Josef Chromy's rise from penniless Czech immigrant to one of Launceston's most successful businessmen is legendary.
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Since arriving in Tasmania 70-plus years ago the 93-year-old has taken the state by storm.
His Blue Ribbon meat business became hugely successful before he made the decision to sell up in the 1990s.
In the three decades since he has become one of the state's biggest players in wine and property development.
In 2023 he was awarded of the country's highest honours - an Officer (AO) in the Order of Australia - and on Saturday night he became just the 12th life member of the Launceston Chamber of Commerce.
Reflecting on an epic life that has seen him flee his war-torn homeland as a teenager and win the world's best chardonnay as an 80-year-old, Mr Chromy said he had been well-served by setting specific goals and being willing to get there one step at a time.
"Many people think it's [bottom step to the top step in one go]," he said.
"That's helped me a lot."
Mr Chromy, who was named a Chamber hall of famer in 2013, joins Janine Healey, Don Pitt and David Stallard as the Chamber's most recent life members.
He has been a long-term supporter of many Launceston charities, including the Migrant Resource Centre, the Salvation Army and The Examiner's Empty Stocking Appeal.
JOE'S 10 GOLDEN RULES FOR SUCCESS
- 1. Turn your dreams into reality by setting high but achievable goals, then work step by step to get there. Write down your daily tasks to constantly review them to make sure all your goals are being achieved.
- 2. Be alert and courageous enough to quickly assess opportunities that suddenly appear. Some of my greatest successes have come when I have acted quickly while others are still thinking and planning.
- 3. You must have great determination to succeed but it is important to distinguish between determination and stubbornness - the latter can lead to disaster.
- 4. Whatever you plan or undertake, make sure a second option is available.
- 5. Employ talented people who give loyalty, hard work and focus on efficiency.
- 6. When negatives arise, and they frequently do, search for ways to turn them into positives.
- 7. Be ready to accept when you don't know, and then seek advice from those who do.
- 8. You must deliver value for money and not pass your inefficiencies onto your customers.
- 9. Whenever possible, deal direct with source suppliers and the end user. This is one way to deliver at the least cost and meet your customer's needs.
- 10. Ensure you have the support and encouragement of your partner in life. For without a happy life, long-term success will be difficult to achieve.
Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
