Time is limitless for Rick Gillow as he goes through life as a family man, business owner and sports fanatic.
A full schedule is no fear for Rick as he’s always managed to confront and adapt to changes involving his personal and work life.
Growing up, Rick was always on the move as his father was in the army and was transferred around the world.
From being born in Darwin to living in Melbourne, Papua New Guinea and now Beaudesert, the Gillow family was happy to be able to call Beaudesert home.
Once attending Beaudesert State High School to finish off his last years of school, Rick met his high-school sweetheart Karen, who was born and bred in Beaudesert.
“When we got married, we wanted to make sure that the kids didn’t move around a lot, like I did – not that it was bad,” he said.
“You learn a lot of skills when you’re moving house every two years. Unfortunately, you get a little bit complacent.”
Once Rick’s family life kickstarted, his dream of owning an accounting practice soon became a reality after he and his business partner Alan Teese bought what is now called Gillow & Teese.
Through offering services to Beaudesert, and sometimes four generations of the same family, Rick hopes that he can provide the community a company they can trust.
“I’ve been in partnership with Alan for a long time. Together, we’ve been quite successful in creating an accounting practice that services the Beaudesert area,” he said.
“The good thing is that people trust you, and I take that very seriously. I try to make sure that I can help out clients as much as I possibly can – it’s just a small country town atmosphere.”
Although Rick has managed to juggle work and home life, he always found a way to incorporate his love for sport by cycling, running or swimming every morning.
He found that it was a good way to regulate his emotions, especially after a frustrating day at work.
“My wife would probably say that when I took up cycling, it took out that aggression. You get frustrated with work, things don’t go the way they’re supposed to, and then you come home and take that out with Karen and the kids,” Rick said.
“When I started riding in the mornings or sports in the afternoons, you get out and work hard, get rid of that aggression, then you come home and things are a little more relaxed.”
Rick is a part of numerous community associations, including the Cycling Club, Bethania-Beaudesert Rail Trail group and Pickleball Association where he also upholds titles as treasurer.
In a race against time, it is clear to say that Rick is in the lead.
