The return salvo from the owner of the kinkiest afro in town.
Yesterday, I wrote a little piece built around an investigation in the Australian Financial Review about Nev Hyman’s plan to sell cheap flat-packed houses to Third World countries, Vanuatu, the Philippines, Indonesia and so on, at an enormous profit.
“The pitch seemed irresistible,” wrote the AFR’s Carrie LaFrenz. “Save humanity and the planet, and make a fortune in one fell swoop… But after eight years and $8 million in multiple fund raisings, the promise of the sale of tens of thousands of homes by Nev House’s founder has evaporated. Now, a group of angry shareholders is demanding answers after raising serious questions about how the company is operated.”
The story sure did give it to ol Nev, so when it appeared on BeachGrit, he hit me with a text, “Thanks Derek (sad face emoji). How about you just give me a call like a friend would do?”
Been a while since I’d called the ol’ ginger so when he picks up, the first item of business is the enduring redness of his kinky afro.
“Gingers don’t go grey, mate, virile to the end,” he laughs.
Second matter is the photo of him and his former CEO Tony Morris cosying up to Imelda Marcos, wife of Ferdinand, the long dead former president of the Philippines who bled his country for billions.
The inference, of course, and it was so irresistible that I jumped on it, too, was, and in Nev’s words, “that we were rubbing shoulders with despots. Give me a break! We spent three hours talking to an eighty-five-year-old woman. It doesn’t mean we were sucking up to her to use her evil money from the past to fund Nev House.”
The meeting, he says, happened shortly after another meeting with the Aquino government in Manila. One of his team, connected as anything, asked if, since they were in town, they wanted to meet Imelda Marcos.
Nev said, “Holy shit! Meet Imelda Marcos? That’s awesome!”
Imelda was surrounded by photos of her with Cuban prez Fidel Castro, New York artist Andy Warhol and her lavish living quarters were dressed with gold bars and pantings by Renoir and Picasso.
“She chewed our ears off for three hours about Ferdinand and all the great things he did for the Philippines. It was hilarious. We all agreed that we wouldn’t use any of the images that were taken in that scenario to promote Nev House. We’re not idiots. I’m not an idiot.”
The AFR story is pretty damning, I tell Nev, who deflects the blame to a couple of disgruntled former employees.
“They’ve got a vendetta against me and by selfishly bringing this stupid story to the press, they’ve risked the shareholding of all existing shareholders who’ve been faithful to me and my team for seven years. To use Layne Beachley and Kirk, and Sally (Fitzgibbons), they’re supporters! They’re not happy but they’re supporters. They know this is a journey. There are one hundred and seventy other shareholders who want to see this through. These selfish bastards have risked everything by accusing me of being either fraudulent, dishonest or, and, inept. Anyone who knows me, and I say this boldly, knows that’s not true.”
Nev says that what hurts the most that is he used to be able to say, “Google me and you won’t find anything negative.”
“And up until Saturday morning, that was a fact,” he says. “Now I’ve got people thinking I’m a poor choice of character and that I’m risking shareholder capital for my own benefit. (The story) implied that I lived the life of Riley in Bali. Oh my god! I was flying back and forth, not to surf, our head office was there. I stayed in rooms in people’s houses. As for flying business class, I did, once. Six years ago. Using my points. In the article it implies that I was flying back and forth in business. Bullshit.”
The AFR story wraps up with a quote from Gary Flowers, the former Mirvac chief operating officer and Australian Rugby Union chief executive, who writes in an email in 2017, to persons unidentified, “As night follows day there is nothing more certain than the fact that this is headed for the ‘dust bin’ of failed corporate ventures.”
Says Nev, “(Flowers) confirmed to me yesterday that he would not say that now.”
Nev says his case is a lesson for everyone in business, but adds,
“I don’t what the lesson is yet. Maybe that I trusted people and I gave people the benefit of the doubt. It’s backfired badly.”
