Owning a business may not have ever been a dream of Lawrence’s, but it was certainly a destiny. After four years of university he spent eight years skiing and working in the ski industry, never with a full-time job. In the end he started Cabbage Tree and, 15 years later, he has a successful business and a wonderful family.

Known as the 'Chief Cabbage', Lawrence seeded Cabbage Tree in 1996 - a time when the internet was still unheard of by most businesses in New Zealand. Then (and now) Lawrence's dream was to deliver marketing solutions to the many small (and small-budget) businesses in New Zealand, exemplifying the fact that technology can deliver results that simply aren't possible in traditional media.

Starting with little capital (never do that!) Cabbage Tree took a while to grow. It was in 2000, when the first 'Brussel sprout' (Delwyn) came on board, that the business really took off. Now, the business has a staff of around 14 and Lawrence’s role is somewhat different; no longer is he allowed to write code or design websites – there are experts in place for that now! What he does do, however, is guide the business and its clients through a maze of new technologies and opportunities. Lawrence also spends time talking to industry groups and key clients, inspiring them and helping them understand and embrace the internet, as well as informing them on their online options and the numerous associated benefits. He’s truly passionate about the subject!

Lawrence’s other great passion is New Zealand and the outdoors. In fact, he recently spent three months travelling the country with his family in a pop-top camper, helping his kids appreciate what we New Zealanders have and why it’s so important to look after it (Yes, he has a number of green tendencies!). As a 'tourist' this adventure also gave Lawrence a significant insight into how our tourism industry operates and what visitors from other countries actually think of it.

Strengths

• Always thinking, with an unhealthy number of new ideas
• Excellence – do the job and do it well!
• Partnerships – let’s work together and enjoy it at the same time

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