Remarkable Regional Business

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 46 (Part Two)  Guest: Michael Robertson & Marc Smith Business Name: JL King & Co Website: https://www.jlking.com.au/   By the time they moved back to Bendigo they had already outgrown the new facility. And they hadn't even moved in yet. In Part Two of this conversation on Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell continues the discussion with Michael Robertson and Marc Smith from JL King and Co. The conversation moves into greater detail of how to build and run a food manufacturing business at a serious scale. Michael talks through the chaos of operating across six different sheds around Bendigo before the new facility was built, how the Simply Tasty brand came together, and the process behind developing and launching new products. Including a crazy lasagna soup that came from a Chicago supermarket visit but flopped in Australia. Marc brings his perspective as the recently appointed CFO on what the business needs to get to the next level, from systems and data to taking some of the load off a managing director still emailing late into the night. Topics Covered / The Simply Tasty brand How the name was chosen by a vote of ten people and what the product range looks like today across salads, baked dishes, pasta, Asian style meals and pub meals. / Contract manufacturing at scale How JL King and Co produces 24 products for IGA's private label brand and manufactures a Woolworths salad line up the entire east coast of Australia. / New product development How trends, overseas travel, buyer relationships and customer feedback drive the product pipeline, and what happens when a Chicago-inspired lasagna soup flops in 6 months. / Building and outgrowing the new facility The chaos of six different sheds, the decision to build, and what the move to the new site has made possible. / Letting go as an owner/operator Why Michael still holds on to more than he probably should, why the new facility made him want to hold on tighter, and what Marc’s role is helping to change that. / What's next for JL King and Co Systems, data, sustainability, solar expansion, packaging improvements and the growth strategy taking shape right now. Watch Part One to hear the full origin story of JL King and Co, how a competitor's phone call changed it all, and how customer demand turned a produce wholesaler into one of regional Victoria's most significant food manufacturers. // Links https://www.jlking.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 46 (Part One)  Guest: Michael Robertson & Marc Smith Business Name: JL King & Co Website: https://www.jlking.com.au/   He got a phone call from the man he was competing against. “Come and have a chat.” And that one conversation changed a whole lot for JL King and Co. In this conversation on Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell sits down with Michael Robertson, managing director and owner of JL King and Co, and Marc Smith, the recently appointed CFO. JL King and Co is a family owned food manufacturing and distribution business based in Bendigo that has been part of the region for over a century. Today it produces more than two million meals a week and distributes across the entire country from Broome to Hobart. Michael traces the journey from an eight pallet truck running to the Melbourne market twice a week with docket books and a calculator, to one of the most significant food manufacturing operations in regional Victoria. The business grew one request at a time, from slicing cabbage to cooking potatoes to building a full manufacturing operation from the ground up. Topics Covered / What JL King and Co is today A Bendigo based food manufacturing and distribution business producing more than two million meals a week and supplying customers across every state in Australia. / The history of JL King Over a century in Bendigo, from the King family through to the Quinn family, and how Michael Robertson came to take over the business as a competitor in 1997. / How manufacturing started The customer led evolution from fresh produce wholesaling to coleslaw, to cooked potatoes, to a full prepared meals operation with its own chef and product range. / Simply Tasty and the brand story How a vote among ten people produced the name that now appears on shelves in IGA, Woolworths and delis across Australia. / Community investment in Bendigo From sporting club sponsorships to the McKean McGregor Ball raising close to a million dollars for the hospital are just some of the ways JL King and Co supports the Bendigo community. / Why they chose to stay in Bendigo Despite supplying more prepared food into Queensland than Victoria and even conversations with the Queensland government about grants, Bendigo was always the place to be. This is Part One of the conversation with Michael Robertson and Marc Smith from JL King and Co. Continue to Part Two to hear how the Simply Tasty brand came to life, what it takes to build a food manufacturing operation at scale, and where the business is headed next. // Links https://www.jlking.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 45 (Part Two)  Guest: Phil McConachy  Business Name: The Mill Castlemaine  Website: https://millcastlemaine.com.au/   Don't let the humility fool you. Phil McConachy is a mastermind. In Part Two of this conversation on Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell continues the discussion with Phil McConachy from The Mill at Castlemaine. The conversation shifts from what The Mill is to how Phil got there, what shaped his thinking, and what it actually takes to build something that becomes a genuine asset to a regional town. Phil talks through the years of farming and raising four sons in Castlemaine, how the skills from his earth moving days turned out to be exactly what he needed when he bought The Mill, and the philosophy behind everything from how he looks after tenants to how he supports the local community. Topics Covered / What the earth moving business taught him Problem solving, communication, and paying people well enough that they give blood when you need it. / Moving to Castlemaine and the farming years How a compass on a map between two sets of parents led Phil and his family to Castlemaine in 1999, and what twenty years of farming and raising four boys taught him. / Community investment and why Phil doesn't see it as an exchange From footy club sponsorships to indigenous organisations to the Botanical Gardens, how Phil thinks about giving back to the town the Mill calls home. / The flood mitigation system nobody asked him to build Why Phil designed a full flood protection system for one of his buildings before he would morally rent it out. / The future of The Mill What is being built right now, who is moving in, and what Phil hopes the site looks like in fifty years even if he won't be around to see it. / Business wisdom from a man who built something remarkable without a plan Human resources as the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity. Communication as a craft. And why Phil always tells new tenants to dream big before they worry about what it costs. Watch Part One to hear the full story of The Mill at Castlemaine, how it came to be, and the remarkable collection of businesses that call it home. // Links  https://millcastlemaine.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 45 (Part One)  Guest: Phil McConachy  Business Name: The Mill Castlemaine  Website: https://millcastlemaine.com.au/   He had no grand vision. He put a sign on the fence saying places for lease and just waited to see who came. In Part One of this conversation on Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell sits down with Phil McConachy, the owner and developer of The Mill at Castlemaine. Seven and a half hectares, nine thousand square metres of buildings and forty five tenants ranging from a world class cafe and brewery through to clothing makers, potters, knife makers and a vintage bazaar with over 118 stall holders. All built from a former woolen mill that started in 1875 and burnt down three times. Phil is one of the most remarkable people Caleb has sat down with on this show. Phil was a house dad and farmer for twenty years who needed to get back into the community and use his skills for good. What he built in the process is one of the greatest and most loved regional commercial precincts in Victoria. Topics Covered / What The Mill at Castlemaine actually is A town within a town. How 45 tenants across food, health, education, trade and retail came together on a heritage site over eleven years. / The origin story of The Mill How a multinational decided it no longer needed the site, and how Phil ended up with it after some negotiation and a bit of luck. / How Phil selects tenants No grand plan. A sign on the fence, a gut feel, and a commitment to the planning scheme. / The Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar How 118 stall holders operate within a simple square meterage and commission model, and what separates the ones doing really well from the ones just there for the social side. / Tenant success stories From Shed Shaker Brewing to Wonder Pants to Caboose Chocolates, businesses that have grown on the site and what they have in common. / Phil's background before the Mill Fitter and machinist at Ford at sixteen. Earth moving business owner at twenty five. Farmer and house dad for twenty years. This is Part One of the conversation with Phil McConachy from The Mill at Castlemaine. Continue to Part Two to hear how Phil's earlier business life shaped everything that came after, what he has learned about running a place like this, and where The Mill is headed next. // Links https://millcastlemaine.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 44 (Part Two)  Guest: Derv McGowan  Business Name: Anther Geelong Distillery Website: https://anther.com.au/   They lost 80% of their business overnight. Their response was to give away gin every week and go door to door delivering bottles to strangers. In Part Two of this conversation on Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell continues the discussion with Derv McGowan from Anther Distillery in Geelong. The conversation picks up at the moment COVID hit, when Anther was about to press go on building their own distillery and the bottom fell out of the industry they'd spent four years building a business in. What came next is a story about resilience, diversification, and finding out what you actually know that other people will pay for. Derv also shares two of the most remarkable product collaborations you'll hear about on this show, one with the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne for their 175th anniversary, and one with the Australian Gynecological Cancer Foundation that has educated thousands of people about cancer at a gin tasting. Topics Covered / Surviving COVID as a small distillery How government support, a rebuilt website, doorstep gin deliveries and a weekly cocktail competition kept Anther alive and connected to its community. / Building the distillery during a pandemic How the generosity of the Hamilton family and their network of trades made it possible when nothing else was moving. / Diversifying beyond gin sales Contract distilling, recipe development, agave spirits research and safety consulting, how Anther turned its accumulated knowledge into new revenue streams. / The current state of the gin industry Why the post COVID recovery never fully arrived for boutique spirits, what is happening at retail level right now, and why Anther has pulled back to protect the brand while it waits for the market to turn. / Leadership lessons from building a business Knowing yourself, knowing your business partner, and why fitting the right people to the right roles took longer than it should have. / The collaborations Fluorescence with the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and the gin that has raised awareness of gynecological cancers at thousands of tastings across the country. Watch Part One to hear how Anther started, how gin is actually made, and what the golden years of the Australian gin boom really looked like from the inside. // Links https://www.anther.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 44 (Part One)  Guest: Derv McGowan  Business Name: Anther Geelong Distillery Website: https://anther.com.au/   She went from a six figure salary managing brands for a big liquor company to three days a week on a very low wage. And she'd do it all again. In Part One of this conversation on Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell sits down with Derv McGowan, co-founder of Anther Distillery in Geelong. Anther is a small family run business started in 2016 by Derv and Sebastian Reaburn, when the gin industry in Victoria had fewer than ten distilleries. Today there are over six hundred nationally. Derv had just finished a PhD in molecular microbiology. Sebastian had spent years working in bars and managing liquor brands. Neither of them were happy where they were. So they walked away from good careers, took a punt on a category nobody fully understood yet, and spent ten months developing their first gin from an eighteen hundreds gazette recipe because nobody was going to hand over theirs. The conversation covers the full origin story, from the chance connection that led them to craft distilling, to winning best gin in category at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards just two years in, to the moment Dan Murphy's came calling. Topics Covered / What Anther Distillery is and where it sits in the market A small family run gin distillery in the Federal Woolen Mills precinct in North Geelong, and what makes it different. / The origin story How a PhD in molecular microbiology, a business partner steeped in the liquor industry, and a very beautiful copper still in a Collingwood bar changed everything. / How gin is actually made Heads, hearts and tails, temperature control, reflux, botanicals and why bergamot nearly ended them. / Developing the first gin Ten months of trial and error, an eighteen hundreds gazette recipe, and the scientific method applied to a cocktail bartender's instincts. / The gin boom of 2016 What it felt like to enter a market where the product sold itself and everyone wanted to be your friend. / Growing the brand through Dan Murphy's How trophy wins opened doors, why being kind to staff made more difference than any marketing budget, and the spreadsheet that helped them focus their limited resources. This is Part One of the conversation with Derv McGowan from Anther Distillery. Continue to Part Two to hear how COVID nearly ended everything, how they rebuilt smarter, and the remarkable collaborations that have defined the brand. // Links https://www.anther.com.au/

