Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsored by Deakin University: Jye Bohm

Jye Bohm has come a long way since his days as a professional football player. Now the owner of three successful businesses, Bohm has won this year’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Deakin University.

Bohm was previously shortlisted for the award in 2021, and this is his first win. The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes the entrepreneurial achievement of business professionals aged 18-40 who demonstrate leadership, vision, and success.

“We were impressed with Jye who has a number of fingers in different pies, whether it be a $20 million turnover fire protection business within the construction industry or the fashion industry, as well as consulting to numerous businesses,” Chair of the Judging Panel Simon Flowers said. “The plans for these businesses are Sydney to Australia-wide and international.”

Bohm co-founded his first business, PROFINISH Coatings, in 2016 with business partner Justin Bliss. The fire protection and industrial coatings business found quick success and in 2021 was rebranded to reflect the two separate arms of the business. The passive fire protection side of the company became PROFINISH Fire Protection, while the industrial coatings service remained under the name, PROFINISH Coatings.

With Bohm driving company systems and sales, PROFINISH Fire Protection has grown from $1.5 million to $20 million in revenue in just four years.

In 2020, Bohm stepped in to help his childhood friend Tim Hanly accelerate the growth of his startup business, Front Runner. In less than 12 months, the Australian fashion label’s revenue reached $1.5 million.

“We were wondering where he fitted time in to also help his brother’s mowing business and his dad’s crocodile tour business,” Mr. Flowers said. “We really bought into his core values and strength in identifying problems and firefighting them.” “The judges also learned strategies themselves during the interview.”

To find out more, visit www.profinishfire.com.au.

Deakin University

Deakin University, sponsor of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, is at the forefront of preparing graduates for the careers of tomorrow.

With a forward-thinking approach, the University leverages emerging technologies to offer innovative and personalized education experiences that transcend borders. The University’s commitment to research not only informs their teaching but also has a positive impact on the communities they engage.

Deakin University places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, providing students with real-world opportunities, including business internships, international study tours, and leadership roles as student mentors.

With four strategically located campuses across Victoria – Geelong Waterfront, Waurn Ponds, Melbourne Burwood, and Warrnambool – and a premium online learning platform that exceeds any other in Australia, Deakin University fosters a unique connectivity, reaching both metropolitan and regional students.

Deakin University is committed to providing its students with the best possible education and preparing them for success in the global workforce. Deakin’s graduates are highly sought after by employers and are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st-century workplace. For more information, please visit Deakin University’s website.