Stephen's Racing Story
From hospitality to high-stakes sales, Stephen McKay has built a career on adaptability and strategy. Now, he brings his business expertise and passion for horse racing to R. Brisset Thoroughbred Stable, helping manage its rapid growth. A lifelong entrepreneur, he thrives on new challenges and the thrill of the sport.
Stephen McKay – Business Manager/ Concierge
Stephen McKay’s career path has been as diverse and exciting as his life experiences. Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, his early years saw him tackling various roles, from furniture moving to shoemaking. This led to a 15-year journey in the hospitality industry, progressing from bartender to hotel manager and restaurant owner. Seeking a change of pace from the unpredictable hours of the hospitality sector, he transitioned into sales, selling Toshiba copiers. This experience proved invaluable, teaching him the art of relationship building and effective sales strategies under a strong and fair mentor.
A chance encounter soon steered him towards the burgeoning world of audio-visual technology, joining forces with a friend’s new company in the early days of digital projection and flat-panel displays. This exciting and rapidly evolving business flourished under his influence, and this led to him being offered a partnership in it. A successful partnership ended when he sought an exciting new chapter, leading to a contract with the same company to open new offices in Australia and the United States.
Relocating to San Francisco in Nov 1998, he quickly adapted to American business practices, establishing the company's presence. He then moved to San Diego to open another office, confirming the US as the next step in his global journey, which led to his family—wife Sarah and then 7-year-old son—joining him in early 1999.
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Following his contract's completion, Stephen leveraged his connections to join another start-up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This marked the beginning of an exceptional 23-year career that saw him propel the business from a nascent enterprise to a $200M dollar operation that was eventually acquired. During his time with the new company, he grew his divisions from $40 million to over $120 million in just six years.
His passion for horse racing led him to his current role as Business Manager/Concierge at R. Brisset Thoroughbred Stable, LLC, and RB Bloodstock LLC, businesses he’s followed for many years and where he's been a part-owner of many horses since their initial racing ventures. Now, he uses his substantial experience to support Rodolphe and Brooke Brisset, helping to manage the rapid expansion of their successful thoroughbred racing stables, breeding farm, and bloodstock operation.
Outside of work, Stephen enjoys exercise, traveling, and spending quality time with his wife.