In Part Two of this conversation on Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell continues the discussion with Valentina Coin from Via Technology. The conversation shifts from what Via Technology does to how Val got here, where her thinking came from, and what she has learned building a business alongside her husband from the ground up. Val traces her journey from working in her aunt's villa in Italy at fourteen, through managing a group of hospitality venues on the Sunshine Coast, into a software startup building platforms for the disability industry, and finally into the advisory business she runs today. Along the way she shares the concept that changed how she thinks about growth, creativity and building anything worth building. The conversation also goes deep into change management, why nobody wants to buy it, why everyone needs it, and how Val delivers it without her clients even realising it is happening. Topics Covered / How Val built the knowledge and experience behind Via Technology The journey from hospitality in Italy to software startups in Australia and what each chapter contributed. / Working in business with your life partner What Val and her husband learned the hard way and why getting those lessons early was a gift. / The concept of liminal spaces and why boredom is a business tool How creating emptiness and slowing down is often the fastest way to find clarity and speed up growth. / Change management in disguise Why resistance to change is human nature, how to work with it rather than against it, and why co-creating solutions with the people who have to live them makes all the difference. / The Kubler Ross Curve applied to business How the stages of grief can be used as a practical team tool when implementing new systems or technology. / Three pieces of business wisdom from Val Slow down to speed up. Build a circle of trust. Lead with curiosity. Watch Part One to hear how Via Technology works, the types of businesses it serves, and why most technology problems are not really technology problems at all. // Links https://viatechnology.com.au/

Most businesses think they have a technology problem. Valentina Coin from Via Technology says the technology is usually the last thing that needs fixing. In Part One of this conversation on Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell sits down with Valentina Coin, founder of Via Technology on the Sunshine Coast. Via Technology works with growing businesses to build what Val calls strategic business systems, combining people, process and technology to help organisations scale without things falling apart. The conversation starts with what Via Technology actually does and why it is so difficult to explain. Val unpacks why so many businesses mistake a technology problem for what is really a people or process problem, and why solving all three together is the only way to create lasting change. Val walks through real client examples, from a business with three weeks to migrate its entire operation off a decommissioned platform, to a couple who purchased a business with no systems and all the knowledge walking out the door with the previous owner. Topics Covered / What Via Technology actually does and why it is hard to categorise Why strategic business systems go far beyond software implementation. / The types of businesses Via Technology serves best Why operational complexity, not industry, is the key indicator of a good fit. / Real client journeys Three examples of how Via Technology has helped businesses at very different stages and with very different problems. / Choosing the right technology for the right stage of business Why the software that serves you today will not be the software that serves you in five years, and how to plan for that. / The process Via Technology takes new clients through How a self-assessment tool helps diagnose whether the real problem is people, process or technology before any solutions are proposed. / Why change management never sells but everyone needs it How Val embeds change management invisibly throughout every engagement so clients get the outcome without knowing they needed it. This is Part One of the conversation with Valentina Coin from Via Technology. Continue to Part Two to hear how Val built the business, where her thinking came from, and the three pieces of wisdom she would pass on to any business owner trying to grow. // Links https://viatechnology.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 42 (Part Two)  Guests: Kate & Todd Newman Business Name: Todd Newman Builders Website: https://www.toddnewmanbuilders.com.au/ The building industry has changed dramatically in the last few years. Construction costs have increased, regulations have become more complex, and homeowners are navigating a far more challenging environment than they were a decade ago. In Part Two of this conversation on Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell continues the discussion with Kate and Todd Newman from Todd Newman Builders in Bendigo. With more than two decades of experience building homes across regional Victoria, they break down the realities behind residential construction and the challenges facing both builders and homeowners today. The discussion moves into the technical and practical side of building, including the impact of modern energy efficiency standards, the complexity of renovations, and the importance of planning early in the building journey. Kate and Todd also explain how strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers help maintain quality across every project. Topics Covered / The rising cost of building homes How materials, labour and market conditions have reshaped the economics of construction. / The growing complexity of building regulations What new standards like seven-star energy ratings mean for home design and construction. / Renovations vs building new Why renovating an existing home can often be more complicated than starting from scratch. / The importance of early planning Why builders encourage clients to discuss budgets, land and design before committing to a project. / The role of subcontractors and trade relationships How long-term partnerships with local trades help maintain consistency and quality. Watch Part One to hear how Todd Newman Builders started, the lessons they learned from rapid growth, and why they ultimately chose to scale the business back to a sustainable size. // Links https://www.toddnewmanbuilders.com.au/  

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 42 (Part One)  Guests: Kate & Todd Newman Business Name: Todd Newman Builders Website: https://www.toddnewmanbuilders.com.au/ Most people assume a successful business should always keep growing. Kate and Todd Newman learned that growth can sometimes create more problems than it solves. In Part One of this conversation on Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell sits down with the founders of Todd Newman Builders, a Bendigo-based residential building company that has been operating for more than twenty years. The discussion begins with the early years of the business, when Todd and Kate started from a home office while raising young children and slowly built a reputation in the Bendigo building industry. Along the way, an unexpected opportunity maintaining fuel stations across Australia created a commercial arm of the business that helped stabilise income while the residential side continued to grow locally. The conversation also explores a major turning point for the company. After winning Bendigo Business of the Year 2016, demand for their services surged. The business expanded rapidly, but the growth quickly stretched systems, staff and management capacity. Kate and Todd share the lessons that came from that period and the decision that ultimately reshaped the business. Topics Covered / How Todd Newman Builders started and grew in Bendigo The early years of building a reputation while running the business from home. / The unexpected commercial opportunity How maintaining fuel stations across Australia helped stabilise the company financially. / Winning Bendigo Business of the Year 2016 How the recognition triggered a sudden surge in demand. / When rapid growth becomes a problem Why the business expanded faster than its systems could support. / The decision to scale the business back How reducing the size of the operation ultimately created a stronger and more sustainable company. This is Part One of the conversation with Kate and Todd Newman from Todd Newman Builders. Continue to Part Two to hear their insights on the modern building industry, rising construction costs, and the realities homeowners should understand before starting a build or renovation. // Links https://www.toddnewmanbuilders.com.au/  

