Celebrating David Greenwood OAM – Geelong’s Youth Entrepreneur of the Year 2025

David Greenwood OAM, Managing Director of Ryrie Office Machines, has been named the Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for 2025. 

Announced at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards on 30 October, this honour recognises Greenwood’s dynamic leadership and community-minded approach to business. With over 15 years of experience spanning small business, arts management, and community advocacy, he stood out among this year’s nominees. The award celebrates not only Greenwood’s business acumen but also his broader contributions to Geelong’s cultural and entrepreneurial landscape.

Recognising Entrepreneurial Excellence in Geelong

 David Greenwood OAM (right) receiving the 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards. This accolade highlights his innovative spirit and dedication to the Geelong community.

Greenwood’s recognition as Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 is a testament to his innovation and leadership in the region. The judges noted his unique blend of business success and arts leadership, underscoring how entrepreneurship can thrive alongside community service. “

Creativity, determination and unstoppable drive took centre stage”

 at the awards ceremony, which honoured 20 of Geelong’s outstanding businesses and individuals across various categories. Greenwood’s ability to bridge the world of commerce with a passion for the arts made him an especially fitting choice. In his acceptance remarks, he emphasised that this award belongs to the entire community:

“This isn’t just about me – it’s about Geelong and the amazing support our young entrepreneurs have here.” 

Such words reflect Greenwood’s belief that strong regional networks and mentorship fuel success for the next generation of business leaders.

A Family Legacy Founded in 1981

Geelong’s business community knows the Greenwood name well. Ryrie Office Machines was founded in 1981 by the Greenwood family – establishing a proud family enterprise rooted in Geelong. From day one it has been a 100% Geelong-owned and operated company built by true locals. Over more than four decades, the Greenwood family has built Ryrie Office Machines into a trusted regional institution synonymous with quality and integrity.

Ryrie Office Machines became more than just an office equipment supplier; it became a partner in the local community – known for supporting regional initiatives, from sporting clubs to youth programs. This legacy of local engagement and reliability paved the way for David Greenwood’s own journey. Growing up in this environment, David inherited a deep respect for Geelong’s people and a commitment to carry the family legacy forward.

Ryrie Office Machines – Over Four Decades of Trusted B2B Service

In 2025, Ryrie Office Machines remains a cornerstone B2B service provider in Geelong and the broader Victorian region. The company’s longevity and reputation are built on strong partnerships and customer-centric service. Ryrie has had the pleasure of working alongside businesses of all sizes – from solo owner-operators to large national organisations – since 1981. Over the years, it has become

“synonymous with quality and trust”

 locally known for delivering reliable office technology solutions that help other businesses thrive. Ryrie supplies only top-quality brands (such as Kyocera, OKI, Casio, Dell and Samsung) and serves clients across government, education, small business and private sectors.This broad expertise means regional clients don’t need to look to big-city providers; Ryrie offers metropolitan-level service with the personal touch of a local firm.

What truly sets Ryrie Office Machines apart is its relationship-driven philosophy.

“At Ryrie, we’re a little different. We believe it’s all about our customer relationships. When you do well... we do,” 

David Greenwood has embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. He has maintained Ryrie’s focus on close, authentic partnerships with clients. By understanding the unique needs of Geelong businesses, Ryrie has helped countless local companies improve productivity through better office technology. This real-world impact – enabling other enterprises to succeed – is a source of pride for the Greenwood family. In an era of rapid change, Ryrie Office Machines also continues to innovate, expanding its IT services and staying ahead of industry trends so that Geelong businesses have access to cutting-edge solutions close to home. For the regional business community, Ryrie is more than a vendor; it’s a trusted advisor and collaborator committed to Geelong’s growth.

