Entrepreneur Jake Munday Invests in Barwon Business Park, Geelong

11 October 2024
Jake Munday of CUSTOM SIGNS and developer Phil Petch

The latest purchaser is local Jake Munday, the founder of the internationally successful neon sign business, CUSTOM SIGNS. The father of three has added to property portfolio in Geelong purchasing off the plan a strata office at the new Barwon Business Park, recognising its sensational location on the Barwon River and the scarcity of strata properties in the region.

CUSTOM SIGNS, which began as a side project after Munday and his wife, Jess, struggled to find an affordable neon sign for their son’s nursery, has since grown into a global success story. While the company originated in Australia, Munday estimates that 75% of their sales now come from the U.S., a testament to the scalability of their online business model. The company’s innovative approach, including offering customisable signs through an easy-to- use online platform, has helped it rank ahead of global competitors on search engines in both the U.S. and UK.

Despite CUSTOM SIGNS’ global reach, Munday loves his hometown Geelong, where the business is headquartered. “We love Geelong. It’s home for us,” Munday said, adding that the company has always maintained a strong connection to the local community, with special discounts and personalised service for Geelong residents.

Jake’s decision to invest in Barwon Business Park was significantly influenced by the vision of developer Phil Petch. Munday appreciated Petch’s personal involvement throughout the sales process, including direct conversations about the development’s potential. “It’s rare to have such active involvement from a developer, and it was reassuring to know that Phil was so committed to this project,” Munday said.

The business park’s prime riverside location, combined with the limited availability of new strata commercial properties in Geelong, made it an ideal purchase for Munday. “Being first in, at such a prime spot along the Barwon River, is an incredible opportunity. The views are going to be spectacular ” he added.

Jake isn’t the only one excited about the Barwon Business Park. A close friend of his, also a local entrepreneur, purchased in the development, further underscoring the Park’s appeal among Geelong’s business community.

With its blend of local charm and international success, Jake Munday’s involvement at Barwon Business Park reflects the growing interest from savvy investors who recognise the unique opportunities available in Geelong’s expanding commercial landscape.