IT was 1960 when successful Albury magnate Colin Joss started out as an apprentice carpenter.
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And Mr Joss was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2015 Chamber Business Awards in Wodonga on Friday night, 55 years since starting his career, and was described as passionate and committed.
As he launched his career, Mr Joss envisioned he would become a commercial builder, which led to him forming Colin Joss & Co in 1975.
He then landed his first significant project, a 23-unit hotel, “Allawa”, in Albury’s Olive Street.
The company’s first project valued at more than a million dollars, the Borella House residential aged care unit, came four years later.
Colin Joss & Co then gained a maintenance contract for 200 Riverina schools in the 90s.
More recently, the company has developed Quest Wodonga, Huon Hill Hotel and Quest Nowra.
It also purchased the old Macquarie Textiles mills in East Albury just last year.
The company now has 1600 employees and has generously donated to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund along with many other community charities and events.
Mr Joss said he was humbled by the award.
“I suppose it’s gratifying to look back on what I’ve achieved and be recognised by my peers,” he said.
His advice to aspiring business people was “never be afraid to hire someone smarter than yourself”.
More than 300 people attended the awards at The Cube and Albury Northside Chamber's business manager Kathie Heyman said Mr Joss deserved the accolade.
“His contribution to Albury-Wodonga has been outstanding,” she said.
Ms Heyman said the business awards were important to the community.
“Business around Albury-Wodonga is quite robust and we try to make sure we stay together and employ people locally,” she said.
Twin City Roller Doors won Excellence in Innovation and Outstanding Small Business, Meet PAT won Outstanding New Business, Border Pathology won Outstanding Medium/Large Business and Techcellence won Outstanding Micro Business.
Daniel Fewster was named Outstanding Young Business Person and Nick Roseby won the title of Business Entrepreneur.
Aware Industries won Excellence in Manufacturing, Industry and Logistics, Excellence in Environmental Sustainability and Excellence in Health and Wellness.
Johnsons MME won the Most Outstanding Business 2015 and Employer of Choice.
Regional Imaging won Excellence in Commercial, Professional and Business Services and Harrington Hair won Excellence in Hospitality, Leisure and Retail Services.