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George Taylor - The Man!
From modest beginnings as a 12-year old newspaper boy in the 40’s, George Taylor’s personal journey has been one of hard work driven by unflagging passion. Now a successful businessman, prominent identity and devoted family man, George Taylor’s 71 years serve as a remarkable example of a fulfilled and generous life.
Born in Geelong in 1930 to Thomas Taylor Railway worker and Gladys Taylor, Piano scholar and teacher, George was the 4th of seven children. After spending his formative years in Geelong, the family moved to Ballarat, where George secured his first job as a newspaper boy at age twelve. An accomplished salesman even back then, George recalls frequently pocketing tips, adding, "If I was short of money, I had to pay the boss back, though”.
George graduated from state school with a certificate of merit at age thirteen. Always with an eye out for opportunity, George dropped the newspaper job and took up two more lucrative positions – as an apprentice grocer during the day, and a pageboy at the local cinema at night – paying the equivalent of $2.10 and $1.75 per week respectively. "I always had two jobs”, he says.
By age 17, George had his motorcycle license, and bought himself "an old bomb that cost me 17 pounds”. An avid scramble meet fan, he won his first spectator race at age 18 and became instantly hooked on the sport. By age 20, George was working as a motorcycle salesman.
"My whole life revolved around bikes. I sold them, and all of my spare time was used preparing them for races,” he says.
Such was his passion, that in 1955, an ambitious 24-year old George sold up all his belongings – which included five bikes – and set off to the isle of Man to try his hand at professional motorcycle racing. Realising how fierce the international competition was and how meager the winnings, a disappointed and penniless George returned to Australia after two and a half years.
Five years later, George had accumulated sufficient funds to purchase his first store in Liebig Street, Warrnambool at a cost of 1800 pounds. Within a year he had opened a second store in Portland.
George recalls a piece of advice given him by Fletcher Jones at his time. "Forget about making money,” he told him, "Run the business right and the money will come.”
Which he did. With an eye for the unusual and sound business philosophy – "to buy at a price, you have to buy quantity” – George sourced rare, surplus and bulk ex-government equipment, astute enough to know that a market existed for recycled products. Today customers from all over Australia patronize George Taylor’s, and in particular the Grassmere warehouse, famous for its enormous 2-acres of stock under one roof.
His next major purchase was the old commonwealth Bank building at the southern end of Liebig Street in 1985. At a cost of 14,500 pounds it was, in George’s words, "a huge gamble”.
"I went home to tell dad and he nearly fainted,” George says. "I paid it off by hard work. I was working something like 80 hours a week.”
By now, George was married to Gwyn who then, as now, played a vital role in George’s success. "Gwyn did a great job,” he says. "She was a grate back stop to me”.
Over the next fifteen years, George Taylor expanded his retail empire, establishing stores in eleven locations throughout southwest Victoria and moving across the border into My Gambier. At Its peak in the early ‘80s, there were thirteen George Taylor’s stores. However, operations were significantly reduced over the coming years after George’s brush with cancer.
George’s other great passion is sport, and his commitment is as fierce as it is loyal. "I was one of the sportsmen who loved sport, but was never much good at it,” he says.
George’s involvement in local sports administration is remarkable, and he was officially recognized by the City of Warrnambool with a citizenship Award in 1993. He was foundation president of the Warrnambool Harness Racing Club in 1971, serving in this capacity for over 27 years. For 11 years he stood on the Warrnambool Golf Club committee, also filling the role of president. After serving 22 years on the Warrnambool Racing Club committee, George was honored with a life time membership. He has had a long association with the South Warrnambool Football Club, filling the position of senior vice-president for several years, and serving on the advisory committee in the early ‘80s.
George Taylor’s passion for local sport extents beyond his extraordinary contribution of time and expertise. He also provides sponsorship to many local sporting groups and associations, "We try and spread our sponsorship dollars around the local community. I think it’s great to try and offer some support to the local groups.” He says.
It is remarkable that for a man who has supported the Richmond football club since childhood, George Taylor never found the time to attend a football game at the MCG. Despite his numerous business trips overseas and Melbourne visits, George has never been able to fit a game of footy or cricket at these hallowed grounds into his schedule, "I’ve been invited on many occasions,” he says, "but I’ve always had something else to do”.
A man of immense generosity, George Taylor is a man of Simple Pleasures; his favorite drinks are ordinary beer and Sungold milk. "I try and support local business” he says. His favorite pastime on weekends is to garden or tend to his ‘paddock’ out at Wangoom. "There are a few horses, chooks, steers and a cubby house for the grandkids. It’s a great spot,” he says.
Now in his seventies and happily married to the same woman for 38 years, with four children and nine grandchildren, George Taylor’s life is as remarkable as it is full. He serves as an inspirational role model for the many people who have been touched by his generosity and extraordinary contribution to the region’s community and economy.
On June 30th 2006 George 'officially' retired and sold the business to Greg Malseed. Greg has been working for George for 20 years so he knows the business very well. George is still around the place, sharing his wealth of knowledge that he has gained over his 40 years building up the “George Taylor’s Stores” Business.
Greg is married to Jacqui, who is taking an active interest in the business and has two sons both pursuing there own paths studying.
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