About
James Salerno

About James ‘Hawkeye’ Salerno

Discover the journey of a man who seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, carving a unique path across Australia’s agricultural and fashion landscapes.

Early Life and Foundational Values

James Salerno’s story begins in the rugged expanse of Western Australia’s Kimberley region. Growing up amidst the vast outback, he developed a profound respect for the land and its challenges. This upbringing instilled in him values of hard work, resilience, and a deep connection to Australia’s rural heritage—principles that continue to guide his ventures today.

Diverse Ventures in Business and Innovation

James’s entrepreneurial spirit has led him to establish ventures that honour tradition while embracing modernity.

Strategic Expertise in Business and Law

Beyond agriculture and fashion, James has established himself as a strategic thinker in the realms of business advisory and commercial law. His insights into corporate structures and regulatory landscapes have made him a sought-after advisor, particularly in navigating the complexities of modern business environments.

Entrepreneurial Beginnings

James displayed entrepreneurial flair from a young age. By the age of 16, he had launched his first business in the construction industry, showcasing a natural aptitude for leadership and innovation. His hard work and determination paid off quickly, and by the age of 19, James had earned his first million dollars. Remarkably, he used this success to fund two of his siblings through law school—a testament to his belief in the importance of family and education.

Co-Founding Rosegum Salerno Pastoral with Professor Richard Drew

In 2022, James co-founded Rosegum Salerno Pastoral, a premier Brahman cattle enterprise located on a 120-acre property in Beaudesert, Queensland. This venture was established in partnership with Professor Richard Drew, a globally recognised expert in fruit fly pest management with over 50 years of research across the Asia-Pacific region.

Their collaboration is rooted in a longstanding friendship that began years prior, initially through James’s acquisition of Arabian horses from Professor Drew. This relationship deepened over time, leading to their current partnership, where James oversees the stud operations and daily management of the enterprise.

The property maintains a herd of at least 50 Brahman cattle, alongside broodmares and occasionally mares in foal. The strategic plan involves expanding the Brahman herd over the coming years, with selective sales to specific studs and through private transactions.

This endeavour exemplifies James’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and his commitment to fostering strong industry relationships, reflecting his innovative approach to livestock management.

Commitment to Quality: The business focuses on breeding resilient, high-quality Brahman cattle, combining traditional methods with cutting-edge genetic advancements.
Sustainability: James champions sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the operation not only thrives today but remains viable for generations to come.
Passion for the Land: Rosegum Salerno Pastoral embodies James’s belief that agriculture is more than an industry—it’s a way of life.

Establishing Ringers Western: Bridging Tradition and Modern Fashion

Around a campfire in the Kimberley in 2012, James and his mates envisioned a clothing brand that embodied the spirit of the outback. This vision led to the creation of Ringers Western, an internationally recognised brand that offers durable, stylish apparel resonating with both country folk and urban dwellers. From humble beginnings, Ringers Western has grown into an iconic Australian label, staying true to its roots while appealing to a global audience.

Ringers Western

Authenticity at Its Core: Every piece of Ringers Western apparel tells a story of the outback, designed for durability, functionality, and timeless style.
A Global Presence: Today, Ringers Western is more than a clothing line; it’s a movement that celebrates the grit, determination, and community spirit of rural Australians.
Giving Back: Under James’s leadership, the brand has partnered with numerous charities and initiatives, including Ronald McDonald House and local farming communities, to make a meaningful impact.

Philanthropic Endeavours and Community Support

James Salerno firmly believes that true success is measured by one’s ability to uplift others—a conviction that fuels his deep commitment to community causes and social initiatives. His philanthropic journey is marked by meaningful partnerships and hands-on involvement, reflecting a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

One of James’s notable collaborations is with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), an organisation dedicated to supporting families with seriously ill or injured children. Through his leadership at Ringers Western, James has launched limited-edition merchandise campaigns, with all proceeds directed to RMHC Australia. These initiatives ensure that families have a comforting place to stay during challenging times, embodying James’s dedication to keeping loved ones together when it matters most.

In addition to his work with RMHC, James extends his support to Australia’s rural backbone through initiatives like Farm Angels. Recognising the hardships faced by farming communities due to natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and bushfires, James and Ringers Western have partnered with Farm Angels to provide financial aid, essential supplies, and emotional support to affected families. Campaigns like “Flanno for a Farmer” not only raise crucial funds but also foster national awareness and solidarity, encouraging Australians to stand by those who sustain the nation’s agricultural heritage.

James’s philanthropic efforts are not limited to these partnerships; he actively engages with grassroots organisations, helping and fostering resilience in Australia’s heartland. His unwavering dedication to strengthening communities and uplifting those in need is evident in his ongoing work across various platforms. James’s belief in the power of collective action ensures that his ventures transcend profit, creating lasting, positive impacts where they’re needed most.

Through these endeavours, James Salerno exemplifies a leadership style rooted in empathy and social responsibility, continually striving to make a difference in the lives of others.

Partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities

James Salerno’s dedication to community support is exemplified through Ringers Western’s commitment to giving back, notably in its partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Australia. This collaboration focuses on providing essential services to families with seriously ill or injured children.

Demonstrating a heartfelt commitment to keeping families together during challenging times, Ringers Western has launched limited-edition collections, including work shirts and trucker caps, with 100% of proceeds donated directly to RMHC Australia. These initiatives ensure that families have a comforting place to stay while their children receive critical medical care.

This partnership reflects James Salerno’s deep commitment to supporting families during their most challenging times.

To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities and discover ways to support their mission, visit their official website.

Initiatives with Farm Angels and Grassroots Organisations

James Salerno’s dedication to supporting Australia’s rural backbone is exemplified through Ringers Western’s partnership with Farm Angels, a charity committed to assisting farmers affected by natural disasters. citeturn0search0 Recognising the immense challenges posed by droughts, floods, and bushfires, this collaboration aims to provide vital aid to those who sustain our nation’s agricultural heritage.

Through initiatives like “Flanno for a Farmer,” Ringers Western raises both funds and awareness, encouraging Australians to don their favourite flannelette shirts in solidarity with farming communities. citeturn0search1 This campaign not only highlights the resilience of our farmers but also fosters a sense of unity and support nationwide.

With a fundraising goal of $500,000, these efforts underscore James Salerno’s unwavering commitment to giving back to the rural communities that have shaped him. By addressing the immediate needs of farmers and promoting long-term sustainability, this partnership strives to ensure the prosperity and well-being of Australia’s agricultural sector.

To discover how you can support Farm Angels and stand with Australian farmers, visit their official website.

Explore More of James Salerno’s Ventures

James’s journey is a testament to blending tradition with innovation, creating ventures that reflect his values and vision. Explore his diverse initiatives to understand the breadth of his contributions to Australia’s cultural and economic landscape.

Through these endeavours, James “Hawkeye” Salerno exemplifies the spirit of modern Australia—honouring heritage while pioneering new paths.

About James Salerno