When athletes retire from the spotlight, their next chapters often define their legacy beyond the field. In the case of Ian Healy — the legendary Australian wicketkeeper — retirement has been less about slowing down and more about building a business empire. Since hanging up the gloves in 1999, Healy has quietly crafted an impressive portfolio, showing that his sharp instincts behind the stumps have translated seamlessly into the business world.
Healy co-owns Hoppy’s Car Wash Cafe, a thriving Queensland-based chain with 11 locations across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The concept combines convenience, quality, and community — offering a place where customers can have their cars cleaned while enjoying a café experience. Partnering with former Brisbane Broncos star Chris Johns, Healy turned what could have been a modest venture into one of Queensland’s most recognizable car wash brands. Their success lies not just in business acumen, but in their ability to build trust and familiarity — much like they did with fans during their sporting careers.
Beyond Hoppy’s, Healy also holds shares in the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre, Australia’s largest cricket specialist store. With 10 locations nationwide, the business has become a go-to destination for players at every level. For Healy, this venture isn’t just about profit — it’s about passion. As someone who devoted decades to the game, he understands the needs of young cricketers better than most. His involvement ensures that the business remains authentic, grounded in the real experience of those who love the sport.
Perhaps most importantly, Healy is also a co-founder of the Century Cricket Group, a growing platform designed to support the next generation of cricketing talent. Through coaching programs, development academies, and tournaments, the group has created a structured pathway for emerging players. It’s a reflection of Healy’s belief that cricket success isn’t born overnight — it’s built through mentorship and opportunity. This venture, blending sport and business, highlights how ex-athletes can shape the game’s future while creating sustainable enterprises.
Healy is not alone in this journey from pitch to profit. Around the world, cricketers have demonstrated that the same skills that make them successful on the field — discipline, leadership, and strategy — also drive success in business. Former Australian captain Steve Waugh runs a philanthropic foundation and has ventured into property and publishing. Shane Warne had his own clothing and fragrance line, while Michael Clarke invested heavily in fitness and lifestyle brands. Across the ocean, Indian legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have built multimillion-dollar empires through endorsements, fashion labels, restaurants, and technology startups.
What unites all these cricketers is vision. They’ve taken their fame and transformed it into influence — creating jobs, nurturing young athletes, and driving innovation across industries. For Ian Healy, the post-cricket world has become a stage to apply the same determination and precision that once defined his wicketkeeping career.
In the end, Healy’s story shows that the spirit of competition doesn’t end at retirement — it simply evolves. Whether it’s behind the counter at a car wash café or in the boardroom of a cricket academy, his entrepreneurial innings continue to inspire both athletes and business minds alike.