Still,
“The people I’ve got now, they’re brothers. I’m so proud of the team we have. Watch this space. There’ll be an announcement in two weeks with what we’ve achieved. I’m not going anywhere. This is not a crush-and-burn story. There’s no one chasing me down the road with a microphone asking where the money has gone. Every cent is accounted for.”
Nifty Nev is a good human. 100%
Thanks Trigger mate…That’s cool to hear.
Thanks mate So very true. But I shoulda opened a Brewery like Mick and the boys…I woulda killed it “Ranga Tang”
I’ve never been on facebook but must feel like this comment section Nev and Company (Paul Shaw).
Yeah…Kinda weird in a public forum, eh. Sad but true
Why is it proving so hard and expensive to commercialise what seems to be a good idea? Good idea; good pitch; investment; few contracts tied to sustainable development/ERBD/gvt body supported schemes; bang they’re racing.
I’d like to know the answer to that to mate…We are getting there though… 🙂
Now that BG is showing nipple I’ll be expecting to see some on the next Coffee sisters article.
“Doing something besides starting a brewery”— that’s funny, good one, and maybe very true.
I think this story is still ” developing”.
Hey guys…I am repeating this below as I posted it on the original this morning but at the same time Derek posted my response. Thanks mate…That was a fair and reasonable bit of journalism. I appreciate it.
I know this does not read well for me. However, it is the view of only 3% of NevHouse shareholders and two disgruntled employees both of whom were sacked for gross misconduct by ignoring shareholders interests for their own right to vent. We appreciated one particular investor mentioned who actually did push us to be commercially more compliant. We respected that and acted at considerable expense to rectify issues.
I have ALWAYS put my shareholders interests first. The shareholder majority and my management team are behind this company and its endeavours 110%.
This is NOT a crash and burn story.
We are well on the way to delivering NevHouse to the South Pacific again, and for indigenous communities here under the company Nev Gunya, let alone significant global interest from years of travel, awards etc coming home to roost in 2021/22
Yes, mistakes were made but we have rectified them all and most importantly rid the company of self interest individuals. We are proud about what we have achieved over 7.5 years, especially over the past 12 months on the smell of an oily rag. Watch this space my friends.
I understand that some may just wish to take this story as it reads and for a bit online fun when it has gone onshore, without any understanding of the facts, make a mockery of me and NevHouse. It is water off a ducks back because everyone has a right to vent their views, like the AFR and a few just did with this somewhat salacious story. I and my team acknowledge mistakes have been made but are comfortable that we have done everything we could to protect the interests of our shareholders through this tumultuous 7.5 yr journey to date.
The few detractors who sunk the boot in when we are alive and well should be called to account.
What was their real purpose? To warn others not to invest in Nev because he’s inept and a poor judge of character? Maybe at times I have been, but aren’t we all? I admit that I do give people the benefit of the doubt and yes, I do trust the goodness in people too much, but I am smart enough to know that getting good, ethical and passionate people around me is paramount to keep the sharks away and I have done just that. My team of management is tight and I love them for who they are and what they stand for. Check the website for info http://www.nevhouse.com
By the way, we are not taking more investment in the company, and have not done so for a year or more. Yes, a related group has established an independent Opportunity Zone Fund in the US that will be a customer of NevHouse who will in turn sell our revolutionary CRPP (Composite Recycled Plastic Panel) technology too. These CRPP panels will be a component of our equally unique Australian Building code and Cat5 rated modular structures that use no concrete and can be assembled anywhere by locals in 2-3 days! THIS is what these few fools have run the risk of undermining for some sense of purpose in throwing me and therefore the company under the bus.
Few untruths to be corrected, if you are remotely interested:
* I did not take one for the boys with Imelda for one of her 3,000 pair of shoes. (I would have though for the Andy Warhol or Renoir on the wall.) That was a completely random meeting that had NOTHING to do with NevHouse. Of course I do NOT condone her past for a second…but my God it was an interesting enlightening moment in time as she chewed our ears off for 3 hours about The Phillipines, Ferdinand, her acquittal, and a legion of the famous from the 70’ and 80’s.