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 41 (Part Two)  Guests: Bonnie Phillips & Stefan Manche Business Name: Coulter Legal Website: https://www.coulterlegal.com.au/ They rebuilt their whole office and the interesting part was not the design. It was why they refused to follow the open plan trend. In Part Two of this episode of Remarkable Regional Business, Caleb Maxwell continues the conversation with Bonnie Phillips and Stefan Manche from Coulter Legal. The discussion shifts inside the business to explore how leadership works, how the firm approaches workplace design, and how modern law firms are rethinking the client experience. Bonnie and Stefan explain how the director group shares responsibility while still maintaining client work, why their new office design prioritises focus and confidentiality, and how changes to pricing and intake processes are helping reduce stress for clients. Topics Covered / Leadership structure and shared responsibility How the four directors divide portfolios, manage governance, and make strategic decisions without becoming overwhelmed by operational detail. / Balancing leadership and client work Why maintaining client involvement helps leaders stay connected to the realities of the business. / Designing a workplace that supports better work Why Coulter Legal chose private offices over full open plan, and how their new Geelong headquarters was shaped through staff input. / Modern client experience How relationship first intake and value based pricing reduce client stress and provide greater certainty. / What makes a great lawyer Why rapport, empathy, and the ability to ask better questions often matter more than technical expertise. / Personal brand and community connection How lawyers are encouraged to develop their own professional brand while staying deeply connected to the regional communities they serve. This is Part Two of the conversation with Bonnie Phillips and Stefan Manche from Coulter Legal. If you have not listened to Part One yet, start there to hear the full story of how the firm grew to where it is today. // Links https://www.coulterlegal.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 41 (Part One)  Guests: Bonnie Phillips & Stefan Manche Business Name: Coulter Legal Website: https://www.coulterlegal.com.au/ So we were talking about why some firms grow and others fall apart… and honestly it usually comes down to one thing. Not strategy. Not marketing. Just whether they actually have the right people in the room. In this episode of Remarkable Regional Business, host Caleb Maxwell sits down with Bonnie Phillips and Stefan Manche from Coulter Legal in Geelong. With offices across Geelong, Torquay, Barwon Heads, and Melbourne, Coulter Legal has grown into a mid sized firm of more than eighty people while staying deeply connected to the communities it serves. Bonnie and Stefan share how the firm has grown through major workforce change, including rapid expansion during COVID and the shift to hybrid work. They unpack what it takes to scale a professional services team without stretching people to the point where quality slips, and why hiring for culture is often more important than hiring for technical ability. Topics Covered / Growing from Geelong to a multi office firm across Victoria How Coulter Legal expanded beyond its regional roots while maintaining strong community connections. / Hiring for cultural fit and capability Why recruitment is treated as high stakes, and how cultural alignment protects both team wellbeing and client outcomes. / Scaling a legal practice sustainably How the family and relationship law team grew from four lawyers to around thirty while maintaining service quality. / Building systems that support people and clients How resourcing, support staff, and pairing senior and junior lawyers helps manage workload and maintain standards. / Leading culture in a hybrid workplace How communication rhythms, team meetings, and intentional connection help maintain culture across multiple offices. This is Part One of the conversation with Bonnie Phillips and Stefan Manche. Go to Part Two next to hear how the firm approaches leadership, workplace design, and modern client experience. // Links https://www.coulterlegal.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Creative Industries  Business Name: Hebron Films Presented to: Caleb Maxwell   // About the business Hebron Films is a boutique Bendigo-based video production and storytelling studio that helps regional businesses grow with strategic, high-value video content. They partner with companies and marketing teams to craft creative films backed by clear strategy—bringing stories to life that attract attention and drive results. Known for personalised collaboration, they handle everything from concept to production, delivering engaging videos that elevate brands on the world stage.    // Links https://hebronfilms.com https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Health and Care Award Business Name: 3D Physiotherapy Health Group Presented to: Julie Sheahan   // About the business 3D Physio Health Group is a purpose-driven physiotherapy and wellness clinic in Bendigo and Boort that goes beyond pain relief to help people move better, recover faster and live stronger. Their personalised care uncovers root causes, builds strength, and boosts confidence through evidence-based treatment, exercise programs and rehabilitation. With friendly physios and tailored plans, they support injury recovery, pain management and long-term health for every body.   // Links https://www.3dphysio.com.au/ https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Climate Leader Award & Social Procurement Award Business Name: Flash Farm Presented to: Kristy Kemp   // About the business Flash Farm is a farm-based allied health service near Myers Flat, Victoria that uses nature, animals and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support people’s wellbeing, skills and confidence. Founded from a vision that connection with animals can enhance therapy, Flash Farm offers individual and group programs—like life skills, social development and horticultural activities—framed around personalised, experiential learning to improve mental health and life outcomes.   // Links https://www.flashfarm.org/ https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winner 2025 Awards Category: Young and Professional Award Business Name: Beck Legal Presented to: Shaun Stephenson   // About the winner Shaun Stephenson is a senior associate at Beck Legal in Bendigo and the 2025 Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Young and Professional Award winner. A commercial lawyer specialising in mergers, acquisitions and succession planning, Sean is recognised not only for professional excellence but for his deep commitment to mentoring, education and community leadership—reflecting Bendigo’s culture of developing talented young professionals who give back and help others thrive.   // Links https://becklegal.com.au/asset-protection/meet-our-team-shaun-stephenson/ https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Not-for-profit Award Winner 2025 Awards Category: Not-for-profit Award Business Name: Bendigo Theatre Company Presented to: Vern Wall   // About the business Bendigo Theatre Company is a long-running community theatre organisation in Bendigo, Victoria dedicated to producing high-quality live theatre that entertains and engages local audiences. Since 1952, it has staged a wide range of musicals, dramas and productions while providing opportunities for performers, creators and behind-the-scenes volunteers of all ages. The company also fosters youth involvement through its Tribe Youth Theatre program and nurtures local theatrical talent.   // Links https://www.bendigotheatrecompany.org.au/ https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Customer Focussed Award Business Name: A L Parker Electrical Presented to: Adam Parker   // About the business Al Parker Electrical is a local, award-winning family-run electrical services business based in Bendigo, Victoria. Founded by qualified A-Grade electrician Adam Parker, the team delivers reliable, safe and high-quality electrical solutions for homes, businesses, new builds and renovations across Bendigo and surrounds. They’re known for clear communication, professional workmanship and dependable service—from everyday repairs to solar, EV chargers and full installations.    // Links https://www.alparkerelectrical.com.au/ https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Manufacturing Award Business Name: Fabriq Presented to: Melanie Clark   // About the business Fabriq is a family-owned and operated window furnishings business serving Bendigo and Central Victoria since 1995. They specialise in custom curtains, blinds, upholstery and interior décor, offering bespoke design, colour advice and personalised service to make decorating enjoyable. With quality craftsmanship and trusted expertise, Fabriq helps clients create beautiful, lasting spaces they’ll love for years to come.   // Links https://fabriq.com.au/ https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Gastronomy Award Business Name: Noble Bootleggers Distilling Co Presented to:  Kristen and Daniel Lemu   // About the business Noble Bootleggers Distilling Co is a boutique, family-run distillery and regenerative farm on the outskirts of Bendigo, Victoria. They craft unique small-batch spirits like gin, amaro and whisky with bold, innovative flavours and quality ingredients. Focused on sustainability, community and meaningful experiences, the Mum-and-Dad team loves connecting with customers at markets and events while creating memorable drinks that celebrate creativity and place.   // Links https://www.noblebootleggers.com/ https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Events and Tourism Award Business Name: Bendigo Jockey Club Presented to: Paul Scullie   // About the business Bendigo Jockey Club is a historic country racing club in Victoria, celebrated as the “Nursery of Champions” where many iconic racehorses began their careers. It hosts about 23 race meetings annually at Bendigo Racecourse, including major events like the Ladbrokes Bendigo Cup and Golden Mile. The club offers premier regional racing, hospitality, training facilities, community events and a vibrant race day experience.   // Links https://country.racing.com/bendigo https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Regional Women’s Business Award Business Name: MacKenzie Quarters Presented to: Rhianwen Seiter   // About the winner Rhianwen Seiter is the co-owner of MacKenzie Quarters, a multi-venue hospitality precinct in Bendigo, and the winner of the 2025 Bendigo Business Excellence Awards – Regional Women’s Business Award. She leads a diverse operation spanning boutique group accommodation, Ms Batterham’s restaurant, MacKenzie Hall events, offsite catering, and Goldie Sandwich Society. Recognised for resilient, people-first leadership, Rhianwen has navigated rising costs and shifting dining trends with strategic clarity, adaptability, and deep community commitment.   // Links https://www.mackenziequarters.com/ https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Emerging and Energised Award Business Name: Making Cents of Money Presented to: Bec Dillon-Hensby    // About the business Making Cents of Money is a Bendigo-based financial planning business that provides straight-up, no-jargon advice to help people take control of their money and live life on their own terms. Founded by experienced financial planner Bec Dillon-Hensby, the company crafts personalised plans covering budgeting, investing, superannuation and more—making smart money decisions simple, sustainable and tailored to clients’ goals.   // Links https://makingcentsofmoney.com.au/ https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Technology and Digital Award Business Name: AgriNous Pty Ltd Presented to: Joel Rockes   // About the business AgriNous is an Australian agritech business transforming the livestock industry with cloud-based digital solutions. They build fully integrated tools that connect stock agents, saleyard operators, buyers and sellers, replacing outdated paper systems to boost efficiency, traceability and compliance across the supply chain. Founded to streamline livestock transactions and workflows, AgriNous delivers real-time data, automation and modern technology for smarter livestock management.   // Links https://agrinous.com.au/ https://bbea.com.au/

