Michael Geddes inherited the factory of his godfather Jack Geddes.

Michael Geddes was born on September 12th, 1966 in the New York Hospital Queens. His father Peter was senior buyer at Bloomingdale’s and his mother Cathryn worked as a nurse in the hospital. The couple had three children and Michael was their eldest! He had two sisters, Kelly and Susan. Michael was an average student. He spent most of his time behind his computer. Michael really excelled at computers and had a passion for IT. As a result Michael decided to study Information Technology at the University of New York. Feeling completely at home in the IT world he started his own Internet business: Nerds.com. Nerds.com was a major hit. Michael was completely occupied by managing the company and decided to quit University. Although doing fine he soon started to miss the real kick of creating and building new business. Right at that moment his godfather Jack Geddes died. Jack emigrated from the USA to Australia 44 years earlier. To his surprise Michael received a letter from a civil law notary in Perth, Australia stating that he inherited the factory of his godfather!

In the huge forest stood a high-tech building.

Michael jumped on a plane to see his new property. The factory was located at the north of Perth and it was a real hassle to get there. It took him at least an hour drive through the bushes to reach the factory.

When he finally arrived Michael was impressed! In the huge forest stood a high-tech building; the “little factory” of his uncle! Amazed and pride he stared at the building. Trucks were constantly coming and going. There really was a lot of activity!

Michael entered the main entrance and walked into a huge reception. He was welcomed by a verygood-looking blond woman! “Hi, you must be Michael! I'm Cathy Gillmore, the right hand of your uncle Jack for the last 12 years! Let me give you a tour in your new factory.” Michael
was struck by her appearance, what a self-confidence, what an amusing accent, what a kindness and what a beauty! He was really impressed. As if she could read his mind she said; “Don't even dream about it. I have a great relationship with Sarah for several years now. She is a successful model in New York City! Perhaps you even know her. You're from New York City too, aren't you? ” . Michael laughed clumsy and responded “How nice for you”!


The company was performing fantastic.

They got along well immediately. The tour was prepared perfect and Michael did get an expert course in fabrics! He enjoyed the guided tour and most of all......his awesome new property. What an inheritance, surreal! “Let's have lunch Michael” Cathy said. They walked into the fancy company diner and ordered some food. They talked for hours and Kathy told him all the ins and outs of the company. She also showed him the financial reports. The profits were beyond Michael's expectation. The company was performing fantastic. What a day! Evening fell and the staff already left home. “Let's go”, Cathy said. I made a reservation in a restaurant in the city. I suggest driving with you, otherwise you will get lost! At the restaurant in Perth they had a pleasant and above all very useful evening. Cathy shared her ideas for exploring new business. Cathy's idea was to grow the business by starting a new unit. This unit would have to launch a new clothing label using the exclusive fabrics of the factory. Jack always refused to consider Cathy's ideas by responding: “Take it easy girl! We have loads of time!” But Jack had less time than he thought. “Do you know how he died”, Cathy suddenly asked. No, they did not tell me yet, Michael answered. He fell asleep on the porch of his ranch in his wooden chair and never woke up, typically Jack!

Together they started the new label Geddes & Gillmore!

Cathy unfolded her entire business plan and again Michael was impressed. He had a positive feeling and was more than ready for such a thrilling new challenge! To cut a long story short; Michael went back to NY and sold his internet business for a lot of money. He took care of things and went back to Perth three weeks later. Together they started the new label Geddes & Gillmore! Soon the first Geddes & Gillmore Flagship store opened in Perth. It was a success from the first day. Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Townsville would follow. Because Australia didn’ t offer sufficient growth potential they decided to relocate the company to the USA. Both Cathy and Michael were looking forward to go back to NY (Cathy’ s girlfriend certainly did). Cathy and Michael decided to first set up a retail chain in Europe. In the back of their heads they have the intention to attack the American market later. This would be based on the idea; Goodies from Europe are great. See you in one of our European stores to experience the Geddes & Gillmore feeling. Shine on!

Michael Geddes & Cathy Gillmore