Craig Somerville

Name: Craig Somerville

Business name: Reload Media

Age: 22

State: Queensland

The entrepreneurial drive behind Brisbane digital marketing agency Reload Media is undoubtedly Llew Jury, who founded the business in 2006.

However, a key player behind the growth of the business is Craig Somerville, who become Reload Media’s first employee in 2008, aged 19.

Just three years later, Jury made Somerville a company director, general manager and 25% owner of the company group.

It’s an impressive rise that has mirrored the success of the business. Reload now has 300 clients in Australia and around the world, with offices in London, Auckland and India.

After starting up with “loose change” of $10,000, Reload recorded revenue of $1.1 million in 2009-10, with 100% growth each year.

Somerville has been handed responsibility for some of Reload’s largest clients and is tasked with growing the company’s international offices.

Still only 22-years-old and currently undertaking an MBA, the analytical and diligent Somerville looks set to become one of Australia’s most impressive business leaders.

“One of the most challenging aspects is dealing with the international operations,” he says.

“Different business cultures, time zones and client expectations make managing international teams a challenge, but one that I’m enjoying.”

“The lack of face-to-face communication is the hardest part about it but over time we’ve put into place processes (like regular video conferencing, training sessions, knowledge management systems) to improve that.”

“I think it’s important that you actually know your topic. When you look young, I think people are much quicker to dismiss your opinions if you don’t prove yourself quickly.”