* I have never in my career flown Buisness Class…Cattle all the way Hosea
* No high life for me in Bali. Those around me were sadly high most of the time. I did get some sick waves with my bruda from anuda muda Ketut Menda though, and stayed with him most of the time.
* There is NO unaccounted investor capital. Every damn cent was accounted for by our, at the time, pedantic pommy EY trained auditor, Dave Snell.
* Sally, Layne and Kirk featured without there permission still support me and our vision
This is pure character assassination of me, at the expense of:
175 other long suffering shareholders, many of whom are now my loyal friends,
The need for a plastic waste solution for the planet (4t of co mingled contaminated low grade plastic in each 60m2 home),
The need for affordable housing, refugee, and post disaster solutions,
All of which our solution provides.
I and my team are undeterred. We continue on regardless, and our shareholders will be stoked soon enough.
You may want to get some perspective on this story if you are safe n sound in your 9 to 5 by looking at the life and times of an entrepreneur we all know. Elon Musks book is a must read. (I am NOT comparing me to him, OK?! Although we were both born in South Africa and I reckon he’d have ginga pubes! 🙂 This just to give some perspective on how hard it is to create and deliver disruptive and or much needed technologies.
Have a squiz at the following and if you haven’t read the book, you should.
https://www.marketwatch.com…
Like building NEV Futureshapes from a 14yr old kid in the eastern suburbs of Perth to the global company it became. That was not easy. (1974 to 2006).
Founding Firewire and enduring that journey was even harder. (2006 to 2018)
Introducing and copping the criticisms of computer shaping CAD/CAM as an alternative to hand shaping surfboards from 1988 to 2005, resulting in APS3000, Shape3D and AKU Shaper. This was a painful and financially unrewarding experience, but ultimately awesome for me to witness the fact that it is now the industry standard adopted by most shapers worldwide. (1988 to 2004)
Yes…I am blowing my trumpet but I believe it is only fair that I do under the circumstances of this AFR story…
The very last comment by respected Sydney businessman Gary Flowers was 3 years old!
It was said at the time because we sacked his colleague and newly appointed CEO, Gordon Irons
When approached recently by AFR, Gary actually declined to be interviewed and alerted me. Why? Because he was smart enough to know that this would not be constructive regarding the future of the company AND his investment. He and 97% of the shareholders feel the same way. The AFR printed has printed the quote out of context. And, for the record, I have never failed in business, and I don’t intend to at my ripe old Ranga-age.
Anyway guys, really? Does it matter? If it actually does to you, please PM me on FB and I’d love to tell you more, unlike one ex-employee and investor who shawly did not have the balls to do so before instigating this beat up.
I’ll get over the stain on my name that, I up until Saturday, was as clean as a ginga’s bum. Burleigh is looking good right now for a quick one.
We at NevHouse are all good…So please just let us get on with it to actually do some far king good?!
Nev
Hey Nev: is the Duke of York gonna be involved mainly in the youth projects?
Not funny mate. Why even say that? Am I guilty by association? Lame comment.
Nev’s concepts that created the Firewire surfboard technology were industry changing. Also the Taj Burrow shape itself was world-class performance-wise; it carried Taj to #2 in the world. The man is deeply intelligent, visionary & environmentally aware… And brave.
These ventures are all moving the paradigm forward in the realm of sustainability, and functionality. Personally I’ll take Nev at his word. The simple interactions I had with him when ordering slightly custom Taj models (via a mutual friend at the helm of FW) impressed me with his natural friendliness, and commitment to customer satisfaction. My response to the neg article was: No — This is BS… Just wait and let the facts come forward.
I’m really glad Nev wrote this.
Stay on it Nev… Look at Tesla. Massively in debt a couple of years ago — and now there are 500,000 people with deposits on the next Telsa model. Telsa is now worth significantly more than General Motors, and they are going to be massive when that more affordable model comes out.
Wishing you the same Nev.