Leadership Bridging Business and the Arts

One of the most remarkable aspects of David Greenwood’s entrepreneurial journey is his dual role in business and the performing arts. By day, Greenwood leads a thriving office technology company; by night (and often also by day), he channels his passion into Geelong’s arts scene. He is the co-owner and Managing Director of CentreStage, a Geelong-based theatre company that has become a creative powerhouse in the region. In fact, CentreStage is a homegrown success story proudly owned by David and his partner Brett, dedicated to empowering local talent and fostering a vibrant arts scene in Geelong. Under David’s stewardship, CentreStage has grown into Australia’s largest amateur musical theatre company, now staging between 15 and 20 shows each year and offering a plethora of grants and programs for junior performers. This incredible growth earned CentreStage multiple awards; it was inducted into the Geelong Business Excellence Awards Hall of Fame in 2021 after winning at least three major awards in the years prior.

Greenwood’s leadership style in the arts mirrors his approach in business: inclusive, innovative, and community-focused.

“We’ve always been a little different to other theatre groups because our primary goal is to be as inclusive as possible,” 

Greenwood has said about CentreStage’s ethos. The company keeps fees low and performance opportunities frequent to ensure that young actors can remain active and supported in the community. By engaging over 500 volunteers and employing around 100 local staff and contractors each year, CentreStage has a significant regional impact – culturally and economically. It operates both a not-for-profit foundation for community theatre and a commercial arm (including a talent agency and education program), blending purpose with sustainability.

David Greenwood’s ability to bridge these two worlds – commerce and culture – is a hallmark of his authentic leadership. It also helped earn him national recognition: earlier this year he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the performing arts and to the Geelong community. This prestigious honour reflects how Greenwood’s work in theatre, education, and business has enriched the lives of many in the region. He often credits his Geelong upbringing for instilling in him the values of hard work, creativity, and community service that fuel his various ventures.

Committed to Community and Future Growth

For David Greenwood, receiving the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year award is not a finish line but a springboard for further community impact.

“Geelong has given me so much – it’s where our family business was born and where my passion for the arts took flight. I’m dedicated to paying that forward,” 

he said, underscoring his commitment to mentoring others. Greenwood actively supports young entrepreneurs, frequently engaging with regional business networks and local start-up programs to share his insights. He believes Geelong’s close-knit business community is one of its greatest strengths.

“In a regional city, relationships matter. We succeed by lifting each other up,” 

he noted, encouraging experienced leaders to guide emerging talent. Greenwood plans to collaborate with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce and other local organisations to establish new mentorship opportunities and resources for youth-led ventures in the coming years.

Looking ahead, innovation and growth remain top priorities for Greenwood in both realms of his work. At Ryrie Office Machines, he is steering the company towards the future of office technology – exploring sustainable printing solutions, advanced IT support services, and digital transformation tools to help clients stay competitive.

“Our goal is to continue evolving with our clients’ needs and the times,” 

he explains, highlighting how Ryrie’s next chapter will blend tech innovation with the same personalised service that has defined it since 1981. At the same time, he is guiding CentreStage’s expansion into new creative projects and educational programs. From launching Geelong’s first dedicated talent agency to introducing outreach initiatives in schools, Greenwood’s vision for CentreStage is to nurture the next generation of creative leaders while solidifying Geelong’s reputation as a cultural hub.

Respect for regional roots and authentic leadership underpin everything David Greenwood does. In an age when business success is often equated with big-city ventures, Greenwood’s story is a powerful reminder that innovation thrives in regional centres like Geelong when community and commerce work hand in hand. His achievements highlight the strength of Geelong’s business networks and the value of staying true to one’s values. As the Geelong Chamber of Commerce noted, Greenwood’s contributions to both the arts and business have created real-world impact – from empowering local youth to helping businesses grow.

In celebrating David Greenwood OAM as the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year 2025, the message is clear: authentic leadership and community-driven innovation are worthy of recognition and respect. Greenwood himself puts it best:

“When regional businesses invest in their community, and when leaders stay authentic, everybody wins.” 

Geelong is proud of its hometown entrepreneur, and the region looks forward to the continued positive influence of the Greenwood family’s legacy for years to come.