That was not the case for Anthony Richardson.

The Kooringal High School graduate started manufacturing exercise bars from his garage five years ago; now, his company AusFit Torsion Bars is set to turn over a huge $7 million this year. 

Mr Richardson said it all began when he started running his own boot camp while working as a mine warfare specialist with the Navy.

“I was sick of transporting pump bars around – they would just rust, because they weren’t designed for the outdoors,” he said.

That’s when Mr Richardson started designing the first prototypes of his very own exercise bars.

Recognising a clear gap in the market, he quickly used his military connection to make his first sales.

“I did all the prototyping in 2013 and finally took them to market commercially in 2015 with the first orders going to the Australian Navy,” Mr Harrison said.

“It’s just kind of grown since, and we’re now negotiating global distribution and will be rolling out in 81 countries in the next 10 weeks.” 

Anthony’s mum Jane Barnes said she always knew her son would grow up to be successful.

“I’m very proud, but I always knew he could do it because he’s always been a go-getter – he had his first ABN number when he was in year nine,” Ms Barnes said.

“He always thought outside the box – when most kids were mowing lawns, he actually decided there was more money to be made in servicing the lawn mowers.” 

Now, Mr Richardson wants to apply his knowledge of manufacturing to another good cause: reducing plastic waste.

“I’ve just started a not-for-profit called Manufacturers Against Plastic that looks at manufacturers and the use of unnecessary plastics in packaging,” he said.

“The idea came about when I was unpacking a bunch of bars, and every single one had a piece of plastic on top of it.” 

Mr Richardson said one of the best parts of his story is being able to share his knowledge and get budding entrepreneurs inspired. 

“I would say just keep grinding, just keep pushing on, keep doing what you’re doing,” he said.

“Be prepared that it’s a long road and, if it fails, learn the lessons and take them on to your next business.”