Grant’s business development journey began at just 8 years old with a lemonade stand strategically placed at the top of a long hill—perfect for weary travelers. This early initiative was followed by ventures in high school, buying and reselling newspapers (The Vancouver Sun), and later working in menswear for Eaton’s, a major Canadian department store chain.

After experiences in banking with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and studying at both the University of British Columbia and Auckland University, Grant launched a music retail store. In just 10 years, it became New Zealand’s second-largest chain. Following its success, he franchised, sold the business, and transitioned to sales consulting.

Then, he found a new calling in film production, establishing himself as one of New Zealand’s most prolific filmmakers. Over his career, Grant has financed and produced 55 films across 13 countries (USA, Australia, Canada, UK, Poland, France, Germany, Ukraine, Norway, Ireland, Finland, Spain), with a combined production value exceeding $500 million. An avid traveler, Grant has attended 38 Cannes Film Festivals, numerous American Film Markets, and 15 Berlin Film Festivals.

Despite living in five countries, he has maintained a strong marriage and family life. Grant has collaborated with a diverse array of producing partners—some Academy Award winners, a Palme d’Or recipient, first-time producers, and even one who ended up in jail! Renowned for his deal-making prowess, he views every agreement as a drama worthy of the silver screen.

His core strengths, however, lie in problem-solving and persistence. Since his 20s, Grant has lived by Calvin Coolidge’s inspiring words:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On!’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

In his career Grant has been a board member of both businesses, community and church boards and In recent years he has shifted his focus to mentoring others, driven by the philosophy: “Why make the mistakes I’ve already made?”