Ten Questions in Ten Minutes: With Gary Fitz-Roy

Gary Fitz-Roy is managing director of Expertise Events, a leading independently owned and managed exhibition and event group, which is running the CraftExpo at ASB Showgrounds this month.

Business to Business - What inspired you to start up your business?
Gary Fitz-Roy - I went to a show in the early 80’s and was quite taken by the behind the scenes aspects. Back when purpose built buildings didn’t exist, so we did events in show grounds, circus tents and other large scale open buildings that were modified to stage an event.

BtoB - Who has influenced you the most professionally?
GFR - I have had a number of people from large successful business to small operations. I gain inspiration from self made people who have backed themselves.

BtoB - How would you describe yourself as a businessman?
GFR - Adaptable.

BtoB - What do you consider your greatest achievement?
GFR - Starting the business during a recession with two staff and growing it to 39 staff and still maintaining the passion for what I do.

BtoB - With hindsight, what is the one thing you would do differently?  
GFR - It has all been so valuable on the way through that I’m not sure there’s a lot I would change as it is all about learning from mistakes and successes.

BtoB - Who do you find inspirational and why?
GFR - A number of people, I learn from my kids as they don’t have preset views, I take on inspiration from all sources.

BtoB - What is the most inspirational book you have read recently?
GFR – ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’.

BtoB - What is your favourite website and why?
GFR – www.getabstract.com - Virtually every business book has a five page summary, which is great to review so many books so easily.