Australians Mike and Brian Tyquin have received a Lifetime Achievement Award from FEPE, the international outdoor media association, for their contributions to the OOH industry over 50 years.
Brian Tyquin is the owner and founder of Sydney-based Outdoor Systems, operating since 1986, and runs the business with his son, Andrew. He says, “It is overwhelming. I have been in the industry for 50 years. I have been president of the trade association, and run big international conferences, attended many, and made many good friends in the industry.
“When I got the phonecall to head back to Stockholm, it was a surprise, I had returned from Europe only two weeks ago and almost passed myself having to head back.”
As for advice for people entering the OOH industry, Brian says, “Put your head down and your ass up.
“It has been a wonderful industry for myself and my family. I have enjoyed it. It is not easy, as there are a lot of regulations we need to abide by. It is a growing industry, almost at 6 per cent of the national advertising spend from only 3 per cent a few years ago.
“There are opportunities for people to enter the industry. As for starting a business, it is a tough ride, but it is worthwhile.
“I want to thank my colleagues both here and overseas for the nomination.”
Mike Tyquin is the owner of Brisbane-based goa, which was started the same year as his brother’s business, 1986. He runs it with his sons Chris, John Jr, and Peter.
Charmaine Moldrich, CEO, Outdoor Media Association says, “It was wonderful to be in Stockholm to see Mike and Brian receive this well-deserved honour. It was a poignant and special moment to witness the Tyquin brothers’ joy at receiving the award, and to see the room of over 350 delegates rise to their feet in respect and cheer the Tyquins with such affection and warmth. It certainly was a memorable night.”
OMA says Mike and Brian have OOH in their blood. Their father, John Tyquin Sr, worked for the then newly formed Claude Neon Australia in Melbourne in 1934. Soon after this, John and his wife Kay took the job of opening Claude Neon in Tasmania, where both Mike and Brian were born. John became the company’s General Manager in 1960 and moved the family to Sydney.
In 1959 the family acquired Poster Display Company and other Outdoor companies in both Brisbane and Sydney. In June 1970 he merged these companies, together with 12 other groups, to form a national company, Australian Posters. This was a joint venture between the Tyquin family and the London and Provincial Poster Group, run by Roy Ellery.
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