Photo Credit: tonyquinnfoundation
Tony Quinn: Entrepreneur and Motorsport Mogul
Scottish-born entrepreneur and motorsport mogul Tony Quinn has lived a life defined by grit, risk, and remarkable generosity. Starting from humble beginnings, Quinn built the V.I.P. Petfoods empire from the ground up before selling it for hundreds of millions of dollars, later going on to rescue and revitalize iconic brands like Darrell Lea Confectionery. A passionate racer himself, he has poured his success back into Australasian motorsport, owning premier New Zealand circuits including Highlands Motorsport Park, Hampton Downs, and Taupō International Motorsport Park.
Beyond the boardroom and the racetrack, Quinn is widely known for his straight-talking nature and immense philanthropy. Appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), he established the Tony Quinn Foundation to back young Kiwi racing talent and famously made headlines for gifting millions of dollars to family, loyal staff, and everyday people who impacted his life along the way. On Real Life with John Cowan, Tony opens up about the drive behind his business triumphs, his love for New Zealand, and the lessons learned from a high-octane life.
Listen to the full episode soon: