EP 4: Arthur Laundy

Welcome to episode 4 of World Class Voices, season 1: The Australian Icons. This week, I had the honor of sitting down with Arthur Laundy, the legendary publican and visionary behind Australia’s largest billion-dollar pub empire. From growing up in Sydney’s western suburbs to running his first pub at just 21 during the Vietnam conscription era, Arthur is a true Australian treasure with an incredible story.

In this episode, Arthur takes us back to his early days… The days of no refrigeration, picking up glasses, wiping tables, all day and all night. A time where pubs weren’t just businesses; they were the heartbeat of Australian mateship and community. We reflected on the lessons learned from his father, Arthur Laundy Snr, a fascinating man who grew up as an orphan, going on to become a savvy business-man in the 1940s and a very well respected publican in Sydney’s 20th century.

Arthur shares candid thoughts on how pubs have transformed over the decades, from technology’s impact to what makes a great hotel today. He reveals his approach to balancing cash-flow from pubs with long-term real estate assets and how acquisitions have evolved since the 1960s and 70s when he took over his first lease.

We explore what gets Arthur out of bed each day; family, friends, the Bulldogs, and the simple joy of achieving. He opens up about habits and rituals that have anchored his success, as well as his “mindset” when it comes to hard work and determination.

Arthur also weighs in on whether today’s men are “built different”, the future of education, and the timeless value of practical learning as well as theory. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of Australian hospitality, this conversation is packed with timeless wisdom, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for anyone with a love for business, history, community and tradition.

So sit back and enjoy as we celebrate the life and lessons of a true Aussie legend: Arthur Laundy.

Arthur Laundy and Sam Hope