Keeping it simple
New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year 2008, Michael Hill, talks about his experiences at the worldwide competition in Monte Carlo
Monday, May 24 2010 || Features || BY Fiona Rotherham - The Independent
Michael Hill is a well-known face in New Zealand, mainly through his legendary ‘‘Hello Michael Hill, jeweller’’ company advertising. Raised in Whangarei, Hill left school at 16 to become a concert violinist, before joining his uncle’s jewellery business. He lasted only three months making watches, but stayed for 23 years as a salesman and later shop manager, before finally setting up his own rival jewellery chain. He reached seven shops in seven years and then aimed for 70 more in the next seven. His goal now is to reach 1000 stores by 2024 by going truly global. As overall winner in the 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year competition, he attended the worldwide event in Monte Carlo, which is about to get under way again with this year’s contestants in early June.
What did it feel like going to the World Entrepreneur of the Year event in Monte Carlo?
It was one of grandeur, full on. We stayed at the Heritage Hotel, which is right next to the casino, where a glass of water costs $20. But it was a wellorganised event, as they’ve been doing it for a few years now. You can’t underestimate how popular the Kiwis are there. We had a great time and had a nice room, but then there were those terrifying interviews [with the judges].
How terrifying were they?
Not very good, but I don’t think we should be negative. You only have a little time to explain about yourself and I struggled with that. But they have increased the time this year, which is good.
What were the other entrepreneurs you met like?
They’re pretty bright people, generally speaking. Some of the Orientals were a bit pushy, but it was an awesome experience spending time with such positive people. The evening function on the last night was amazing. We heard that the roof was going to open up and Cirque du Soleil were performing, and they picked us up from our hotel in vintage cars and the red carpet was out. It was a bit like being at the Oscars. I dressed up. Whereas most people wore just a normal bow tie I had this gold spiral brooch [one of his own designs] that I wore in place of the bow tie. When I arrived, I think people were looking for something different to film and all these cameras zoomed in on me and I was interviewed by people from all over the world. I thought, ‘Wow, I must have won it!’ [but he hadn’t]. It was a pretty nice piece of jewellery, though, not loud and of high quality.
Did any of the entrepreneurs you meet stand out particularly?
There was one American guy who founded Red Hat [open source technology solutions provider]. He was an amazing guy. He had a face like the Dalai Llama and stood six foot four inches.
Why did he stand out for you?
He had a calming presence, an aura. He was very driven. If he wanted something, he would get it – there is no doubt about that.
Did he win the world entrepreneur then?
No, it was a Chinese guy who didn’t speak any English. What I make each year this guy probably gives to charity. Some of these people earn a serious amount of money.
