In this edition of our “30 Minutes With” series, we sit down with David Barrett, founder and CEO of AAA Communications. Founded in 1992, AAA Communications has been at the forefront of data cabling, networking, and Wi-Fi upgrades, particularly in regional Australia. David shares his insights on the evolving IT industry, the impact of emerging technologies, and some fun tidbits about his personal interests. Here’s how our conversation went…
Trevor Churchley (TC): David, thanks for joining me today. Let’s start with an overview. What makes AAA Communications stand out in the Australian IT and telecommunications industry?
David Barrett (DB): Thanks for having me, Trevor. Well, AAA Communications has been around since 1992, and over the years we’ve become specialists in data cabling, networking, and Wi-Fi upgrades. What sets us apart is our focus on regional and rural areas in Australia, where we’ve built a strong reputation for reliability. We work with trusted, experienced technicians, so when clients come to us, they know they’re getting a job done well, without hassle. We focus a lot on risk mitigation—essentially making sure there are no surprises or setbacks, and that’s something our clients really appreciate. We make it easy for them.
TC: Impressive. Now, if you weren’t in the telecommunications industry, what do you think you’d be doing as a career?
DB: That’s an interesting question. I’d probably be in sales and marketing, to be honest. I actually started out in real estate when I was younger, and I also worked in the commodities industry for a while. I loved the hustle of trading commodities. So, if I wasn’t in telecommunications, I think I’d be selling real estate or financial assets—maybe something like blockchain. It’s funny, blockchain has that same fast-moving excitement that drew me to commodities.
TC: Sounds like you’d still be in something fast-paced! Speaking of fast-moving, how has the shift to remote work and cloud technologies affected your business model at AAA Communications?
DB: It’s been an interesting journey. At first, I was hesitant about the whole remote work thing—I held onto the office environment for a long time. But, as with anything, I adapted, and it’s been a really positive change. Personally, I’ve found a much better work-life balance, and professionally, it’s opened up a lot of opportunities. Because we’re a national company, remote work has only benefited us. Our technicians can be anywhere in the country, and that flexibility is great for us and our clients. The shift to cloud technologies has been huge too—it’s allowed us to streamline operations and provide even better service.
TC: That’s great to hear! Now for a fun one—what’s the capital of Canada?
DB: [laughs] Oh, that’s easy… wait, let me think. Ontario? No… Montreal? [laughs] Oh, it starts with an ‘O’ doesn’t it?
TC: You’re close! It’s Ottawa.
DB: [laughs] Of course! That was tricky.
TC: You weren’t far off! Let’s dive back into business. What’s your take on the future of 5G technology in Australia, and how do you see it transforming businesses and consumers?
DB: 5G is a real game-changer. It’s going to revolutionize how we connect, not just in urban areas but also in regional parts of Australia. I think we’ll see the Internet of Things (IoT) really take off, with devices talking to each other in ways we can’t even imagine yet. It’s going to bring everything together digitally. But with that comes a bit of a “Big Brother” concern—everything will be visible, connected, and on the grid, so we need to think about the implications of that. Still, businesses and consumers need to adapt quickly, or they’ll be left behind.
TC: That’s a great perspective. Now, for another light-hearted one—if you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be?
DB: Oh, I love this question. I’d start with Nikola Tesla. I’m fascinated by how forward-thinking he was. Then, I’d invite Albert Einstein—his mind would be a treasure to explore, especially with everything that’s happened since his time. And for the third person, I’d go with Elvis Presley. I think he’d bring a lot of fun to the dinner table. I imagine Tesla, Einstein, and Elvis would be quite the combination!
TC: That’s a unique group! What would you serve at this dinner?
DB: Oh, it would have to be a nice juicy steak with thick-cut fries and plenty of good wine. I feel like Elvis would appreciate a hearty meal, and Tesla and Einstein would enjoy a good glass of wine while we talk about the future.
TC: Sounds like a feast! Now, back to AAA Communications—what are the biggest challenges facing the IT and telecommunications industry in Australia, and how is your company helping address them?
DB: One of the biggest challenges is the shift toward automation and software-driven solutions. A lot of the simpler, hands-on tasks are being replaced by machines or software. So, there’s a need for continuous education and upskilling in the industry. At AAA, we focus on the connectivity piece of the puzzle—ensuring that people are able to stay connected, whether it’s through Wi-Fi upgrades, cabling, or networking. We make sure our clients are always connected, no matter where they are in this huge country.
