Local Bloke… Blake Riley from Randwick

By James Hutton on March 19, 2018 in People

Blake will make your renovation dreams a reality, by James Hutton.

Randwick’s Blake Riley is a renovation broker and designer who runs his own local business, Blakes Of Sydney. Blake shares his local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? Nine years. I was a Shire boy who got his passport and made it over the bridge, then never looked back.

Why do you live here? The Eastern Suburbs are always buzzing with plenty of beaches to choose from, and I love the central location to all suburbs around Sydney.

What’s your favourite beach? Bronte. I love how you can go for a surf or just sit on the beach or the grass, kick a footy, have a bbq with friends or chill at one of the cafés.

What’s your favourite eatery? Darley Street Bistro for dinner, and X74 for breakfast and coffee.

Where do you like to have a drink? You can’t go past the newly renovated Coogee Pavilion, and my local, The DOG.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Having so many coffee shops and beaches on your door step.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Tourists who have ruined the old-fashioned tradition of having a few cold ones in the park or on the beach. I miss those days.

Do you have a favourite sporting team? I’m a Sydney Swans fan in the AFL and a Cronulla Sharks fan in the NRL – the 2016 final was one of the best days of my life.

Who is your favourite person? My better half, Emily. She has encouraged me to take risks in life and business, which has enabled me to grow into the person I am today.

What do you get up to on the weekends? Apart from running my business and seeing clients, an early morning coastal walk, followed by coffee and a swim or a surf.

What do you do for work? I’m a renovation broker and designer with my own company, called Blakes Of Sydney. We connect our clients with renovation experts and save them time and money by sourcing quotes and negotiating on their behalf. I’m passionate about designing and renovating and I’m keen to pass on my knowledge so I can help make clients’ renovation dreams a reality. Visit www.blakesofsydney.com.au.

What’s your favourite thing about work? Doing something I love every day and seeing my small business grow. I love seeing clients’ happy faces after a renovation is complete. Getting sincere thankyous from them makes me get up every morning and strive to help others.

Do you have a favourite quote? “Don’t die without living.” This quote sums me up.

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? If you’re thinking about starting your own business, back yourself and give it a go. It is so fulfilling and rewarding. If you believe in yourself and are passionate about the problem you’re solving, you’ll do extremely well.