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025 Awards Category: Small and Succeeding Award Business Name: White Deer Presented to: Jacqui Naunton   // About the business White Deer is a Bendigo-based brand and graphic design studio led by Jacqui Naunton that helps heart-led business owners craft strategic, standout visual brands and graphics. They offer both studio-done services and DIY-friendly courses focused on Canva and effective design that elevates business presence and sales. With a passion for design and business strategy, White Deer empowers clients to communicate their value clearly and confidently.   // Links https://whitedeer.com.au/ https://bbea.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 40 (Part Two)   Guest: William Abbott Business Name: Mount William Station Website: https://www.mountwilliamstation.com/   In Part Two of this conversation, William Abbott goes deeper into the realities of building and operating a premium destination business in a regional setting. From navigating staff shortages during the great resignation, to building an international live in hospitality program, William shares the practical lessons that only come from being in the business every day. This episode explores leadership, staffing, legacy, financial discipline, and the small moments that define unforgettable guest experiences. At the heart of the conversation is a principle that applies to every industry. When things go wrong, those moments often become the greatest opportunity to show how good your business truly is.   Topics Covered:   / Finding exceptional staff in a post pandemic world William shares how opening Mount William Station during a global labour shortage forced him to think differently about staffing. From recruiting Australia wide to trusting instinct, values alignment, and long interview walks through the garden, this section unpacks how the right people shape the entire experience.   / Building a live in international hospitality program With a limited local talent pool, William explains how necessity led to creating staff accommodation and a six month live in program for international hospitality professionals. The result is elevated service standards, global experience, and a flexible workforce that can expand and contract with the seasons.   / Turning the family home into a commercial business Operating a hotel inside the home he grew up in brings moments of nostalgia, tension, and pride. William reflects on balancing memories with modern business realities while still keeping the homestead a place for family gatherings, celebrations, and shared history.   / Honouring one hundred years of stories and heritage From tennis tournaments and long lunches to wool shed line ups and station legends, William shares the stories that shaped Mount William Station. These stories now form part of the guest experience through farm tours and storytelling that connects visitors to the land and its past.   / Life after corporate banking After more than a decade in Shanghai working in corporate banking, William reflects on the shift to running his own business in a town of just a few hundred people. He speaks honestly about purpose, pressure, motivation, and why ownership feels fundamentally different to corporate life.   / Why finance backgrounds often create resilient founders William explains why understanding cash flow, banking language, and financial structure can be the difference between a good idea surviving or failing. He shares how these skills helped create runway, manage risk, and sustain growth.   / Adapting the business model to real demand From underestimating older travellers to the unexpected growth of weddings and events, William talks through how Mount William Station evolved by paying attention to demand and being willing to lean into opportunities without losing the core vision.   / Creating moments guests remember years later Rather than focusing only on service delivery, William explains how the goal is to create moments that stand out as highlights of a year. Small gestures, emotional awareness, and empowering staff to act without approval all play a role.   / Lessons from unreasonable hospitality Drawing on ideas from the bookUnreasonable Hospitality, William shares how empowering teams to fix mistakes generously can turn disappointment into loyalty. When something goes wrong, it is often the moment that defines the brand.   / The hardest truth about business ownership William closes with an honest reflection. Business is harder than you think. It takes longer, costs more, and demands resilience. But long term commitment, belief in the vision, and persistence through difficult seasons are what make longevity possible. This is Part Two of the conversation with William Abbott.   If you have not listened to Part One yet, go back and start there to hear the full story of Mount William Station and how it began.

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 40 (Part One)   Guest: William Abbott Business Name: Mount William Station Website: https://www.mountwilliamstation.com/   What happens when a century old family farm becomes the foundation for one of regional Victoria’s most distinctive luxury destination experiences? In this episode of Remarkable Regional Business, host Caleb Maxwell sits down with William Abbott, the driving force behind Mount William Station. It is a boutique luxury hotel, dining experience, and events destination set on a historic working property in the Grampians. William shares the journey of transforming a multi generation family property into a sustainable and future focused business, while balancing heritage, succession planning, hospitality, and commercial reality. From communal dining and farm to table experiences to global inspiration and partnerships that help solve seasonality, this conversation is full of practical insights that translate far beyond tourism and hospitality.   Topics Covered   / Turning a family succession challenge into a destination business William unpacks how a long and complex succession process led to a bold idea. Create a boutique hotel and events business that could preserve heritage buildings, generate income, and help keep the farm in the family, without compromising the agricultural foundations of the property.   / Designing a guest experience that feels like home From greeting guests at the door rather than at a reception desk, to shared meals inspired by family dinners, William explains how Mount William Station intentionally recreates the warmth and generosity of a family home, not a traditional hotel.   / Farm to table dining with no set menu The Mount William dining experience has no menu. Instead, guests enjoy chef led seasonal meals sourced from the garden, farm, and local producers, with each dish explained during service. The result is a dining experience built around connection, conversation, and story.   / Solving seasonality through strategic partnerships Rather than accepting quiet winter months, William shares how partnerships, including a multi day horse riding experience, transformed low occupancy periods into some of the busiest months of the year.   / Thinking globally while building regionally William explains how studying world class destination experiences helped set the benchmark for Mount William Station. It lifted standards, sharpened vision, and informed long term strategy.   / Marketing a high commitment premium experience With a remote location and a premium price point, William discusses why emotive storytelling, clarity of offer, and strong partnerships matter more than simply paying for attention.   / Building high standards through culture and induction In a regional setting, Mount William Station focuses on warmth, kindness, and genuine country hospitality. William shares how staff induction, cultural buy in, and a strong sense of purpose help maintain quality.   This is Part One of the conversation with William Abbott. Go to Part Two next to hear more of the story and what is coming next for Mount William Station.

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 39 (Part Two)   Guest: Lou Hopwood, Owner Business Name: Lou Fit Personal Training Website: https://www.loufitpersonaltraining.com.au/   Topics Covered:   / Staying in the Game for 15+ Years In an industry where most personal trainers last just 3–5 years, Louise shares what it has taken to build and maintain a thriving regional gym in Mansfield for more than 15 years – and why sustainability matters just as much as growth.   / Avoiding Burnout When You Are the Business Early mornings, late nights, family life and her own training – Louise breaks down how she manages it all. She talks about the role of recovery, sleep and having a support team around her (myo, massage, mentors) so she can keep showing up for her clients.   / From “I Can Do Everything” to Zone of Genius Louise explains how she shifted from trying to do everything herself – bookkeeping, marketing, cleaning and more – to focusing on her zone of genius: being in the room with clients. She shares how bringing in help has allowed her to better serve her community and scale sustainably.   / Client Wins That Really Matter From being able to hold a new grandchild for an hour to living independently at 81 and feeling less socially isolated, Louise reflects on the everyday wins that define success for her and why she cares more about real life outcomes than personal bests on a barbell.   / Collaboration, Community and Reading People Louise talks about collaboration over competition in regional towns, how partnerships strengthen community, and the skill of reading people – knowing when to push, when to pull back and how to create a genuinely safe space in the gym.   / Lifelong Learning and What’s Next for Lou Fit From business mentoring to dropping in on other trainers’ classes while on holidays, Louise explains why ongoing learning is non-negotiable. She also shares what’s next for Lou Fit as her kids grow and she continues to reshape the business to work for her life, not the other way around.   Connect with Louise: Train with Lou from anywhere via her live virtual and in-studio classes, and get a feel for the community on Instagram: @loufitpt   If you enjoy this episode, make sure you subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss upcoming episodes. And if you know a remarkable regional business with a story worth sharing, dob them in at: https://hebronfilms.com/podcast

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 39 (Part One)   Guest: Lou Hopwood, Owner Business Name: Lou Fit Personal Training Website: https://www.loufitpersonaltraining.com.au/   Topics Covered:   / Building a Thriving PT Business in a Town of 12,000 How do you grow and sustain a successful personal training studio in a regional town at the base of Mt Buller? Louise shares the story of building Lou Fit Personal Training over 15 years in Mansfield, and what it really looks like behind the scenes.   / Creating a Community-First Studio for Ages 10–83 Lou unpacks how she’s created a genuinely welcoming space for people aged 10 to 83 – from the “one-percenters” and small personal touches that make clients feel seen, to turning her gym into a true community hub rather than just a place to work out.   / Pivoting to Virtual and Building a Hybrid Model When COVID hit Lou pivoted overnight to virtual classes to keep her clients moving and connected. She explains how that shift not only kept the doors open but also evolved into a hybrid model that still serves her regional community today.   / Designing Memberships for Real Regional Life From uni students and “mature moves” clients to farmers juggling seasons and long hours, Lou shares the creative ways she packages memberships so people at different life stages can still access consistent training and support.   / Consistency, Women’s Health and Competing Kindly Lou talks about running women’s health events for eight years, why consistency matters so much in small towns, and how she chooses to “compete kindly” in a crowded local fitness market – believing there are “enough people for everyone” if you stay in your lane.   This is Part 1 of the conversation with Lou – jump into Part 2 next to hear more of her story and practical wisdom for regional business owners.

