Darryl Johnson’s journey from a sheep farm at Columboola to the top of Queensland’s finance industry has been anything but ordinary. Born and raised in Miles, Darryl’s early years on the family farm instilled in him a deep respect for hard work and the resilience required to build a life on the land. Those lessons, coupled with his natural grit, have propelled him to become a leading figure in finance, recently recognised as Westpac’s 2024 Broker of the Year for Queensland.
As a young boy, Darryl excelled on the sports field, preferring outdoors to textbooks. Representing the state in cricket and tennis, he displayed the same determination and focus that would later define his career in finance. “Growing up on the farm, you learn to take things in your stride, keep a level head, and work through challenges. That’s served me well over the years,” Darryl reflects.
In 2000, Darryl left Miles for Toowoomba, eager to broaden his horizons. Falling into a finance broking role, he quickly found his calling. “I never imagined I’d end up in finance,” he recalls, “but it just clicked.” Over the past 20 years, he’s helped countless businesses across Queensland find the financial footing to grow, something he credits to his genuine understanding of the struggles and triumphs business owners face.
Today, as Director of PMG Finance, a Toowoomba-based company known across Australia for its tailored approach, Darryl remains grounded. He visits his hometown whenever he can, catching up with family and old friends. “It’s important to me to stay connected with where I come from,” he says. “I have a lot of respect for people who run businesses. Growing up on the land, you understand the highs and lows that come with it.”
For Darryl, winning Westpac’s Broker of the Year isn’t just a career milestone. “This award reflects the hard work of our team and the trust of our clients,” he says. “Finance, to me, is about more than numbers. It’s about relationships, about helping businesses find their way forward.” Under his leadership, PMG Finance has become a respected name, offering custom solutions to clients from transport operators to local farmers.
Though his work has taken him far, Darryl’s heart remains close to his roots. His journey reflects the quiet determination that defines not just him but also the values of rural Queensland — a place that taught him that success is about more than titles; it’s about showing up, staying grounded, and giving back.
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