State of Electronics | Jaycar Electronics - A conversation with Gary Johnston @StateofElectronics | Uploaded 4 years ago | Updated June 24 2024
In this interview from 2010, Gary Johnston of Jaycar Electronics recounts how he started with electronics as a young hobbyist. The conversation covers how he progressed to building amplifiers and other projects of the day. Later, whilst working for a component supplier, he met Dick Smith which would form a long-lasting relationship. Eventually, Dick asked him to work for him and together they worked for several years before Gary went out on his own. Gary started Jaycar Electronics and in this interview, he explains how he managed to steer the company away from the then Woolworths owned Dick Smith Electronics.
Today, Jaycar Electronics is the largest franchised hobbyist and enthusiast retail chain in Australia and has stores in other countries like New Zealand as well. Despite huge competition from the Internet and overseas companies, they have survived and continue to provide locals with a chance to walk into a store, ask questions and purchase electronic components and equipment.

This interview took place in Sydney 23/11/2010.