The copy boy who became a man of many talents

A lifetime ago, when I was working as a feature writer at Sydney's Daily Telegraph, I had a copy boy who was exceptionally bright.

The job involved taking typed stories from one section of the newspaper office to another, keeping the hacks plied with coffee and, back in those days, being sent out to buy cigarettes.

This particular copy boy went on to become a very good journalist.

He then moved into communications, founding Liquid Ideas, a leading marketing agency for food, drink, travel and lifestyle brands.

He also co-owns a luxury travel business Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel, and has been a regular panellist on ABC TV program Gruen. He's also a sought-after public speaker and tireless behind-the-scenes worker for charity. He’s often the smartest dude in the room. 

In 2013 was the co-founder of Four Pillars, a boutique gin distillery that prospered.

This week brewing giant Lion announced it is to will take full ownership of Four Pillars Gin, having purchasing 50% of of the business in 2019 for a reported $40 million,

The Australian Financial Review reported this week that Lion has now acquired the second half of the business for an estimated $50 million.

So that leaves my friend and former colleague Stuart Gregor. the former president of the Australian Distillers Association, with plenty of time to improve his golf swing and attend Sydney Swans games.

Cameron McKenzie and Matt Jones, the other two co-founders, will stay with Four Pillars.

Stuart will leave the business on September 1 after what he describes as “a wild but cool ride”. He's done good.