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 38 (Part Two)    Guest: Paul Olsen, General Manager Business Name: ISH24 Safety and Rescue Website: www.ish24.com.au  LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/paul-olsen-bendigo    Topics Covered:   / Navigating Growth and Challenges in a Niche Market Paul continues the conversation, sharing insights from leading ISH24 through a competitive and highly specialized safety and rescue industry.   / Standing Out in a Competitive Industry Paul highlights the breadth of ISH24’s services — from equipment sales and servicing to expert training — and explains how their integrated approach sets them apart in a crowded market.   / Training for Community Safety The discussion turns to the vital role of skilled first aiders on site. Paul shares how ISH24’s training programs, led by current and former paramedics, help businesses maintain safety and preparedness across industries.   / Adapting and Thriving During COVID-19 Paul recounts the challenges of the pandemic and how ISH24 adapted strategically, supporting clients while navigating uncertainty. Their approach to recruitment and operational flexibility ensured continuity and growth.   / Growth Through Adversity Despite industry setbacks, ISH24 leveraged opportunities to expand, ultimately tripling their business and securing major new clients. Paul reflects on how resilience and strategy fuelled this remarkable growth.   / People, Culture, and Regional Impact The conversation wraps with insights into proactive recruitment, strong team communication and building a company culture that supports growth — demonstrating how a regional business can have national influence.

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 38 (Part One)    Guest: Paul Olsen, General Manager Business Name: ISH24 Safety and Rescue Website: www.ish24.com.au LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/paul-olsen-bendigo   Topics Covered:   / The Journey to 300 Employees Paul Olsen shares his journey from stepping into a completely new industry to leading one of Bendigo’s fastest-growing businesses. Today, ISH 24 employs more than 300 people across Australia, delivering specialist safety and rescue services to high-risk industries.   / Understanding Confined Space Management Paul breaks down the complex world of confined space management – explaining the systems, training and teamwork required to keep people safe in some of the most hazardous environments.   / A National Footprint and Award-Winning Growth ISH24’s commitment to excellence has earned them both the Business of the Year 2025 and the National Global Footprint Award. Paul reflects on the recognition, the hard work behind it and what it means for a regional business making national impact.   / Training, Consultancy, and Capability As a Registered Training Organisation, ISH24 delivers industry-leading safety education and consultancy services. Paul shares how the company continues to build capability across mining, emergency response and essential services sectors.   / Growth, People, and Purpose From managing a growing national team to maintaining strong client relationships, Paul discusses the challenges and lessons of scaling a regional business with purpose and integrity.   References: ISH24 – Safety & Rescue: https://ish24.com.au Australian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC): https://www.afac.com.au

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 37 (Part Two)  Guest: Bianca Tarrant, Co-Founder Business Name: Our Cow Website: https://www.ourcow.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bianca-tarrant-a73b2519b/   Topics Covered: / Building Knowledge and a C-Suite Team from the Ground Up Bianca shares how Our Cow grew by surrounding themselves with skilled mentors, industry experts, and a hand-picked leadership team—despite her and Dave's lack of formal business backgrounds. Their approach: hire people better than you and grow into your leadership role.   / Leading with Culture and Self-Development As the business scaled, Bianca and Dave learned the importance of personal growth and letting go of control. They focused on improving workplace culture, empowering staff, and showing up as the best versions of themselves.   / The Power of Storytelling and Marketing Through Authenticity Our Cow’s success was largely driven by grassroots, video-first storytelling on social media. Bianca discusses how transparency, daily farm life, and staying relatable helped build trust with a city-based customer base—and how they inspired other farmers to do the same.   / Evolving Strategy While Staying Customer-Focused Bianca details how their early desire to serve everyone led to strategic shifts: refining product range, raising prices, and attracting a customer base that values quality and ethics over price. Knowing their customer became key to sustainable growth.   / Navigating Industry Perception and Carving a Niche Initially met with skepticism, Our Cow earned the respect of the wider agriculture industry by proving their value as a complementary market—not competition. Bianca reflects on their position as industry advocates and change agents.   / What’s Next for Our Cow With national reach and processing in place, Our Cow is focusing on growing its subscriber base, staying true to its meat-first model, and exploring future retail and international expansion opportunities.   / Women in Agriculture: Breaking Barriers Bianca speaks candidly about being a young female leader in a male-dominated industry. She shares the challenges of gaining respect, the crucial role of female leaders in Our Cow’s success, and her mission to model inclusive leadership.   / Lessons in Resilience, Delegation, and Asking Bold Questions From staffing to scale, Bianca shares valuable takeaways—including how asking the right questions led to major breakthroughs (like nearly securing a $10M investor), and why letting go of operations enabled true leadership.   / The Role of Team, Culture and Motivation Bianca explains how a strong, unified team in Casino has powered their success. Through hiring for attitude, promoting from within, and building a culture of autonomy and trust, they’ve created an A-team that fuels growth and morale.   / Introducing Their New Podcast: Paddock Talk Bianca announces their new podcast aimed at telling more farmer stories and connecting even deeper with their community.   References: Our Cow – https://www.ourcow.com.au Paddock Talk Podcast – Available via Our Cow's social platforms

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 37 (Part Two)  Guest: Bianca Tarrant, Co-Founder Business Name: Our Cow Website: https://www.ourcow.com.au LinkedIn: https:// linkedin.com/in/bianca-tarrant-a73b2519b/    Topics Covered: / Building Knowledge and a C-Suite Team from the Ground Up Bianca shares how Our Cow grew by surrounding themselves with skilled mentors, industry experts, and a hand-picked leadership team – despite her and Dave's lack of formal business backgrounds. Their approach: hire people better than you and grow into your leadership role.   / Leading with Culture and Self-Development As the business scaled, Bianca and Dave learned the importance of personal growth and letting go of control. They focused on improving workplace culture, empowering staff, and showing up as the best versions of themselves.   / The Power of Storytelling and Marketing Through Authenticity Our Cow’s success was largely driven by grassroots, video-first storytelling on social media. Bianca discusses how transparency, daily farm life, and staying relatable helped build trust with a city-based customer base – and how they inspired other farmers to do the same.   / Evolving Strategy While Staying Customer-Focused Bianca details how their early desire to serve everyone led to strategic shifts: refining product range, raising prices, and attracting a customer base that values quality and ethics over price. Knowing their customer became key to sustainable growth.   / Navigating Industry Perception and Carving a Niche Initially met with skepticism, Our Cow earned the respect of the wider agriculture industry by proving their value as a complementary market—not competition. Bianca reflects on their position as industry advocates and change agents.   / What’s Next for Our Cow With national reach and processing in place, Our Cow is focusing on growing its subscriber base, staying true to its meat-first model, and exploring future retail and international expansion opportunities.   / Women in Agriculture: Breaking Barriers Bianca speaks candidly about being a young female leader in a male-dominated industry. She shares the challenges of gaining respect, the crucial role of female leaders in Our Cow’s success, and her mission to model inclusive leadership.   / Lessons in Resilience, Delegation, and Asking Bold Questions From staffing to scale, Bianca shares valuable takeaways – including how asking the right questions led to major breakthroughs (like nearly securing a $10M investor), and why letting go of operations enabled true leadership.   / The Role of Team, Culture and Motivation Bianca explains how a strong, unified team in Casino has powered their success. Through hiring for attitude, promoting from within, and building a culture of autonomy and trust, they’ve created an A-team that fuels growth and morale.   / Introducing Their New Podcast: Paddock Talk Bianca announces their new podcast aimed at telling more farmer stories and connecting even deeper with their community.   References: Our Cow – https://www.ourcow.com.au Paddock Talk Podcast – Available via Our Cow's social platforms

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 36 Guests: Scott & Sam McLarty, Founders Business Name: Connecting Futures Website: https://connectingfutures.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mclarty2/    Topics Covered: / Youth Employment Through a Neurodiverse Lens Scott and Sam McLarty share how Connecting Futures helps young neurodiverse people (ages 15–25) transition into meaningful employment. Drawing from their own lived experience, they explain how adapting the environment – not the individual – enables long-term success. / Building an Inclusive, Award-Winning Culture The pair reflect on winning the Diverse and Inclusive Workplace category at the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards. Their focus on staff engagement, trust-building and shared purpose has created a team culture that empowers both workers and participants. / Expanding Through Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) Connecting Futures has been selected to deliver the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program across several regional areas including Bendigo, Maryborough, Castlemaine, Echuca, Shepparton and the Sunshine Coast. This expands their reach beyond NDIS to include people with a disability, injury, or health condition. / A Personal Mission Rooted in Lived Experience As parents of neurodivergent children, Scott and Sam bring empathy and deep understanding to their work. They describe their journey from navigating the school system to creating a service that now supports over 70 young people each week through mentoring and team-based projects. / Transformational Participant Journeys The episode features powerful success stories, including: Henry, who went from struggling to secure interviews to becoming a permanent V/Line employee and purchasing his first home at 22. Sammy, who built confidence, moved out of home, and started an IT career at Coliban Water after completing cybersecurity studies. / Partnering With Industry to Drive Inclusion Scott and Sam outline how they collaborate with businesses to create neurodiverse-friendly workplaces. This includes training, sensory spaces and leveraging government funding to support onboarding and workplace adjustments. / Demystifying the NDIS System for Families They discuss the complexity of the NDIS and the importance of empowering families and young people to understand and manage their own plans. Practical tools like the NDIS app and informed advocacy play a key role in increasing self-determination. / Sustainable Business With Purpose From their early days as a one-person NDIS support service, Connecting Futures has grown through clear values, participant-first design and a deep commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in communities across Victoria and Queensland.   References: Connecting Futures – https://connectingfutures.com.au Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) – https://www.jobaccess.gov.au NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) – https://www.ndis.gov.au V/Line – https://www.vline.com.au Coliban Water – https://www.coliban.com.au Bendigo TAFE – Construction Pathways – https://www.bendigotafe.edu.au

