Business success born of country culture
SOUTH West entrepreneur Zane Jones has been recognised as one of WA's top 40 businessmen aged younger than 40 years.
The 34-year-old founder of Jones Mining Innovation Rental Division was acknowledged from a big field of highly-successful young businessmen and women at the Business News 40under40 Awards at Crown Perth on March 11.
"This award is definitely the highlight of my career to date," Mr Jones said.
"I did not expect to make it in to the top 100 let alone the top 40 as I was up against very impressive, high-profile competitors."
The accolade adds to Mr Jones' growing profile, having cleaned up at last year's South West Small Business Awards with the Young Business Achiever of the Year, Mining Construction and Manufacturing and the Micro Business runner-up gongs.
The 40under40 awards take into account personal determination and commercial drive as well as community involvement and charitable activities.
Mr Jones said growing up in Brunswick and Burekup and taking up lawn mowing at 11 years of age were instrumental factors in his success story.
His upbringing and hard work on his grandparents' dairy farm equipped him with the drive, skills and work ethic needed to make his mark in the business world.
"Credit also goes to my staff, who contributed to get the business to where we are," he said.
It was in 2008 with his brother Luke that Mr Jones began his equipment hire company, from a private residence in Binningup, with three trucks.
He now has a fleet of more than 70 vehicles and depots in Bunbury, Port Hedland and Midland.
Part of Mr Jones' innovative approach is a joint partnership with an indigenous-owned and operated company to provide training and employment for traditional owner groups in the mining industry.
Mr Jones has also set up a community sponsorship program for the benefit of community clubs and organisations, such as the T20 breast cancer fundraiser.
"Once I had time to reflect on the award, I was very pleased to be recognised," he said.
