The name Gavin Preston is shared by two very different public figures—one a prominent business strategist, coach, and podcast host, and the other a notorious figure in the Melbourne underworld. Despite the shared name, these two individuals lead entirely separate lives and have distinct contributions to their respective fields. In this article, we will explore both Gavin Prestons, providing a detailed understanding of who they are, their careers, and the legacies they leave behind.
Gavin Preston: The Business Coach and Growth Strategist
The first Gavin Preston is a UK-based business coach, strategist, and author. Over the years, he has built a solid reputation for helping entrepreneurs and business owners scale their businesses, achieve their goals, and navigate the challenges of growing companies. His work primarily revolves around providing high-level consulting and coaching services, which focus on business growth, strategy development, and leadership.
Early Career and Education
Gavin Preston’s journey into the business world began with his education in accounting and business management. He is a KPMG-qualified Chartered Accountant and holds advanced qualifications in business strategy and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), which has further equipped him to help others improve their businesses. He started his career working with large corporations, gaining invaluable experience that would later shape his approach to business consulting. Over time, Preston transitioned into helping small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often focusing on companies with turnover between £1m and £5m.
Expertise in Business Growth
Preston’s expertise lies in helping business owners secure, scale, and succeed in their ventures. Through his consulting firm, he works closely with entrepreneurs to identify growth opportunities, resolve internal challenges, and develop strategic plans that position businesses for long-term success. His process often includes a comprehensive analysis of the business’s current structure, a deep dive into market dynamics, and a focus on leadership development.
His work also extends into acquisitions and exit planning, helping businesses prepare for strategic sales or transitions. Preston’s practical and actionable advice has proven to be instrumental for many companies seeking to evolve and thrive in competitive markets. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of leadership within organizations, equipping leaders with the tools they need to guide their teams toward achieving shared goals.
Author and Podcast Host
In addition to his consulting work, Gavin Preston is also a prolific author and podcast host. He is the author of “Survive and Thrive: How to Secure, Scale and Succeed in Business,” a book that shares his expertise in business growth strategies and outlines key principles for entrepreneurs to follow in their business journey. His writing is a reflection of his years of experience in business consulting and provides valuable insights for anyone looking to grow a company.
Moreover, Preston is the host of The Business Mastermind Podcast, where he interviews industry experts and business leaders, discussing topics ranging from scaling businesses to leadership and innovation. Through his podcast, he continues to educate and inspire other entrepreneurs, sharing real-world insights and success stories.
Gavin “Capable” Preston: The Melbourne Underworld Figure
While one Gavin Preston is focused on business and entrepreneurship, the other is associated with a very different world. Gavin “Capable” Preston is a notorious figure in the criminal underworld of Melbourne, Australia. His involvement in organized crime has earned him a place in the dark history of Melbourne’s notorious gangland scene. Unlike the business-savvy consultant, this Gavin Preston’s legacy is one of violence, crime, and legal controversies.
Life in the Underworld
Gavin Preston, known by his alias “Capable,” was deeply entrenched in Melbourne’s criminal underworld. His criminal career spanned several years, during which he became known for his involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and other illegal activities. Much of his life was spent as part of Melbourne’s infamous gangland culture, which saw a significant number of violent crimes and murders. Preston’s criminal activities were tied to various criminal syndicates, and he was often seen as a key figure in Melbourne’s criminal scene during the early 2000s.
Legal Troubles and Imprisonment
Preston’s criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to several arrests and convictions. In 2012, he was involved in a fatal shooting, which led to charges of defensive homicide. Preston was subsequently sentenced to prison, where he would spend over a decade incarcerated. During his time behind bars, his reputation continued to grow as one of Melbourne’s most feared underworld figures. Despite his time in prison, he remained a prominent figure in the criminal world, with many considering him a high-ranking player within organized crime circles.
The Shooting Death and Legal Case
In September 2023, Gavin Preston was shot dead in a dramatic daylight execution outside a café in Keilor, a suburb of Melbourne. The brazen attack shocked the local community, as it occurred in broad daylight. This was not an isolated incident, as Preston’s life had been marked by violence and retaliation from rival gang members.
Following his death, a legal battle ensued, with two men charged with his murder. In 2024, the case was fast-tracked to the Supreme Court of Victoria. As more details emerge, the case has attracted considerable media attention, given Preston’s infamous criminal background and his connections to Melbourne’s underworld. His murder marked another chapter in the long-running feud between rival criminal gangs in the city.
The Contrasting Legacies of Gavin Preston
While the two Gavins share the same name, their legacies could not be more different. Gavin Preston, the business coach, leaves behind a legacy of helping businesses grow and scale, providing valuable coaching and consulting to entrepreneurs worldwide. His focus on leadership, strategy, and business expansion has earned him respect in the professional world.
On the other hand, Gavin “Capable” Preston’s legacy is one of criminal activity and violence. His involvement in organized crime, his legal troubles, and his tragic death have ensured that he remains a controversial figure in Melbourne’s criminal history. His life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of the criminal underworld, where violence and retribution often define the lives of its participants.
Conclusion
The name Gavin Preston is associated with two very different individuals who have shaped their respective worlds in unique and often contrasting ways. Whether it’s the business strategist helping companies thrive or the criminal figure embroiled in Melbourne’s gangland wars, each has left a lasting impact. As we look at their stories, it becomes clear how names can tie people to completely different legacies—one of positive influence and the other marked by crime and violence.
Despite their shared name, their paths diverged so sharply that they serve as examples of how individuals can make their marks on the world in vastly different ways, shaping their respective fields in ways few could ever have imagined.

