Jason McDonald, owner of Central Coast Virtual Reality, has a unique story of growth and transformation in both his personal finances and business journey.
His path has been shaped not only by his passion for virtual reality but also by the trusted guidance of Tony and the team at AAP Finance Brokers. Let’s take a closer look at how AAP Finance Brokers has supported Jason in building his business and managing his finances.
A Lifelong Friendship Transformed Into a Business Partnership
Jason and Tony’s story dates back long before the inception of Central Coast Virtual Reality. The two have known each other for many years, with Tony being a good friend of Jason’s wife long before he moved into the world of brokering. Having built a personal relationship over the years, Jason knew he could trust Tony (Founder of AAP Finance Brokers) to help him with his financial needs when the time came.
“I’ve known Tony for longer than I’ve known most of my friends,” Jason recalls. “Tony was a good friend of my wife’s a long time ago when he was in banking in Hong Kong. After he moved into brokering, it was the perfect time for me to say, ‘I’ve got someone I can trust to do things properly for me.’”
With that solid foundation of trust, Jason turned to Tony and AAP Finance Brokers for financial advice and assistance when he decided to venture into the exciting world of virtual reality.
A Leap of Faith Into Virtual Reality
Jason’s journey into the virtual reality (VR) business began about eight years ago when he first experienced VR technology. A friend placed a VR headset on Jason’s head and made a bold claim: “Are you ready to be blown away?” At first sceptical, Jason soon found himself amazed by the technology and realised its potential.
“This is unreal,” Jason thought to himself after his first VR experience. He was so impressed that he went home and told his wife, Jo, “I’m going to make a business out of this!”
For the next year and a half, Jason immersed himself in learning about VR technology, exploring how he could turn it into a viable business. Six years ago, he opened the doors of Central Coast Virtual Reality, a shop where customers can come in, try out a variety of VR experiences, and immerse themselves in games, simulations, movies, and even virtual escape rooms.
“People come in, pay some money, put on some goggles, and experience a range of different things,” Jason explains. “It’s all about providing people with an exciting and immersive experience, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.”
Financial Support and Advice Every Step of the Way
As with any new business venture, Jason faced financial challenges. That’s where AAP Finance Brokers stepped in to assist. One of the key areas where AAP helped Jason was with refinancing within his self-managed super fund (SMSF). “Tony and I worked together to secure a self-managed super fund,” Jason shares. “I basically said to Tony, ‘Just make it happen and tell me when it’s finished.’ And it went incredibly well.”
Jason’s experience with AAP Finance Brokers goes beyond just business finance. Tony’s advice and guidance have been invaluable in helping Jason navigate the complexities of financial decisions throughout his life. “The financial acumen I’ve learned has been greatly assisted by Tony,” Jason says. “Whenever I need help, I just say, ‘Tony, do it for me. Tell me what you need, ask me the questions.’”
This hands-off approach has allowed Jason to focus on what he does best—running his business—while Tony takes care of the financial side of things.
A Strong Foundation Built on Trust and Confidence
Having a trusted financial advisor has been crucial for Jason, especially as his business has grown and evolved. “It’s not just about business finance,” Jason explains. “It’s about having someone you trust, someone who gives you advice and makes you feel confident in your decisions. That’s what Tony has done for me.”
With Tony’s help, Jason has been able to make important financial decisions for both his business and personal life. Whether it’s securing loans, investing in the right areas, or managing his super fund, AAP Finance Brokers has been there every step of the way.
The Joy of Virtual Reality and Family Fun
Running Central Coast Virtual Reality is not just a business for Jason; it’s a passion. One of the most rewarding aspects of his work is seeing families come together and enjoy the experiences his VR shop provides. Jason believes in the power of virtual reality not just as a form of entertainment but as a way to bring people closer.
“The social inclusion aspect of VR is really important to me,” Jason shares. “I love seeing families have a great time together. VR has the power to connect people in a way that other entertainment options don’t. It’s a fun and immersive experience that anyone can enjoy.”
Jason has seen VR expanding into industries like real estate, architecture, and more. “VR is becoming more common in industries like real estate. We’ve got architects coming in next week to walk through their building designs, and it’s amazing how this technology is being embraced across different sectors.”
However, Jason also values balance in life. As much as he loves virtual reality, he enjoys spending time outdoors as well. “While VR is great, I still enjoy camping, fishing, and swimming—not in VR,” he laughs.
Looking Ahead
As Jason looks to the future, he is excited about growing his business and expanding the reach of virtual reality experiences. With the support of AAP Finance Brokers, Jason is well-positioned to continue his journey in the VR industry, while also enjoying the peace of mind that comes with having a reliable financial partner.
“Building this business from scratch has been a journey, but with Tony and AAP Finance Brokers behind me, I’ve been able to focus on the things I’m passionate about while knowing that my finances are in good hands,” Jason says.
In conclusion, the partnership between Jason McDonald and AAP Finance Brokers is a testament to the power of trust and expertise in helping businesses thrive. With the right finance broker, Jason has not only built a successful business but has also found a way to enjoy life, both in the virtual and real world.
