Garreth Collard

I currently work for an Auckland-based mid-tier IT company as a Business Development Manager. I also run EpsomTax.com Limited, an accounting firm, and MrIT.co.nz, a website and graphic design company.

From 2004 to 2007 I ran my own highly successful IT business. After selling this in August 2007, my wife and I decided to spend a year living in Central America helping illiterate people learn to read and write in Spanish.

Prior to 2004, I spent four years as Administration Manager for a service-based business in Central Auckland with an annual turnover of more than a million dollars. In 1999, I took a break from the secular workforce, and spent 18 months working with the underprivileged in South Auckland. From 1996 to 1999, I worked in the banking industry for ANZ and Westpac. Before that I provided accounting and other services to a number of small businesses in the Bay of Plenty.

I am trained and experienced in the use of MYOB, Quicken and Exonet. I also have extensive experience in Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Excel, and multimedia. I have obtained competence in NZQA Unit Standards 17593 and 20198 relative to Health & Safety services, and I am currently studying for a Diploma in Health & Safety. In 2006 I made the finals of the IBM Business Partner Awards with our business in the category 'Best Non-IBM Reseller'. More recently, I have achieved the status of Microsoft Certified Professional.

Even though I have good technical capabilities, where I excel is in looking after people. I love people! People are so interesting - everyone has a story to tell, and I like to listen. I'm also a strong believer in good customer service. I'm a positive, upbeat kind of person, and so enjoy making our customers happy.

On a personal note:
I play guitar and piano, speak Spanish and English and understand Italian and Portuguese. I live with my wife in Taupaki, Auckland.