While he may feel surprised and humbled at being singled out by the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, Ray Mostogl was thrilled to be able to share the limelight with family and friends.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Mostogl was inducted into Launceston Chamber of Commerce’s Hall of Fame in front of an audience of more than 400 at the Tasmanian Perpetual Trustees Business Excellence Awards on Saturday night.
But it is the number of cars that will be driving along the East Tamar Highway, passing his Dilston home on Monday morning, that makes the hard work in worthwhile, in his opinion.
“Cars are driving there and back every day. I wanted to know there are people driving [to Bell Bay], and to know that is a pretty cool thing,” Mr Mostogl said.
They gave more than what I thought possible.
- Ray Mostogl
When he started as general manager in 2011 Bell Bay Aluminium was on the verge of closure, but he led a substantial restructure to show it was a viable smelter.
Under Mr Mostogl’s leadership, Bell Bay started making money again and it remained cash positive throughout the rest of his tenure.
“I had a great team; I didn’t do it alone. I couldn’t have done it on my own,” Mr Mostogl said.
He may credit his team, but the sign of a true leader is when employees are willing to go the extra mile not just for you, but because of you.
“It was hard work, but rewarding. My employees told me the difference they felt – that I was committed to Tasmania,” he said.
“I had children here, I was married here. I was very much committed to the long haul.”
RELATED STORIES:
That commitment extended from the top down and throughout Bell Bay Aluminium to ensure its longevity as a business.
“It is interesting how quickly people sign on to do what it takes. [They were] unquestioning,” Mr Mostogl said.
“There were times when people offered more than I would ask. It flawed me. They gave more than what I thought possible.”
Bell Bay is not the end; Mr Mostogl still has some other business to attend to.
While secretive about its origins, it is clear he is excited about his next challenge in consulting as acting chief executive for a fledgling Tamar Valley operation.
And he is still committed to ticking items off his bucket list by travelling with his “rock” and wife, Rosie, and covering new ground through running more half and full marathons.
While you're with us, did you know you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
Johanna Baker-Dowdell
Johanna has more than 22 years experience as a journalist for newspapers, magazines and online publications.
Johanna has more than 22 years experience as a journalist for newspapers, magazines and online publications.
