From western Queensland farmland to the Chairman's seat of Australia's #1 franchise builder.
Darren Wallis grew up on a sheep and wheat farm near Hannaford in western Queensland — the eldest of four kids, always entrepreneurial, always looking for the next opportunity. When the family moved to the Sunshine Coast for high school, the ocean took over from the paddocks. But the drive never changed.
He put himself through a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Queensland by working nights at a pizza place, graduated without knowing much about debits and credits, and landed a role as an accountant at GJ Gardner Homes in 1994 — almost by accident.
What followed was a 30-year story of building. By 1996 he was a director and partner. By 2000, he was CEO. Over the next two decades he grew the network from 20 to 129 franchisees across Australia, New Zealand and the USA — making GJ Gardner the country's #1 franchised building company and ranked 98th among the Top 200 franchise systems worldwide. In his final year as CEO, the group posted $1.8 billion in sales and 30,000 homes built.
In 2020, Darren handed the CEO role to Trent Gardner and moved to Chairman of the board. Along the way he co-founded Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions (with his brother Leigh and others), Total Fitouts, and Good Bean — applying the same franchise model and "concept to completion" thinking across industries.
In his spare time, Darren co-hosts My Fishing Place on 7Mate with his two brothers, and consults to businesses looking to scale — particularly in franchising. He has five kids, a love of golf, and an unshakeable belief that great businesses are built by great people.
Awarded by CPA Australia for outstanding achievement in accounting and early-career business leadership.
Listed among Australia's top 40 emerging young business leaders by CPA Australia.
Finalist three times (2012, 2014, 2016) for the CEO Magazine Construction Executive of the Year award.
GJ Gardner Homes won the Franchise Council of Australia award for excellence in international franchising in 2013, 2016 and 2017.
The coveted top award from the Franchise Council of Australia — recognising GJ Gardner's leadership, systems and culture.
Recognised for corporate responsibility and the positive impact of the GJ Gardner network on franchisee communities.
First accounting role — managing finances and co-developing the franchise software platform.
Became Greg Gardner's business partner and joined the Franchisor board as director.
Took the helm with 20 franchisees. The two-decade build begins.
CPA Australia's prestigious national award for early-career excellence.
With Greg Gardner, Corey Passey and brother Leigh Wallis — first office in Maroochydore, QLD.
Listed among Australia's top emerging business leaders. Smith & Sons named BRW's #1 Fastest Franchise for Outlet Growth.
Applied the franchise model to commercial fitouts — offices, medical suites and retail across Australia and NZ.
Launched national free-to-air TV show with his two brothers.
Established Franchisor of the Year. Completed Bachelor of Laws with Second Class Honours at QUT.
GJ Gardner ranked 5th nationally, largest in NZ — 30,000+ homes built, 129 franchisees across AU/NZ/USA.
Handed CEO to Trent Gardner after $1.8B in group sales. Moved to Chairman of the board.
Chairing GJ Gardner, directing four companies, hosting TV, and consulting the next generation of franchise builders.