Happy Birthday Dad! You're my inspiration

Just over 18 months ago, my father (James Gibbins) resigned from his stable job of 20 years as a teacher of 'optical dispensing' at TAFE to form his own college with his colleague, Chedy Kalach. Inventive, they called it the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing, or 'ACOD'.

And what an amazing year and a half they have had!

In that short time, ACOD has grown to become the largest provider of optical dispensing training in Australia, now with 9 teachers and over 250 students!

With a market share of over 60%, that's more students than all the other training providers in Australia put together! Not bad for the first 18 months!

Far from the good old days (i.e. 2 years ago) when Dad would be home for an early dinner with the kids and enjoy teacher holiday conditions, Dad is now regularly across the other side of the country teaching students in every State or Territory in Australia - or even further! ACOD has been so successful in New Zealand that they are driving growth in the industry - optical dispensers are training more of their staff now than ever before because ACOD has raised the bar in training quality.

I believe the reason for my father's success is that he built a company that reflects who he is. He works tirelessly to ensure every student has the support they need to succeed. If you have the right attitude, my Dad will go over and above to get you through.

That was my upbringing and that is my Dad.

Dad - You are amazing and an inspiration. What you have built is remarkable. Happy birthday (and see you Saturday)!