Ashley has a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney, with over 15 years experience in consumer market research. Working with major brands like Westpac, Telstra and Dairy Farmers, Ashley became interested in utilising his big brand knowledge and applying it instead to smaller retailers. Ashley founded Why Leave Town in 2007, juggling the often frantic workload while raising four kids with his wife, Carley. Ashley is the author of the book Why Leave Town: Practical Ways to Encourage People to Shop Locally and regularly speaks and engages with governments, local councils and local chambers of commerce about the economic and social importance of local spend.