Hey Mik
My heartfelt and sincere thanks for these comments. You are 100% right and in spite of this attempt to do me and the company as much damage as possible, ignoring the incredible progress made since the sacking of these fools, we are in good shape with really exciting news to be announced imminently. Those who have stood by me will be stoked, and even those who acted so selfishly will benefit.
The best thing however, is that people with less than us, and the environment will benefit the most. Mark my words of should I say
Mik my words maaaaaate!
Thats funny
I’m hurt…I am NOT a Kiwi! 🙂 And Derek said that actually…He must be a Kiwi
Ask him for 6 and you’ll get a laugh…
IF you were an honest Kiwi you would not now be in this unfortunate predicament of international scorn…
I am an honest Aussie…Does that make it all OK? Bugger those Kiwis
Great to hear that lame ass Kirk Penisgirly from INXS lost some cash…
Ummmm… He hasn’t Period.
And you are wrong. He is an awesome bloke.
How about looking in the mirror?
He may be awesome, but his band wasn’t…
(Which is what I was really referring to)
Ha! Now we are getting down to it… Well, it all comes down to taste.> I remember seeing their name on the side of the Playroom in fluro print, driving past to surf Kirra. I read it slowly…Mmmmm In X Cess> I have been in branding all my life and think that was genius. I reckon they sounded damn good to at the time…And some songs (not all) have stood the test of time. Lotsa good times at the playroom watching all the bands in their infancy…
Ay ?
He’s born in GayBurg, South Africa and bred in Shitsville, Australia
Don’t bring NZ into it ! ! !
Hahaha
Hahha!
Maybe this is all on the up and up. Can’t say, could very well be.
But, “Save humanity and make a fortune”?
Why would you want to make a fortune at the expense of 3rd world countries?
Maybe better to set this up as a charitable organization and help these people get a home, looking for nothing in return but operating expenses and a small overhead, and the satisfaction you helped changed the world for the better.
Hey Sam Good point mate. You will find however a paradigm shift around the sustainability of Charities. It is better for a company to make a profit whilst doing good so that the hand is not always out and the admin does not chew up 60%+ of the donations.
That’s not charity then.
That’s just capitalism.
Saying that true charity would only turn them into beggars is extremely condescending and an obvious justification
Yes, maybe, while there are some charities where only about 12% to 18% goes to overhead. The rest goes straight back to the needy.
And that is awesome. 12 -18% to deliver is actually conservative and ethical.
Yes, World Vision is one, and Compassion International is another.
Nothing wrong with making $$$, as long as it resonates with natural sustainability, and employees are treated fairly. I like having money (much) more than not having it.
Nev claims “every cent is accounted for”, yet for 6 years shareholders have asked for the most basic information: a detailed reconciliation of funds raised and money spent, including a breakdown of director’s salaries and expenses by individual. All they get in response is vitriol and name calling. These fools have legal rights.
Ohhh… So you finally speak Paul Shaw. Never had the courage to pick up the phone to discuss with me the facts at any time over the past 2 years?
6 years? Really? This when you are interviewing me for your Shaw Results podcast 2 years ago as mates with me sharing all with you. You witnessed all the dramas from 2014 -2016, yet you actually requesting to be employed by the company AGAIN in 2017?
So you, yes you choose to become the one to risk all the good work by good people too date by engaging with AFR. (it was actually a pretty well written story, but full of inaccuracies and untruths which is not the fault of the Journo, but you) People that YOU were involved with and some of whom you brought on board could very well have lost their investment if I and my team were not up to soldier on. Your actions with this AFR “story” are despicable mate. I have nothing to be ashamed of and I admit my shortcomings. As stated time and time again, absolutely every cent was accounted for. Yes, there was misuse of funds by Morris and that is why I sacked him. You in the meantime have risked the investment of others actually bearing fruit and doing the good that you originally invested in. We all made mistakes, the result has been delayed, but tell me that no other successful company has these same dramas? It takes 10 years for a successful startup and the majority fail. We have a good year ahead and the results will be evident. This’ll be spite of YOU and your few chucking me under the bus. Happy now? You have at least done one good thing. Put a rocket under my ranga arse to deliver bigger and better. You made me stronger Paul… Thanks for that…HOWEVER…I and my awesome, ethical and passionate unpaid team are continuing to ignore people like you and just get on with the job
If you truly believe what you continue to say, then simply provide a detailed reconciliation of funds raised and money spent, including a breakdown of director’s salaries and expenses by individual (validated by an independent and reputable accountant). Ranting, blaming, name-calling, martyrdom, all might make you feel good, but the cold hard facts will vindicate you (or not), so why not share them?
