Ray Pratt has never been one to take the easy path.

The proud Western Arrernte man founded Dice not to chase incentives, but to challenge himself and prove what could be built through conviction and hard work. That determination has since grown into a broader vision — showing that Aboriginal businesses can and should lead from the front, and that their leadership can shape industries and communities.

From humble beginnings and with limited resources, he built Dice through grit, discipline and values-based leadership. 

What started as a small contracting business has grown into a major construction company, with capabilities across electrical contracting and smart energy, strengthened by successful logistics and safety management ventures developed in partnership from the ground up.

Ray’s early years weren’t without challenges. Growing up in Adelaide, he recalls the sting of racist remarks about his Aboriginality — experiences that cut deep but also built resilience. 

“It made me determined to prove myself,” he says.

That determination, seeded in those difficult moments, became the foundation for his drive to succeed later in life.

He was also one of five kids, raised in a household with two hard-working parents, but where his father set the standard for discipline.

“Dad was a hard taskmaster,” Ray says. “Whether it was mowing the lawn or finishing a job on site, nothing but our best effort was acceptable.” 

That upbringing instilled pride in workmanship and the belief that cutting corners was never an option.

Although he enjoyed school, Ray left after Year 11, determined to start working.

“I knew I wanted to get on with it,” he says.

At trade school, he threw himself into the theory side of the electrical trade — but credits his mum with getting him through.

“She used to sit with me, ask me questions, and help me prepare for exams. I owe her big time for that.” 

Those lessons came to life during his apprenticeship, which he completed much quicker than the usual four-year timeline. By then, he had already spent years working alongside his father on the tools. Much of his training took place in the Tiwi Islands and surrounding remote communities of the NT — long before iPhones or internet. 

“We didn’t even have a phone in our accommodation,” he says. “If I wanted to call family or friends, I’d have to drive to the airport with a pocket full of coins for the public phone box.” 

Television wasn’t much better. With an old antenna fixed to a long pole, the only way to change channels was to walk outside and twist the pole around. 

“Sometimes the only thing I could get was The X-Files — a show about aliens — which wasn’t much comfort when you were out in the middle of the bush on your own.” 

At first, the isolation was daunting. But Ray grew to value the solitude. With few distractions, he found himself not only honing his trade, but also helping run the family business. 

“I’d prepare the invoicing and quoting for Dad, get it all ready for him to check,” he says. 

Nights in the bush could be quiet and lonely, especially when his father was away. He’d cook his own meals — learning quickly that if you made a mistake, you had to eat it anyway. 

“It taught me to cook properly, and I ended up really enjoying it,” he says. 

After dinner, there were only two options: the dartboard, or more paperwork. 

“In the end, I came to love that rhythm.”

Those years gave him more than technical skills. They gave him resilience, independence and a lasting appreciation of life in remote Australia.

Dice has never been just about contracts or margins. For Ray, the purpose has always been about creating opportunity that leads to choice.

As he often says: “You need more than one option to have choice. If people have the chance to learn, to earn and to grow, then they gain the freedom to choose their own path. That is what Dice strives to create.”

This philosophy underpins the company’s approach to employment. It isn’t just about creating jobs, but about fostering dignity, nurturing Indigenous leadership across the business and embedding cultural safety in operations. Partnerships with industry stand as proof of how First Nations–led delivery can transform major infrastructure projects.

Dice’s values are grounded in Country, Community, and Culture. Together, they serve as Dice’s answer to the corporate world’s ESG framework – Environment, Social, Governance — a practical expression of the “triple bottom line”: People, Planet, Prosperity. These principles guide decision-making, from renewable energy investment to mentoring the next generation of Indigenous professionals.

As Dice has grown, so too has Ray’s role. Once on the tools himself, he now focuses on strategy, building partnerships and mentoring. He credits continuous improvement through refined systems and processes — enabled by an exceptional team — as the cornerstone of Dice’s sustainable growth. 

“None of what I get credited for would be possible without them,” he says. 

That leadership extends beyond Dice. Ray is the Chair of the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), where he helps shape the trajectory of Indigenous enterprise across the region. 

His national recognition includes winning the Indigenous in Business Award at the 32nd Ethnic Business Awards — one of Australia’s most prestigious platforms for multicultural and Indigenous entrepreneurship. In 2024, he was also named Blak Business of the Year at the NTIBN awards — further acknowledgment of both his business success and his commitment to community impact. 

Nationally, Ray serves as a First Nations Advisor to ARENA, contributing his expertise on community benefits, cultural competency, and engagement in renewable energy initiatives.

He also serves on Shell Australia’s Cultural Advisory Group, providing guidance on the implementation of its Reconciliation Action Plan. 

Beyond boardrooms, Dice continues to expand its footprint through strategic acquisitions and investments. In recent weeks this has included a renewables company based in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, as well as a major Northern Territory business operating in the electrical and renewable energy space. These moves strengthen Dice’s ability to deliver complex projects and create opportunity at scale. 

Yet, despite these achievements, Ray says his proudest role is being a father. 

“Everything I do is for my family,” he says. “I’m most proud of being a dad to Thomas, Archie, and Jasmine — and nothing makes me happier than time spent with my wife.” 

He says that while he strives to be deeply involved in raising the children, the stability of their family life comes from his wife Jo’s dedication. 

“Jo not only supports me, standing side by side, but she also leads the day-to-day of our household and the kids’ routines in a way that allows me to focus on leading the businesses. Her hard work and love are the foundation that makes everything we do possible.” 

Outside his professional life, Ray maintains a disciplined personal routine. Mornings often begin with ice baths and breathing exercises, followed by gym sessions. He has also recently found a new passion for golf — even if, as he admits, “there’s still a lot of improvement to go.” These rituals keep him grounded, balanced, and ready for the demands of leadership.

More than two decades on, Dice is no longer just a business — it’s a legacy in the making. 

“We’re here to power communities and empower people,” Ray says. “That’s what drives us, and it’s what will keep driving Dice for the next generation.” TQ