TC: Absolutely. Now, what’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learned while running AAA Communications?
DB: I’ve learned that there are always gaps in what you do, no matter how long you’ve been in business. It’s never perfect, and you often realize later on that you could have done things better or earlier. Hindsight is a tough teacher, but you learn to deal with those gaps. The key is to keep improving, no matter how long you’ve been at it.
TC: That’s a great takeaway. Speaking of looking forward, what role do you think AI and automation will play in the future of Australian IT?
DB: AI is going to take over a lot of the mundane, repetitive tasks—things like administration and basic reporting will be automated. But there will still be a need for skilled professionals who can solve complex problems. The future will be all about exception-based problem-solving because everything else will be virtualized and automated. So, those who can adapt and stay ahead of the curve will thrive.
TC: Very exciting times ahead! Now, do you have any guilty pleasures when it comes to technology? Maybe a gadget or app you can’t live without?
DB: I’ve recently gotten hooked on ad-free YouTube. It’s not cheap, but it’s so worth it! I love that I can listen to content with the screen off while I go for my morning runs. And yes, I usually listen to blockchain-related content on my runs—that’s my little guilty pleasure.
TC: YouTube is a good one! Now, what advice would you give to a young entrepreneur entering the IT or telecommunications space?
DB: I’d tell them to take any job they can get in the industry, no matter how small it seems. Experience is everything, and you never know how those early experiences will shape your career later on. When you look back, you realize that all the pieces fit together to make you the professional you become. So, just dive in and get that hands-on experience.
TC: Solid advice. Now, if you could instantly master one skill or talent, what would it be?
DB: I’d love to be better at putting names to faces. It’s a skill I struggle with, especially when I haven’t seen someone in a while. It’s something I wish I could improve because it’s so important in business.
TC: I think a lot of people would love to have that skill! Now, how does AAA Communications approach cybersecurity and protect clients from the growing number of cyber threats?
DB: Cybersecurity is a human problem more than a technical one. Machines, firewalls, and security systems are generally well-built and effective, but humans are the weak link. Our approach is to reduce the “threat surface” by educating clients on how to avoid falling for phishing or letting bad actors into their systems. We focus on training, tools, and posture validation to ensure that clients aren’t just secure but also resilient.
TC: Definitely a growing concern. Now, for something lighter—what’s the weirdest or funniest thing that’s happened to you in a business meeting?
DB: One time, I was at a client’s office for a meeting, and the person I usually work with snuck up behind me and jumped on my back to prank me! I ended up giving them a piggyback ride around the office. It was completely unexpected, but it was all in good fun.
TC: [laughs] That’s hilarious! Where do you see AAA Communications in the next 10 years?
DB: AAA is a family-run business, and I see it staying that way. My sons are already involved, and I’ve got my eye on my grandsons to be the next generation. We’ll continue to grow, focusing on expanding people’s digital reach and ensuring connectivity in an increasingly connected world.
TC: A true family legacy. Now, what’s your favorite app or piece of software that you use daily, and why?
DB: I love our CRM—AutoTask by Kaseya. We’ve tried several systems over the years, but this one finally clicked for us. It’s packed with automation and AI, and it’s transformed how we manage our business. My son was skeptical at first, but after using it for a day, even his attitude shifted completely. It’s been a game-changer for us.
TC: Sounds like a fantastic tool. Now, if you could change one thing about the Australian IT industry, what would it be?
DB: I’d love to see things move faster. Small businesses like mine operate at a fast pace, but a lot of the big players in the industry are slow to adapt. I’d like to see better communication and more efficiency across the board. I think blockchain could help with that in the future, by speeding up processes and improving transparency.
TC: Blockchain does seem to have the potential to shake things up. Last trivia question—do you know which famous pop star had the nickname “The White Duke”?
DB: Hmm… David Bowie?
TC: Correct! What’s your favorite Bowie song?
DB: “Space Oddity”—Major Tom. I love that song, especially because I’m into all things space and technology.
TC: Classic! Finally, what’s your go-to karaoke song, and are you any good at it?
DB: I’m terrible at karaoke! But if I had to pick, it would be “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. It’s a personal favorite of mine, and it’s always a good one to belt out after a few drinks.
TC: [laughs] A perfect choice! Thanks so much for your time today, David. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you!
DB: Anytime, Trevor. This was fun!
Stay tuned for more interviews like this in our “30 Minutes With” series.
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