Famous people seen (or even met) whilst flying or lounging

[Berlin]

He completely sold all of the businesses in the early 80’s to Woolworths. Woolworths kept his name but Dick had no shares or any role with the business.

Oh I know, I used to work for Woolies. But while I feel bad having hurt anyone’s feelings as this was not my intention at all, I still have to question why he sold it then? For money, I’d assume (might be wrong?) which would make him not quite as angelic as he’s described here.

Once you sell your name, you open the floodgates. Nothing new and he would not be the only one having done that.

But I’ve captured this whole thread by asking a simple question it seems. Which also, was not my intention at all.

 

[Stealthflyer]

Dick who- isn’t that the guy who peddled overpriced electronics to screw generations of naive Aussies over and has long gone out of business, quite deservedly so? Or is this a different one with the same name…?

He’s the one that funded the magnificent Tahune Hut at Frenchmans Cap. Such a gift Boost to Frenchmans Cap - thanks Dick - Wildcare

 

[Brissy1]

Oh I know, I used to work for Woolies. But while I feel bad having hurt anyone’s feelings as this was not my intention at all, I still have to question why he sold it then? For money, I’d assume (might be wrong?) which would make him not quite as angelic as he’s described here.

Once you sell your name, you open the floodgates. Nothing new and he would not be the only one having done that.

But I’ve captured this whole thread by asking a simple question it seems. Which also, was not my intention at all.

It's not about hurting anyone's feelings, it about casting aspersions.

 

[jase05]

still have to question why he sold it then? For money, I’d assume (might be wrong?) which would make him not quite as angelic as he’s described here.

Probably did sell it for financial reasons. He only had 20 or so stores when he sold them off to Woolies in the 80’s and they expanded it to 250+ stores.
I remember the original Dick Smith stores when he owned them and they were nothing like the monstrosities that Woolies turned them in to

 

[Berlin]

It's not about hurting anyone's feelings, it about casting aspersions.

Oh I’m not at all. He gave his name away to a business that turned out to be extremely dodgy and being relatively new to Australia, I was simply going by what I know this name stands for. And that’s a big crooky electronic chain that had gratefully and deservedly so bitten the dust. I had literally no idea about the person behind it.

 

[Berlin]

Probably did sell it for financial reasons. He only had 20 or so stores when he sold them off to Woolies in the 80’s and they expanded it to 250+ stores.
I remember the original Dick Smith stores when he owned them and they were nothing like the monstrosities that Woolies turned them in to

Fair enough, I had no idea! But it was still likely for money and that means he’s certainly not alone in this. Plenty people have given their names away in the past, only for that once good name being flocked to death.

Which is precisely why really smart businessmen tend to keep the naming rights or some sort of partial control when they sell. Maybe he was just as naive as those many Aussies who wasted their money in these overpriced stores later on, who knows.

 

[Mr_Orange]

Isn't the online-only remnant of the business now owned by Kogan?

 

[Franky]

Fair enough, I had no idea! But it was still likely for money and that means he’s certainly not alone in this. Plenty people have given their names away in the past, only for that once good name being flocked to death.

Which is precisely why really smart businessmen tend to keep the naming rights or some sort of partial control when they sell. Maybe he was just as naive as those many Aussies who wasted their money in these overpriced stores later on, who knows.

So you're claiming to be a smart businessman?? Really?? Your customers must have loved your naivety about how to run a business.

 

[Franky]

Oh I’m not at all. He gave his name away to a business that turned out to be extremely dodgy and being relatively new to Australia, I was simply going by what I know this name stands for. And that’s a big crooky electronic chain that had gratefully and deservedly so bitten the dust. I had literally no idea about the person behind it.

So why did you make all of those snide remarks then????

 

[serfty]

[Moderator Hat]

That is enough discussion regarding a particular business/businessman.

Further posts on that will be subject to sanction.
​

[/Moderator Hat]

 

[MooTime]

Well that was my morning entertainment.
Off to Friday we go.

 

[JessicaTam]

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is currently on Discovery Princess (SYD-AKL) filming a doco for the ABC. I went up and said hello and he was delightful to talk to.

 

[DejaBrew]

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is currently on Discovery Princess (SYD-AKL) filming a doco for the ABC. I went up and said hello and he was delightful to talk to.

Met him previously and agree he seems a genuinely lovely bloke.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Great chopper Pilot - our Dick.

 

[million_thanas1968]

Peter Bol (Aussie Track Olympian) was on my brother’s flight coming home from SYD after the Australian Athletics Championship.

My brother was media for the event and was pretty hyped to see him but didn’t bother him out of respect.

 

[Groundfeeder]

Many years ago I was returning from CNS to BNE on (at then) QF's last flight at 5pm.
We were all seated when the Captain announced there would be a delay due to the late arrival of a VIP. Lots of groans. Eventually the VIP turned up after 15 mins and happened to be Bob Katter in his white Stetson. He took his seat in Y (not uncommon for him) and was confronted by another announcement by the Cabin Chieftess (known by me as Hyacinth) who asked if a Mr. Katter was in the cabin and please press the overhead button so we can identify you. Duly done as requested Mr Katter was then asked by Hyacinth over the cabin speaker "Mr Katter, could you please write out for me 20 times - I MUST NOT BE LATE FOR MY PLANE". Cheers all round!
Only in QLD and a true story.