Dean Salakas

Dean, his brother and his Mum
Dean has a Bachelor of Business and Commerce Degree with Majors in Marketing and Operations Manager. Before becoming an owner at The Party People.
Dean was a business analyst at Woolworths and was also studying a masters in business. For more information on visit https://au.linkedin.com/in/deansalakas or ThePartyPeople.com.au/Dean
  • 30 years ago, my mum was “Patches The Clown” catering for kids parties. Her passion for parties led her to open a small party store with my grandfather.
  • In 2007 my brother and I took over the family business and its 2 employees.
  • Today we have over 40 employees, operate the market leader for party supplies online and also have 2 bricks and mortar store of which one is Australia’s largest.
  • In 1999 when I was in high school I launched Australia’s first online party store with what is now known today as “Click and Collect”.
  • In 2003 I did my university thesis on The Party People online and as a result became Google Australia’s first advertiser.
  • Under my leadership the business continued to pioneer online being Microsoft Bings first Australian advertiser and we were a pilot company for Facebooks accelerator program.
  • We were also the first party store to launch express and same day shipping as well as buy now pay later payment options.
  • For the last 2 years Dean has been named in the Internet Retailing Top 50 People in Ecommerce and the Australian Retail Association Retail Leader of The Year.
  • The Party People was also named by the Australian Retail Association as Best Independent Retailer in Australia and Best Online Retailer In Australia.
  • The business appeared on Shark Tank Australia season 1 where we received a $400,000 offer from Janine Allis which I turned down and today are preparing to create a chain of party stores in Australia so that every Australian can create their dream party.

Interviews

Ignite Your Life Podcast Interview

Leanne Blaney Interviews 1000 Ripple Effects Author: Dean Salakas
Aspire Beyond Greatness Podcast Interview

Anna Kaszycki Interviews 1000 Ripple Effects Author: Dean Salakas