Early in his life, Ian attended modeling academy, and graduated in this field, he participated in various runway shows and television commercials, this later gave him the passion for fashion.
Ian Scarffe was born in Adelaide, Australia. Starting his first company at the age of 17 he quickly built a list of high-profile clientele. In 1987, Ian successfully secured a contract with the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Adelaide and was recognised globally for adding to the quality and presentation of the cleanest Grand Prix event in the World.
Ian Scarffe was invited by Better Business magazine if they could publish his tips on building a successful business.
Ian Scarffe was invited by the Chief Justice of South Australia, The Honourable John Doyle, to be one of the business delegates required to provide business input at the inaugural "consulting the community conference".
Ian was invited by Business Australia to become an acting panel member.
Ian Scarffe was elected by the world's foremost business leaders for the board position of Sponsorship Chairman of the Entrepreneurs' Organisation.
Ian Scarffe was asked by the Australian Formula One Grand Prix Board of Directors to assist and help develop an impact study of the Grand Prix in Australia and Small Business in Australia. (Ref: Price Waterhouse Economic Evaluation).
Ian Scarffe was invited to become the Membership Chairperson of EO a worldwide Entrepreneur Organisation.
Nominated for the BHP Bicentennial Youth Award and Small Business of the year awards.
Ian was invited by the Premier of South Australia to become a Business Ambassador for South Australia.
Ian Scarffe was awarded the rights to chair the EO Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) Poland. The GSEA is the premier global competition for students who own and operate a business.
Ian Scarffe was a Semi-Finalists in the Ernst and Young - Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Marina Pods and clean energy
In 2017, Ian Scarffe founded Marina Pods, a concept design company in an attempt to redefine the marina industry. The ultimate goal is to bring sustainable and clean solutions to recreational boating on the coastlines of Europe. Pilot phases have explored a variety of innovative concepts which create environmentally friendly clean marinas.
The demand for moorings and supporting tourism infrastructure is ever-expanding throughout Europe. Having the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading companies in the maritime industry on bespoke pontoon-based Marina Pods, powered by clean energy, is a career highlight for Scarffe. Offering an entirely new maritime tourism experience, Marina Pods are also a versatile option in areas otherwise inaccessible. The latest technology, and some of the world’s best maritime designers, have achieved taking the stress out of your sailing days.
Ian Scarffe is an internationally certified recreational yacht skipper having chartered European and Australian waters for the last two decades. Having enjoyed most of his life as a recreational boater, scuba diver, and marine and fishing enthusiast across the world, the Marina Pods concept grew from a humble observation of the problems faced by skippers using traditional marinas in Europe.
Philanthropy
Elvie Mary Foundation
Ian established the Elvie Mary Foundation after his late mother passed away from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Elvie Mary was a woman who touched the lives of hundreds of people throughout her life. Her strong faith and belief in the greater good of humanity were with her throughout her entire life. The foundation in her footsteps aims to touch as many lives as possible through the philanthropic efforts of Ian Scarffe.
Assisting charities across Europe and Australia, the much-needed financial assistance helps those who work so hard to support and care for our most vulnerable. Ian Scarffe honors the memory of his mother, a blessed and beautiful woman, who inspired others with her positive attitude and strong will to support her family amidst even the most trying times.