From Refugee to Entrepreneur – A Story of Resilience & Success

Born in Pakse, Laos, Ken Vilaysack arrived in Australia in 1978 as a refugee following the Vietnam War. His journey—from humble beginnings to a thriving career in FMCG, manufacturing, and property development—is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and vision.

Ken’s career began in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), where he cut his teeth as an Assistant Buyer at David’s Distribution. After being overlooked for a promotion, he took a bold leap, relocating to Papua New Guinea as Head Buyer for Collin’s & Leahy Group, where he managed complex procurement operations in a demanding international market.

Returning to Australia, Ken spent the next 30 years in the family business, steadily rising through the ranks to become General Manager of a leading food manufacturing company. His leadership drove operational efficiency, strategic growth, and team excellence.

Post-COVID, Ken followed his entrepreneurial spirit, launching his own successful development company. Among his standout achievements:
– Featured on “Dream Homes Revealed” for a stunning Australian residential project.
– Delivered a high-spec factory on time and under budget despite pandemic challenges—showcasing his project management expertise.

Ken’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and bold reinvention. Whether in corporate leadership or building his own business, he combines sharp commercial acumen with a passion for creating lasting value.