Fuckin hell man I don’t know if this is ULTRA HARD SURF CANDY
Yeah I can’t even figure out which one supports Trump
Paul does fer Shure…haha! You gotta laugh don’t ya!
It’s history. 5-7 years ago. Different company, different country, different time, same shareholders (thanks to me and my BOD), significant progress and some mistakes were made. Morris was the issue and is the ONLY one with something to answer for. You know that, you were there, you were engaged for long enough to see what he was up to. Yes, every cent is accounted for. It’s done. It’s history. You have shown your cards and your inability to see the damage done by you orchestrating this story. I have spoken the truth. There is no need for “vindication for me” For what? No-one has lost their investment. I and my team have fought and sacrificed from 2016 to now to ACHIEVE what we have only to have you do what you did. Sad. But it is game on. Move on. Be careful what you say in a public forum. Very careful. Ranting? Name calling? Martyrdom? (you are funny mate, really) no Paul, just saying it like it is. You selfishly put yourself ahead of the best interests of our shareholders but engaging with AFR with this salacious and mostly nonfactual story. But I and my team will ignore you now and keep moving ahead.
I’ve NEVer had a HYMAN bust back
LOL
Buster…Nevr lived that down..In fact I was proud of that nickname
‘Nev House’ is a pretty shit name though.
Haha!!
Should have called it ShitHouse…
What’s a crush and burn story? Isn’t it crash? Fucken hell, Nev. You’re making surfers look dumb mate.
Jewfro
If the shoe fits…
…sorry, I just wanted to use an Imelda Marcos pun.
I remember her as a kid!!! 7000 shoes…. I’m sooooooo jealous
see above GIGI
FFS , fake news ….great to hear you are charging on, and when I read about all the $’s being spent on luxury shit….doesn’t sound like the Nev I knew and know …..stoked to hear your side of the story…..
Hey Brutus…Yes mate…An absolute beat up. It is in fact a crazy story and yes I will write about it and share exactly what happened and who did what. In the meantime I am stoked to have your support met. There is a lot of good to do, and plenty good waves to be had.
amazing how the hubby was bleeding the country, people starving and American media decides to do a piece of the wife’s shoes….
That is true Gigi. I got a unique insight to an unbelievably influential but crazily corrupt dynasty in the space of 3 hours…
Remember,,, no altruist goes unpunished…. f**k ‘em…. do ur thing … there’s only one Judge that matters anyway …
haha! and it was 3,000 shoes. I asked her about them. She said they are now in a safe, but sadly she lost 10% due to moisture and rot. What an epic tragedy of Herculean proportions
Not sure what it means if Wilko and Fanning make better investments than shapers.
Haha Mick is much smarter than me…Not sure about Wilko though! Haha!
say what?
Haha! Sorry Wilko…Just having a laugh at anyones expense considering the silliness of what this is all about. You know silliness better than most which is why everyone loves ya mate!
Aah OK Nev Mate. It’s just I’m a bit sensitive n never get any credit even after I was nr.1 after the Ossie leg back when pro surfing was still cool like. Anyway besta luck.
Hey Wilko… Fond memories of when Renee was competing and you and your old man were just too much fun to be around. The big van and all. You lit up the tour with your personality and with your surfing. Respect mate. There is tons of it out there on you. More than you know.