Celebrating 60 Years of Entrepreneurial Excellence
In a momentous honour, Stefan Ackerie AM has been inducted into the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Business Hall of Fame, recognising his extraordinary 60-year journey in developing the iconic Queensland business, Stefan Hair. This prestigious accolade celebrates his unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropy, and transformative impact on the hairdressing industry.
On July 25th, Stefan was one of five inductees to receive this award at the Brisbane Convention Centre, presented by Minister Grace Grace. The ceremony was attended by 120 personally invited guests, including his family, closest friends, and long-serving staff, most with a tenure of over 10+ years. Each guest received a personally signed and handwritten letter from Stefan, expressing his gratitude for the impact they have had on his life and the company. This thoughtful gesture added a deeply personal and heartfelt touch to the evening.
The ceremony was a fitting tribute to Stefan's remarkable career. As Minister Grace Grace presented the award, the room was filled with a sense of admiration and respect for Stefan's contributions to both the business world and the community. Guests were treated to a heartfelt acceptance speech that highlighted his dedication and achievements, and showcased Stefan’s journey from humble beginnings, and what shaped him to becoming a pioneering force in the hairdressing industry.
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
Stefan's career began in the early 1960s, building on a family tradition of hairdressing. In 1966, he opened his first salon in Mackay, followed by another in Brisbane in 1967. This marked the inception of Stefan Corporation, which has since become the largest privately owned hairdressing company in the Southern Hemisphere. Today, Stefan’s encompasses 33 salons across Queensland, employing approximately 300 staff and serving as a major private employer and educator of apprentices across various sectors.
Stefan's innovative approach has been a cornerstone of his success. His early adoption of techniques from international industry hubs like London, Paris, and New York significantly shaped his salons' customer-centric approach.
A Visionary Approach
What sets Stefan apart is his visionary approach to business. He recognized early on the importance of blending creativity with strategic thinking. This philosophy has been instrumental in the success of Stefan Hair, allowing the brand to remain at the forefront of the industry. Stefan's emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation has helped Stefan Hair navigate market changes and maintain its reputation for excellence.
A Commitment to Community and Philanthropy
Stefan's impact extends far beyond the business realm. Known affectionately for the "Stefan Rainbow," he has provided thousands of young Queenslanders with valuable employment opportunities and has been an avid supporter of charitable causes. His philanthropic endeavours include founding the Stefan's MASKS Foundation in 2011, dedicated to bringing joy to children in hospitals during Easter and Christmas. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2000 and the Centenary Medal in 2001.
His commitment to excellence extended beyond his salons, leading to the launch of his own hair care range in the early 1970s (known widely as The Stefan Classics Range) and a successful collaboration with Channel 9 to broadcast his haircare program.
A Celebration of Excellence
The induction into the QUT Business Hall of Fame is a testament to Stefan's remarkable career and lasting legacy. His dedication to innovation, education, and community service reflects a lifetime of excellence and compassion. As we celebrate this prestigious honour, we acknowledge Stefan's profound impact on the hairdressing industry and the Queensland community.
Congratulations to Stefan for this well-deserved recognition—here’s to celebrating a lifetime of achievements and contributions to the business and beyond!
