Our business wouldn’t exist without Haileybury

When Cliff Ho and Tom Ye graduated from Haileybury in 2003, the two friends took very different pathways. While Tom went to university and in to the world of finance and banking, Cliff ended up in Hong Kong, working for a music TV channel and interviewing some of the world’s biggest music stars – from Miley Cyrus and Usher to the Black Eyed Peas.

Despite their wildly different careers, the two old Haileyburians stayed in touch.

That strong connection has led them to where they are today – owners of The Commons.

The highly successful duo operates 19 co-working sites and two health clubs across Melbourne and Sydney, and recently found themselves name on the Financial Review Young Rich List.

Together, they have some big, bold plans for the future.

“There is so much more growth possible. We’re only 40-years-old and, in the next decade, we hope to do some amazing things with the business. I feel like we’re just getting started,” says Cliff.

The honest and effective relationship between Cliff and Tom that has enabled The Commons to thrive began in the classrooms at Haileybury.

“Without Haileybury, The Commons wouldn’t exist,” says Cliff.

“Tom and I met through the school and we raised the first bit of funding for our business through another Old Haileyburian in our year level. But more than that, I think Haileybury teaches students to be ambitious and perhaps that rubs off when you are in the outside world. The school also taught me some good values, like treating people with respect – that goes a long way in business and in life.”

“Knowing our parents had to work really hard to send us to Haileybury made me try hard to honour that and to make the most of my time at school. There was an expectation that you would do your best to go out into the world and do well,” adds Tom.

While Tom took the traditional post-graduation path of university and a stable career with prospects, Cliff’s pathway was less predictable but equally as valuable and formative. He’s living proof that you don’t have to have your future pathway clearly mapped out by the end of Year 12.

“The truth is, if you asked any of my teachers at school whether I’d succeed, their answer would probably be ‘no’,” laughs Cliff.

“While kids might not excel in school, but they can excel outside of school. I wasn’t very academic and I didn’t go to university but I am a big believer in learning and that people can learn in different ways.

“I always knew I wanted to run my own business so I stayed open to whatever came my way and I think that’s even more important in the world today. You have to be agile, take up opportunities, apply yourself and explore what is out there.”

This year, The Commons celebrates its 10^th anniversary.

The business launched when Cliff returned to Australia to start a production company and was struggling to find a workspace to lease. Over beers with Tom, they gradually formulated the idea of leasing out spaces to creatives. While Tom fleshed out the financial and legal aspects of the venture, Cliff focused on what the spaces would look like, who their members would be and how to attract them.

They opened their first site in Collingwood in 2016.

The fresh, modern spaces include features such as a café, bar, library, wellness program, indoor golf simulator, massage lounge, record lounge, courtyard and an events program where members can relax and network.

This year, Cliff and Tom opened their first two health clubs with plans to continue to grow the reach of their workspace and wellness facilities. Hotel developments may also be on the cards at some point.

So, what is the secret of The Commons’ success? What has allowed it to weather serious challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic that saw similar ventures flounder?

“We are very strategic in our day-to-day operations. We look at cashflow and profits and we don’t get starry eyed. The world is changing rapidly and the people who can adapt to change and be open-minded and agile will win,” says Tom.

“We are also resilient. In business, you have many more downs than ups but there is always a way forward. Whenever we see a problem, Cliff and I sit down and work it out – and we don’t give up.”