies, be it in the profit or not-for-profit sectors.”  

Peter F. S. King

Immediate past Chairman of World Vision Australia, past Chief Executive Officer of John Fairfax Group, Ex Chairman of Opportunity International, and Board Member of World Vision International.

“The message I received from Peter Irvine when I first met him was: Never live in other people’s mindsets. I considered that advice and reflected upon my own career and those around me and made some changes. To my great surprise, I have learnt that Peter was right. Too often we can be influenced by others and not have the resolve to achieve what we want or need. Living in the mindsets of others who perhaps are negative or sowing bad seeds into your mind and affecting your confidence can have a direct impact upon what you do and what you achieve. Peter has shown throughout his distinguished career that having a clear focus and an attitude of positive persistence can lead to remarkable things for you and those around you. Mix these competencies with ethical behaviour and a willingness to help others and you begin to understand some of Peter Irvine’s core principles… and then understand why he has been so successful.

Someone once said, ‘Always listen to a wise man.’ Peter Irvine is such a man!”

Richard Evans

CEO, Franchise Council of Australia

“Peter Irvine met with me regularly during my time working for another company and then starting my own business. He was able to encourage me and provide ideas on how to work with a difficult boss and still be able to exceed targets and build a sales team around the country. I was encouraged to go for it, and eventually the decision was made to resign and start my own business. The advice regarding setting up a warehouse and just the ‘nuggets of gold’ of business information, direction, encouragement and challenge has catapulted my business significantly forward.”

Trent Fitzgibbins

Director, Jetblack Products Pty Ltd

“In my life I have been fortunate to have been involved with many people who claim to be ‘successful’. Peter’s success in business and life is a glowing example of what true success is about. Humility, transparency and a genuine love for people are the hallmarks of Peter’s life. Peter is not only successful, he is significant, leaving a legacy of how he has helped so many people around the world. This book is another example of Peter’s contribution to all of us. Thanks, Peter, for being part of my life.”

Tony Gattari

Managing Director, Achievers Group Pty Ltd

“I actively sought out Peter Irvine in the hope he could provide me with any advice to help me start my business and steer it in the right direction for the future. I was overwhelmed and eternally grateful. Not only was Peter generous in giving up his time, he also showed a sincere interest and offered sound advice. He has been and still is an inspiration to me and my business, Flowers by Fruit.”

Tania Haroulis

Flowers By Fruit

“Peter has been a close friend and confidante for a period of 30 years… from the early days at DDB Needham Advertising, through the roll-out of Gloria Jean’s Coffees in Australia, to the present day. His creative thinking, ‘just-do-it’ attitude, and the ability to communicate at all levels have stood by him handsomely, and his success is totally  deserved.  Yet through it all, he remains unassuming and unpretentious.

He is one of the most generous and compassionate men I have known. ‘Giving’ to others in terms of time, effort, resource and personal advice is one of his special gifts, and his willingness to share his expertise finds special expression in this book. I can recommend this book without reservation.”

Dr Ernest F Crocker BSc (Med) MBBS FRACP DDU

Consultant Physician In Nuclear Medicine