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 35 Guest: Julian Perez, Regional Development Manager Business Name: Villawood Properties Website: https://villawoodproperties.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-perez-70084076/    Topics Covered: / Community-Centric Property Development Julian Perez outlines how Villawood Properties distinguishes itself by embedding community values at the heart of its residential developments. He explains how creating meaningful spaces – like parks, clubhouses and communal facilities – helps build stronger, connected communities.   / The Role of Regional Expansion The episode dives into Villawood's regional strategy, particularly in Bendigo and other Victorian towns. Julian emphasises the benefits and responsibilities of developing in regional Australia and how these areas are crucial to housing supply and long-term sustainability.   / Urban Planning with a Human Lens Julian reflects on the importance of good urban planning. The conversation explores how smart planning, design and layout significantly influence liveability, mental health and social interaction in growing communities.   / Affordability and Accessibility in Housing A key challenge discussed is housing affordability. Julian shares Villawood's initiatives aimed at ensuring housing remains accessible to a wider demographic, including first-home buyers, while balancing rising development costs.   / Sustainability and Innovation in Development The conversation touches on Villawood’s commitment to sustainability, including environmental considerations, building standards and the integration of green infrastructure into housing estates.   / Career Journey and Passion for Community Building Julian shares insights into his career path – from construction to strategic regional development and what motivates him to create spaces that truly impact lives beyond the physical homes themselves.   References: Villawood Properties – https://villawoodproperties.com.au Regional development and planning in Victoria - https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/ Housing affordability trends in Australia - https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/housing-affordability 

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 34 Guest: Chris Harrington Business Name: Strategem Website: https://www.strategem.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-harrington-1a95a8103   Topics Covered / What is Strategem? A 90-Year Legacy with a Modern Twist Chris shares the origins of Strategem, a financial services business founded in 1932. He explains how the business evolved from a traditional accounting firm to a two-division structure offering both accounting and investment services under one roof. / The Dual Engine: Accounting and Investment Services Strategem operates with two licensed arms – business services (tax, accounting) and investment services (financial planning, superannuation, aged care). Chris outlines how these operate independently but are strategically integrated for client benefit. / Flexible Work Models and 9-to-3 Shifts To attract and retain great talent, Strategem has embraced flexibility – including 9-to-3 roles, part-time contracts, and remote work. Chris talks about how these structures help employees stay engaged while meeting client demands. / Building Careers, Not Just Jobs Chris discusses the firm’s approach to staff development – encouraging team members to define their own career goals, and providing growth paths through mentorship, training, and hands-on learning opportunities. / From Shoebox to Strategy: Evolution in Client Services The business has seen dramatic changes – from manual ledger books to automated cloud accounting. But one thing remains: the role of the accountant as a trusted advisor. Chris unpacks how Strategem supports clients through all stages of life and business. / Generational Clients and Interlinked Financial Journeys Strategem has served multiple generations of families – offering cradle-to-retirement services. Chris shares how intergenerational wealth planning and aged care services are growing priorities for the firm. / Bendigo to Collins Street: A Regional Business with City Reach While proudly headquartered in Bendigo, Strategem has expanded with a Melbourne office and clients across Australia. Chris explains how a regional culture of personal service has become a point of difference in metropolitan markets. / The Strategem Community Foundation: Giving Back with Impact Chris shares the story of their community foundation, which provides annual grants, targeted donations, and supports local causes – from literacy programs to hospice equipment – while involving team members through volunteering. / Leadership Lessons: Sustainable Performance and Calm Under Pressure Managing partner since 2010, Chris reflects on leading through stressful deadlines and complex workloads. He emphasises the importance of approachable leadership, emotional resilience and creating a culture of trust and accountability. / A Career Rooted in Business Families Growing up around small businesses, Chris always saw the behind-the-scenes pressures of entrepreneurship. That perspective informs his client relationships today – bringing empathy and practical advice to business owners.   References Strategem – https://www.strategem.com.au Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) – https://asic.gov.au Strategem Community Foundation – https://strategem.com.au/strategem-community-foundation-grant Riding for the Disabled - https://www.rda.org.au/ Reading Out of Poverty – https://roop.org.au 

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 33 Guest: Brent Nolan Business Name: Blunt Agency Website: https://www.bluntagency.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentnolan/     Topics Covered / What is Blunt Agency? A 3-Part Brand Framework Brent explains Blunt’s structure as a brand agency with three core services: brand strategy, implementation (design and content) and ongoing nurture. This integrated model helps clients build, launch and sustain strong brands over time. / The Power of Regional Perspective in Branding Operating nationally from Bendigo, Brent shares how understanding regional and metro markets adds unique value to national clients. His team’s deep local knowledge helps brands better connect with varied Australian audiences. / Hiring and Culture in a Regional Creative Business Brent discusses the challenges and wins of building a design-led team in regional Victoria. He talks candidly about sourcing talent, integrating international hires and fostering long-term team loyalty and mentorship. / No Scarcity Mindset: Building a Community of Creatives Rather than guarding market share, Brent embraces abundance. He encourages growth in the local creative ecosystem and maintains positive relationships with former team members – even those who become competitors. / Why Brand Strategy Comes Before Design Brent reveals how a lack of strategy used to lead to guesswork in design. Today, Blunt begins every project with strategy, enabling better messaging, positioning and visual outcomes that align across the organisation. / Case Study: Reframing a Tech Product for Growth A Singapore-based tech firm needed help simplifying their complex point-of-sale solution. Brent’s team helped translate technical value into customer-facing messaging, tailoring narratives for different stakeholders. / Discovering the Real Product: Solving the Right Problem Brent shares how strategic workshops revealed that a client’s oil product wasn’t really about the oil – it was about solving inflammation. This repositioning opened up a much larger, health-conscious customer base. / From Design to Business Transformation Brand strategy at Blunt often unlocks deeper business insights. Brent describes how aligning internal teams under a unified brand story helps organizations reduce inefficiencies and create cultural clarity. / Who Should Invest in Brand Strategy? While big corporates benefit greatly from strategic branding, Brent explains how even startups and SMEs can gain long-term value from foundational brand work – if they are growth-oriented and market-driven. / Efficiency Through Clarity: Avoiding Wasted Marketing Without brand clarity, businesses stall, delay campaigns, and waste time. Brent outlines how strong strategy creates marketing agility, faster execution, and a more confident path to growth.   References GJ Gardner Homes – https://www.gjgardner.com.au/ Cor Cordis – https://www.corcordis.com.au/ Bendigo Bank – https://www.bendigobank.com.au/ Emporium Creative Hub – https://www.emporiumcreativehub.com.au/ Afterpay – https://www.afterpay.com ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com 

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 32 Guest: Anthony Jenkin Business Name: Outlier Studio Website: https://outlierstudio.com.au   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-jenkin-6b553785/     Topics Covered / Scaling with Systems: How Anthony Runs Lean and Efficient Anthony shares how he builds capacity without growing his team by leveraging systems, automation, and AI. From templated digital proposals to automated inbox workflows, he shows how staying lean doesn’t mean limiting growth. / The 5-Minute Proposal: Using Go High Level to Save Time Anthony walks through his proposal process, powered by Go High Level, that takes just 5–10 minutes from start to send. Digital signatures, auto-responses, and video walkthroughs make client onboarding fast, clear and scalable. / Building Client Trust Through Transparency From outlining potential project delays to including realistic timelines in proposals, Anthony emphasises the importance of setting clear expectations early to avoid disappointment later especially in industries like town planning and design. / AI as a Business Partner: From Analysis to Copywriting AI has become integral to Outlier Studio’s workflows, generating performance reports, analysing data and even assisting with architectural design logic. Anthony shares how tools like ChatGPT are reducing consultancy costs and time overheads. / The Power of iOS + ClickUp: Running Better Meetings and Teams Anthony has integrated the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS/iOS) into ClickUp for better team alignment and accountability. Weekly snapshots, scorecards and structured agendas keep everyone on track and help avoid bloated meeting times. / Financial Efficiency Over Headcount Instead of growing headcount, Anthony focuses on reviewing expenses quarterly and streamlining operations. He explains how cutting "nice-to-haves" and improving productivity metrics have been critical for profitability and long-term sustainability. / Sustainability and Construction: Systemic Barriers to Change Anthony breaks down the misalignment between builders, banks and regulators that hampers sustainable construction. Alternative materials like hempcrete and modular builds face compliance and funding roadblocks, despite strong demand. / PanelHouse and FlexiHouse: Innovative Solutions for Modern Building Anthony discusses his new ventures: PanelHouse (flat-pack panel kits) and FlexiHouse (modular homes). These prefab systems offer faster construction, lower labor needs, and better insulation, perfect for addressing material and skill shortages. / The Modular Building Boom: Opportunity and Friction As more builders pivot to modular methods, Anthony explores the growing popularity of transportable homes. He explains why financing remains a barrier, despite government incentives and consumer demand for faster, healthier housing solutions. / Marketing, SEO, and The Outlier Brand Anthony credits much of Outlier’s growth to digital marketing fundamentals he learned early, SEO, podcasts, newsletters and giving away value freely. A rebrand and a focus on niche content helped attract aligned, high-quality clients.   References Go High Level – https://www.gohighlevel.com ClickUp – https://www.clickup.com EOS/iOS – https://www.eosworldwide.com ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com Town Planning Australia – https://www.townplanning.com.au/  

