Two founders. One local vision.

John Ward

John is a founder and director of HBR Solutions and the business owner behind Blue Mini in Rosebud. His hospitality and small-business experience brings an operator’s perspective to HBR: an understanding of customers, staffing, suppliers, administration and the constant decisions required to keep a local business moving.

John’s practical knowledge complements Andrew’s HR and organisational expertise. His experience helps keep HBR Solutions grounded in the everyday needs of business owners—particularly those working in the Peninsula’s hospitality, service and small-business sectors.

Through Blue Mini, John has a direct connection with the Rosebud community and the broader Mornington Peninsula. That local presence informs HBR’s responsive, relationship-led way of working.

Andrew Gatley

Andrew is the founder and owner of First Class HR Solutions. With more than 15 years of experience, his career spans human resources, learning and development, hospitality, retail, aged care, corporate organisations and the not-for-profit sector.

He has worked with local, national and international businesses, giving him broad insight into the people, operational and commercial challenges organisations face at different stages of growth. He is known for translating complex people matters into practical, commercially sensible support.

Andrew’s work includes HR strategy and operations, workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, HR systems, learning and development, policy, governance and workplace safety.

Through First Class HR Solutions’ Rosebud presence, Andrew has built close relationships with local organisations and understands the mix of established businesses, growing operators and community-focused enterprises that make the Peninsula distinctive.