Ross Fitzgerald: Combining Business and Sport chronicles the life of a man whose determination, resilience, and love of sport and business created a lasting legacy in both fields. Born in December 1959, Ross "Fitzy" Fitzgerald grew up in a modest family environment, discovering his passion for Australian Rules football and cricket early on. He played 152 league games in State football, including 112 for Swan Districts, and contributed to their historic 1982 premiership. His leadership extended into coaching, notably guiding High Wycombe Amateur Football Club to its first premiership in 1995.Fitzy's business journey was equally remarkable. After early setbacks, he co-founded Steel Blue in 1995 with four colleagues, transforming it into one of Australia's leading industrial footwear brands. Despite initial financial losses, his commitment to quality, innovation, and worker comfort drove Steel Blue to national and international success. The company's sponsorship of Swan Districts' home ground, Steel Blue Oval, and contributions to charities like Breast Cancer Care WA and Beyond Blue, exemplify Fitzy's dedication to community.Outside work, he shares a love of equine racing with his wife Kerryn, achieving over 200 wins, including 16 Group 1 races, and enjoys family time with his children and four grandsons. His story blends sporting achievement, business acumen, philanthropy, and personal resilience. Part of the Not Ordinary Lives: Movers & Shakers series, this biography celebrates a man whose vision, grit, and generosity have left an enduring impact on both his industry and community. About the AuthorIt might be said that the expression "Jack of all trades and master of none" is an apt description of Peter J Snow OAM.He abandoned pursuit of an engineering degree and accounting qualifications – but his efforts will leave an extraordinary legacy. He attributes this to the training, skills and self-confidence he gained through membership of JCI (formerly known as Jaycees International) after joining Fremantle Jaycees in 1970.Obstacles encountered dented (but certainly not overwhelmed) his positive approach and desire to help and mentor others. His vision, entrepreneurial skills and contribution to his community over 70+ years (some of which are referred to in this book) have resulted in a myriad of awards. International awards for programs developed or overseen by him include: national public relations; awards; fundraising; group collaboration; commercial education; and assistance to the handicapped.Personal awards include: Voluntary Contribution to Western Australian Heritage; Honorary Tarheel of North Carolina; a Paul Harris fellowship from Rotary; and Community Torchbearer for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.In addition to being recognised as Outstanding Senator of JCI, Outstanding National Officer and one of the World's Inspiring Jaycees, he was Australian Jaycees (JCIA) first Ambassador in Western Australia and one of the state's Five Outstanding Young Australians. Along with a JCI Senatorship, he holds life memberships of 8 community or sporting organisations and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the Australian community. In 2025 he was awarded Life Membership of JCIA.