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 31 Guest: Andrew Hamilton, Founder Business Name: Euca Website: https://eucabuilt.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewghamilton/    Topics Covered / Purpose-Driven Product Design for Regional Tourism Andrew introduces Euca, a company specialising in architecturally designed, prefabricated eco-cabins tailored for regional tourism. The business focuses on enabling operators like wineries and agri-tourism ventures to offer high-quality accommodation without the typical construction complexities.   / Streamlined Development Process Euca offers pre-designed, customisable cabins that are fully engineered and compliance-ready. By centralising architecture, interior design, and compliance work, the company reduces barriers for clients—especially those wanting to start small and scale gradually.   / From Product to Platform The cabins are built in a modular factory in Geelong, leveraging efficiencies like material optimisation and reduced waste. Clients can configure their cabins online, similar to customising a car, aligning with their brand and site aesthetics.   / Regional Identity in Design Andrew discusses creating an authentically Australian cabin design aesthetic, inspired by eucalyptus tones and local materials—steering away from imitating overseas trends like Scandinavian or American log cabin styles.   / Market Opportunity and Impact He highlights the mismatch between regional tourism demand (nearly half of accommodation dollars spent in regional Australia) and the lack of appropriate infrastructure. Euca fills this gap by offering scalable, premium, and compliant prefab cabins.   / Sustainable and Scalable Manufacturing Design choices include using full panel sizes, minimising offcuts, and sourcing local materials. The factory-based model also allows faster deployment, avoids lengthy on-site builds, and ensures lower environmental and logistical costs.   / Andrew’s Diverse Background Andrew’s journey spans product design, media, e-commerce, and property development. He blends creative and commercial skills, applying product thinking from tech and consumer goods to placemaking and prefab property.   / Placemaking and Value Creation The episode also explores how Andrew's background in immersive environments and commercial property led to his understanding of customer experience and product-market fit in tourism accommodation.   References Euca – https://eucabuilt.au/ Pivot City Innovation District, Geelong - https://www.pivotcity.com.au/ Zaha Hadid / Hudson Yards Project – https://www.zaha-hadid.com/design/520-west-28th-street/  

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 30 Guest: Jenn Donovan Business Name: Social Media & Marketing Australia Website: https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-donovan/     Topics Covered / From Law to Retail to Marketing: Building a Rural Business Empire Jenn shares her journey from working in law to co-owning a kitchenware retail shop and eventually launching her own marketing consultancy. A late-night decision with a friend led to buying a store – where she quickly learned the value of listening to customers and adapting to market needs. / Born on the Border: Running a National Business from the Farm Jenn operates her business from a farm near Mulwala, NSW, right on the state border. She talks about the pros and challenges of rural entrepreneurship – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the infamous "red line" lockdown cut through her living room. / Launching Social Media & Marketing Australia: From Domain Name to Brand In 2018, Jenn founded her business after finding the perfect domain name by chance. With a no-frills approach, she built a service-based brand focused on coaching, speaking, and empowering small businesses to take control of their marketing. / The Power of Speaking: How Keynotes Became Her Main Business Speaking now forms the largest revenue stream for Jenn. She shares how she books paid speaking gigs across Australia, from chambers of commerce to major conferences – like a standout 20-minute keynote in Esperance that required multiple flights and a 3-hour drive. / Creating a Movement: Buy From a Bush Business and Spend With Us In response to drought and economic downturn in 2019, Jenn launched a Facebook group that grew to nearly 400,000 members. The initiative helped inject over $11 million into rural businesses and eventually grew into a full-fledged marketplace, Spend With Us. / Strategic Collaboration: Turning Community into Company Jenn partnered with another founder to launch “Spend With Us,” offering regional businesses a platform to sell online – even if they didn’t have a website. She later exited day-to-day operations to refocus on speaking, retaining a stake as an advisor and advocate. / Leveraging Government Contracts and Digital Training During the pandemic, Jenn saw an opportunity in government-funded business support. She created webinar packages and simplified the delivery for local councils – doing all the heavy lifting so they could say “yes” quickly. This created consistent income and long-term partnerships. / The Speaking Business Model: Outreach, Timing, and Systems Jenn breaks down how she fills her speaking calendar through direct outreach, cold pitching and follow-up systems. She shares how she balances paid and unpaid gigs and uses strategy to get her foot in the door with larger events. / Rebranding and Personal Brand Clarity Jenn is now separating her personal brand from her business. While Social Media & Marketing Australia is being positioned as a scalable asset with conferences and products, Jen Donovan is emerging as a speaker, author, and marketing educator in her own right. / Podcasting as a Business Engine Jenn’s podcast, Small Business Made Simple, has been running since 2018 and serves as a top-of-funnel tool. She finds that most clients have listened before reaching out—creating instant trust and warming leads before they book coaching or speaking. / Writing the Book: Small Town, Big Impact Jenn authored a book with 107 actionable marketing ideas specifically for rural businesses. It reflects her mission to show regional entrepreneurs that effective marketing doesn’t have to rely on big budgets or social media alone. / Lessons Learned: Mindset, Messaging, and Moving On From overcoming self-doubt and tall poppy syndrome to recognising when to exit a venture, Jen shares candid lessons about leadership, mindset, and scaling a purpose-driven business in regional Australia.   References Social Media & Marketing Australia – socialmediaandmarketing.com.au Spend With Us – https://www.spendwithus.com.au Podcast – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0x53Shqz3beTmb0991jEg Book – Small Town, Big Impact https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/product/small-town-big-impact/  

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 29 Guest: Melanie Clark Business Name: Fabriq Website: https://fabriq.com.au/     Topics Covered / From Family Legacy to Fabriq: Rebuilding a Curtain Business Melanie shares the multigenerational story of her family’s curtain business, originally founded by her parents in 1995. She and her husband Justin officially took over in 2010, transforming it from “Reanne Curtains” into Fabriq—a vertically integrated, design-led business in Bendigo. / A Rebrand with Purpose: Identity, Quality, and Future-Proofing The transition to the name Fabriq, reflected a modern, design-forward ethos. With support from branding agency Studio Ink, the rebrand helped shift customer perception, create independence from the previous name, and lay the groundwork for future business scalability and potential sale. / From London Showrooms to Regional Style Melanie’s time living in London—and admiration for Designers Guild’s aesthetic—inspired her passion for textiles and interiors. This personal design vision continues to influence the style and curation of Fabriq’s offerings and customer experience. / Manufacturing In-House: A Regional Point of Difference Unlike most retailers, Fabriq manufactures its window furnishings in its own workroom, attached to the showroom. Customers can literally see where the product is made, fostering trust, quality control, and flexibility for custom work. / Surviving the Slump: Business Lessons from 2016 and 2024 Melanie reflects on two major downturns in the business: one in 2016 and another in early 2024. She shares how radio advertising, builder outreach, and doubling down on local networking helped them bounce back. Lesson: when sales slow, get on the phone—and the radio. / Expanding Into Upholstery and Home Design With growing demand for more than just curtains and blinds, Fabriq now offers custom upholstery, ottomans, cushions, and bedheads. Their team repurposes old pieces and creates bespoke furnishings, extending their reach into full-home design. / Building a Skilled, Culture-Focused Team The business employs a tight-knit team of eight, including family members and long-standing staff. Melanie prioritises culture and personality fit as much as skills—especially in the workroom—ensuring longevity and collaboration. / Rebuilding Reputation Post-Takeover When Melanie and Justin first bought the business, customers assumed the original owner had left—and quality with it. Reputation management became key. Their mistake? Not telling the story well enough. The fix? Consistent messaging and community engagement. / Systemising vs. Knowing by Heart Melanie admits most operational knowledge still lives in team members’ heads—a risk they’re slowly addressing. With staff retention high, it’s worked so far, but creating documented systems remains a priority for long-term scalability. / Embracing Smart Homes: When Curtains Go Digital Fabriq now installs motorised window treatments integrated with Google or Siri. Melanie stresses the importance of early-stage collaboration with builders and architects to plan for wiring, power, and automation in modern homes. / The Reality of Small Business Ownership Melanie gives a candid account of the ongoing rollercoaster of entrepreneurship: good years, hard years, and everything in between. She emphasises persistence, team loyalty, and remembering why you started—as key to staying in the game.   References Fabriq – https://fabriq.com.au/ Designers Guild – https://www.designersguild.com Studio Ink (Branding Agency) – https://www.studioink.com.au  

