South Break Media cofounder Paul Smith Addresses The Illawarra Connection
Last night, South Break Media cofounder and Hoops Capital majority owner and chair Paul Smith delivered the keynote address at The Illawarra Connection.
I’m sure those in attendance can attest to the quality, honesty and authenticity of Paul’s approach, but I can say I was not surprised many consider it to be one of the best addresses delivered at a TIC function. Paul is a great storyteller and communicator. Would have made a fantastic journalist in another life …
Paul spoke of the lessons in the art of selling he learned as a furniture salesman as a young man at Barnes Darling in Wollongong … the sign of “touching the furniture” … which stood him in good stead in international business.
I’m sure those in attendance can attest to the quality, honesty and authenticity of Paul’s approach, but I can say I was not surprised many consider it to be one of the best addresses delivered at a TIC function. Paul is a great storyteller and communicator. Would have made a fantastic journalist in another life …
Paul spoke of the lessons in the art of selling he learned as a furniture salesman as a young man at Barnes Darling in Wollongong … the sign of “touching the furniture” … which stood him in good stead in international business.
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He spoke of growing up in Warilla, his personal connection to the mighty Warilla Gorillas, his debt to the University of Wollongong for starting his career in sports marketing and that journey. He spoke of launching and building an international behemoth in sports marketing research in Repucom, a company he later sold to stats giant Nielsen.
He spoke openly of his battle with “the black dog” that followed, his regret at missing ownership of the Dragons, his fortune of “stumbling” into ownership of the Kings, his passionate support of the Illawarra retaining the Hawks and his passion for the Illawarra region.
He spoke of growing up in Warilla, his personal connection to the mighty Warilla Gorillas, his debt to the University of Wollongong for starting his career in sports marketing and that journey. He spoke of launching and building an international behemoth in sports marketing research in Repucom, a company he later sold to stats giant Nielsen.
He spoke openly of his battle with “the black dog” that followed, his regret at missing ownership of the Dragons, his fortune of “stumbling” into ownership of the Kings, his passionate support of the Illawarra retaining the Hawks and his passion for the Illawarra region.
He spoke of desire to one day return to the region full time and the formation of South Break Media.
And, last but not least, he revealed Big South.
Big South is a conference South Break Media and Kellie O’Brien will be bringing to the Illawarra in 2025 to showcase the people of this region and the innovation that is forging a new era for our region.
Stay tuned over coming months as we reveal more on Big South.
Finally, in closing, there was a beautiful moment between Paul and TIC chair and passionate Illawarra Hawkhead Graham Lancaster who closed with his vote of thanks saying: “Paul, coming into tonight, I respected you … but now I love you”.
It was a beautiful moment.
The Illawarra Connection President Graham Lancaster presenting Paul Smith with a vote of thanks.
South Break Media cofounder Paul Smith was the keynote speaker at the February meeting of The Illawarra Connection.
By South Break Media CEO Julian O’Brien