People-loving businessman had a spirit of adventure
From a young age Jack Joel had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a love of adventure.
Jack Joel was born on August 9, 1932 in the western suburb of Newport in Melbourne, the son of the local doctor, Louis Joel, and Rae Joel.
As a child Jack was a cheeky, mischievous larrikin; a character trait that remained with him throughout his life. He loved people and people loved him: it mattered not whether they were rich or poor, what they did, or where they came from. Consequently, he developed an enormous circle of friends, and he made every one of them feel special. This natural quality was a cornerstone of his success.
Jack Joel, businessman and philanthropist
Jack went to primary school in Williamstown until the outbreak of World War II. That conflict meant Williamstown was considered a prime enemy target, so his parents moved him to Wesley College where he was a border until graduating in 1949.
From a young age he revealed a strong entrepreneurial spirit, even while cutting his teeth as a boilermaker in a chocolate factory, then as a successful fabric salesman with Rockmans. But it was his love of cars and all things mechanical that led him into his own commercial activities, the first coming in 1953 when he established Australia's first frozen chicken processing business, Yankee Birds. It set the scene for what has since become a huge industry.
In 1956 Jack was ready for his next venture. He headed north to join forces with Queensland personality Keith Williams. Jack was already an accomplished water skier, so he and Keith established the Surfers Paradise Ski Gardens. In no time its ski shows and ski school made it a highly popular tourist attraction.
Not surprisingly, Jack was relishing the Gold Coast lifestyle – it was a perfect blend of fun, sun and business. But his father was forever reminding him that he felt such a lifestyle was not appropriate for the son of a doctor, so out of respect for his father he returned to Melbourne seeking a more meaningful vocation.
As a consequence of his love of cars, in 1958 Jack joined a new and thriving car rental company, Kay Rent A Car, as a rental clerk, but his business talents saw him very quickly climbing through the company ranks. After helping establish the company's national network of rental offices he took up the role of general manager.
While at Kay he read in an American magazine a story about a new concept, equipment and car leasing, something that had not yet made its way to Australia. He immediately recognised a tremendous business opportunity, so in 1971 he left Kay and formed Australia's first car leasing company, JMJ. Here his passion, commitment to excellence and gregarious nature enabled him to pioneer the fleet management industry in Australia.
By the time JMJ was sold to the world's largest fleet management operator, GE Capital, in 1996, it had grown from an initial fleet of just seven vehicles in Williamstown to a national fleet of more than 50,000 vehicles.
Apart from his commitment to business, Jack was highly community-minded. He was the founding president of the Rotary Club of Brighton, and in recognition of his contribution of more than 40 years he was awarded a Paul Harris Double Sapphire. He had also become a respected philanthropist.
In 1999, Jack was awarded an OAM for his contribution to community causes.
Jack had a love of the sea and keen sense of adventure. He navigated thousands of ocean miles around Australia and throughout the South Pacific, always entertaining friends along the way. Other interests included driving through the outback to raise money for the Variety Club Charity, and rowing with a veteran crew of old schoolmates in a number of Murray River marathon events.
His passion, commitment to excellence and gregarious nature enabled him to pioneer the fleet management industry in Australia.
Jack died on March 15, leaving behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Karen, four children and eight grandchildren, all of whom adored him.
Recent years did not allow Jack to be very active but he never lost his sense of humour, his warm and endearing personality or his love of life.