He quickly learnt what they had was experience, and started working hard to learn as much as he could.
"I studied part time, did a few diplomas and by the time I was 31 or 32 I took over as the manager of the company," he said.
Since then he has gained extensive knowledge of business management having worked as the chief executive of Lockwood Homes for five years, Scion for eight years and Tasman Forestry for nine years.
"Today I am pretty much a full time farmer and I sit on a few boards," he said.
Mr Heard is the owner operator of Pampas Heights Deer Stud in Kaharoa.
He confessed he was leant on to apply for the Rural Community Board role, but had almost applied for it the first time round.
"I am a long standing farmer, I have an affinity with Rotorua and I think that I could make a difference," he said.
"I haven't got any pre-determined views on any issues, I always look for practical solutions and I'm looking forward to it actually."
He said he had a bit too much on the first time round, but when the role came up again he thought it was meant to be.
He is also chairman of the CNI Wood Action group and a member of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce and Bay of Connections.
Established in 2016, the Rural Community Board has four elected members and one appointed councillor.
The board advocates on behalf of residents of the rural areas in the Rotorua district.
