Richard Henry
Graduate
Accounting and Finance
Always the entrepreneur, Rich Henry supplemented his student income with a sushi stand, lawn-mowing business and tutoring service. But it was gaining exclusive New Zealand rights to promote a men's skin-care range that sparked his latest company - an online men's lifestyle magazine.
"I couldn't find anywhere decent to market the product. A few overseas websites were aimed at men's health and lifestyle, but there were none for Kiwi guys. That was the 'light bulb moment' - I knew there was a gap in the market."
So the idea for getfrank.co.nz was born. And if opportunity wasn't motivation enough to pursue the enterprise, boredom certainly was.
Moving back to Auckland and into a corporate accountancy job, Rich says he missed the freedom and sense of "having ownership of your life" he'd tasted at Otago.
So he took the plunge and committed himself full-time to his business, finding security two months later when he attracted key investors. Since then, Rich has established corporate partnerships with brands such as Amstel Premium, 42 Below and Ernst & Young.
Now, the magazine attracts more than 30,000 readers per month. He describes it as a website for intelligent, professional men. "There's a bit of love and lust, a growing collection of videos and online games, as well as articles about business, politics and fatherhood."
"There were some lonely times, when everyone thought I was crazy to be throwing all my money and time into this project," he says. "We're definitely not out of the woods yet, but the lifestyle is well worth it. I start work at 5.30am, but take off for golf lessons with my Grandpa when I want. If I want to pack up on a Thursday and head to the Coromandel to clear the head, there's no one to ask but myself!"