Rental industry “lifeblood” Jim Brown passes away

Jim Brown, former CEO of Coates. (Photo: Coates)

IRN is saddened to report that Jim Brown, former CEO of Coates, has passed away aged 86. 

Jim dedicated 35 years of his career to Coates, starting in 1968 and rising through the ranks to become CEO in 1983.

Under his stewardship, Coates grew from a business generating AUS$48 million in revenue with 65 branches to an international company with 130 branches and AUS$400 million in annual revenue by the time of his retirement in 2003.

He also oversaw many significant milestones, including Coates’ listing on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1996 and its acquisition of Wreckair in 2001.

Starting as NSW Service Manager, Jim quickly gained a reputation for his adaptability and leadership. He managed Coates’ operations across Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales before taking on the top role.

“I had never seen a piece of compaction equipment when I joined, but I learned quickly,” Jim once said in an interview, encapsulating his lifelong commitment to growth and innovation.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was deeply respected for his honesty, kindness, and unwavering support of the equipment hire and rental industry.

A staunch advocate for small businesses, he spoke at numerous conventions, sharing insights to help others improve operations and build stronger businesses.

His contributions earned him the Hire and Rental Industry Association Australia’s (HRIA) President’s Award twice, in 1980 and 1990, and he was named a Life Member in 2003.

Jim was also a passionate adventurer. An avid sailor, he competed in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and embarked on voyages to Antarctica and along Australia’s coast with close friends and industry peers.

His love of travel extended to visiting global trade fairs, where he scouted innovations that could benefit Coates and the wider industry.

Even in retirement, Jim maintained close ties with the industry. In 2023, he toured Coates’ Ingleburn facility and impressed colleagues with his sharp eye for detail and pride in the company’s evolution.

The Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA) expressed its condolences, noting that Jim was truly the “lifeblood” of the industry.

IRN extends its sympathies to Jim’s family, friends, and his many colleagues.