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 28 Guest: Lachlan Edwards Business Name: OFRM Lawyers Website: https://ofrm.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlan-edwards-ba0283198/     Topics Covered / Making Law Engaging and Practical for Business Owners Lachlan Edwards shares his approach to making law more relatable for small business owners, breaking down complex legal concepts into understandable and practical advice. His goal? To be the lawyer who makes law not boring. / The Four Phases of Legal Business Support Lachlan outlines a proactive legal framework for business success: Setup – Choosing the right business structure (sole trader, company, trust). Support – Creating infrastructure like contracts, guest waivers, and IP agreements. Responsive – Handling employment issues, conflicts, and social media risks. Exit – Facilitating clean and fair transitions with ownership agreements. / From Courtroom to Counsel: Inside a Regional Law Firm OFRM is a multidisciplinary law firm serving individuals and businesses across regional Victoria. Lachlan describes the firm's structure, team collaboration, and the breadth of services offered — from wills and estates to family, property, and commercial law. / Beyond the Billable Hour: Value-Based Pricing Lachlan explains OFRM’s shift away from traditional time-based billing. Instead, they’re adopting value-based pricing to align legal services with business outcomes, especially in commercial and conveyancing matters. / Building a Collaborative Legal Team To avoid departmental silos, OFRM encourages cross-pollination between its legal teams through regular “lunch and learn” meetings. This creates a dynamic learning culture and stronger client service. / Governance vs. Operations: The Leadership Balancing Act As a law firm director and board member at organisations like Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo UFS, Lachlan discusses the challenge of separating strategic governance from day-to-day operations — a vital skill for any business leader. / Law and Leadership Through Real-World Scenarios In a light-hearted "Will Caleb Go to Jail?" segment, Lachlan guides the host through real-world scenarios involving partnerships, intellectual property, and employee misconduct — offering legal insight in an engaging, relatable format.   / Unwritten Agreements and the Partnership Risk A cautionary tale on the dangers of informal collaborations. Lachlan explains how lack of agreements in creative partnerships can lead to legal disputes — and how simple documents could prevent big headaches. / Employment Law: Social Media, Misconduct, and Legal Risk Lachlan explores how businesses should handle controversial employee behavior online, the role of employment contracts and policies, and how anti-discrimination laws influence termination decisions. / Personal Journey: From Deniliquin to Law Director Lachlan recounts his shift from journalism to law, his early days in community legal centres, and how living abroad helped him find clarity in his career. His story reflects the values of persistence, service, and local impact.   References OFRM – https://ofrm.com.au/ Fair Work Legislation - https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/legislation Bendigo Stadium / Red Energy Arena - https://redenergyarena.com.au/ Bendigo UFS - https://www.bendigoufs.com.au/ Consumer Action Law Centre - https://consumeraction.org.au/

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 27 Guest: Anthony Jenkin Business Name: Outlier Studio Website: https://outlierstudio.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-jenkin-6b553785/     Topics Covered / From Carpentry to Climate-Conscious Design: The Birth of Outlier Studio Anthony shares his unconventional journey from carpentry and skatepark construction to founding Outlier Studio — a design firm committed to creating energy-efficient, durable homes. His early trade experiences and later education in building design and entrepreneurship shaped a mission-driven business. / Verifying What’s Built Matches What’s Designed Outlier Studio specialises in “as-built verification,” using onsite testing to ensure homes are constructed exactly to energy efficiency specs. Anthony highlights how common it is for features like insulation to be compromised during construction — often unnoticed by builders or regulators. / Blower Door Tests and Energy Modelling: Tools of the Trade The episode dives into the specifics of energy audits, including blower door tests and thermal imaging. These tools expose air leaks and insulation failures and guide low-cost upgrades that significantly boost energy efficiency and comfort. / Australia’s ‘Glorified Tents’: A Housing Wake-Up Call Anthony critiques the poor thermal performance of many Australian homes, especially compared to global standards. He cites alarming World Health Organisation data showing that many rental properties fall below minimum safe temperatures — especially harming vulnerable populations. / Designing for Health and Comfort, Not Just Aesthetics Inspired by passive house principles, Outlier Studio designs homes that prioritise air quality, thermal stability and occupant wellbeing. Anthony explains how airtight construction, controlled ventilation and even plant placement can create healthier living environments. / A Full-Service, Performance-Driven Studio Outlier handles everything from client briefs and regulatory research to energy modelling, concept design and construction phase testing. Their integrated approach avoids budget blowouts by involving builders early and managing cost throughout the design process. / Architect vs Building Designer: What’s the Difference? Anthony unpacks the legal, educational and practical distinctions between architects and building designers — and why the title isn’t always a proxy for quality. His advice? Interview the designer, assess values alignment and focus on relationships over labels. / The Courage to Niche: Committing to Sustainable Builds A pivotal decision to only accept sustainable projects redefined the business. Anthony speaks candidly about the fear of losing work — and the unexpected rewards of finding a community that shares his passion and supports open knowledge-sharing. / Modular Construction and European Prefab Panels Outlier Studio has expanded to offer prefabricated, high-performance wall systems imported from Europe. These panels reduce waste, speed up builds, and ensure long-term insulation and durability — a game changer for remote or hard-to-build areas. / Vertical Integration: From Design to Turnkey Delivery The studio now builds complete modular homes off-site and delivers them ready-to-live. Anthony reveals how this leap was powered by smart systems, tech stacks, and a lean team — allowing them to grow without rapidly expanding headcount. / Leading a Business That Builds You Back Anthony and the host reflect on how building a values-driven business catalyses personal growth. From mental resilience to sales and leadership, Anthony shares how the business journey shaped him — and why constant learning is key to staying relevant and impactful. / Scaling Sustainably with Purpose Whether it’s future government partnerships, prefab innovation, or creating more energy-literate builders, Anthony’s vision is national. His mission is simple: better homes for Australians, built with performance, dignity, and health in mind.   References Passive House Standard – https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/passive-house Blower Door Testing – https://outlierstudio.com.au/research/thermal-performance-check/ World Health Organization Housing Standards – WHO Housing Guidelines Outlier Studio – https://outlierstudio.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 26 Guest: Shannon Lemanski Business Name: Aqua Ubique Website: https://aquaubique.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-lemanski/     Topics Covered / Turning Air into Water: The Aqua Ubique Story Shannon introduces the core concept behind Aqua Ubique: a water cooler that doesn’t require plumbing or bottles, but instead generates clean, mineral-rich drinking water from air. He explains the proprietary filtration and mineralisation process, and how it delivers premium water without harmful chemicals or microplastics. / From Army Officer to Startup Founder A deeply personal origin story traces back to Shannon’s time in the Australian Army. His experience managing drinking water logistics during overseas deployments — and witnessing local communities scavenging plastic bottles for clean water — planted the seeds for a socially driven enterprise. / Tackling Australia’s Hidden Water Crisis Shannon sheds light on the staggering reality that over 8% of Australians, especially in remote or Indigenous communities, lack access to safe drinking water. He shares shocking examples from places like Cherbourg, where children drink cola instead of formula due to water mistrust. / Engineering with Empathy: The Product Design The machines are designed to operate reliably in diverse Australian climates, from humid offices to drier regions like Bendigo. Shannon emphasises user-friendliness, minimal maintenance and data transparency as key differentiators from offshore alternatives. / A Social Enterprise Model That Scales Aqua Ubique operates on a “buy five, give one” model: for every five office units sold, one machine is deployed to a remote community. This approach solves both a commercial and social problem, making every customer part of the impact story. / Positioning for Purpose and Profit Shannon explains why social good isn’t enough — products must also be more affordable, more effective and deliver better value. His pricing model saves businesses money while cutting plastic waste and emissions. / Strategic Thinking: Military Roots, Business Execution Using military planning tools like SMEAC and mission appreciation, Shannon approached the startup like a tactical operation. His first business plan was literally sketched using army formats to map competitors, allies and customer segments. / Winning Without Paid Marketing Despite zero marketing spend, Shannon has achieved rapid sales growth through highly targeted outreach, local networking and word-of-mouth. He pinpoints small to mid-sized businesses with high bottled water usage and services them within 90 minutes to ensure quality support. / Offers So Good They Convert Themselves Shannon describes the slam-dunk offer inspired by Alex Hormozi: 90-day risk-free trial, full refund plus $100 for wasted time. The results? Zero returns and sky-high conversion rates. / Leadership, Legacy and Staying Values-Driven As a father and former officer, Shannon reflects on humility, servant leadership, and building a business that aligns with deeply held values. He rejects commodification in favour of relational business that customers are proud to support. / Vision for the Future With strong early traction and national banks courting Aqua Ubique to support ESG goals, Shannon aims to scale nationwide, and ultimately, globally. His mission is clear: deliver 1 million litres of clean water into communities by 2030.   References Alex Hormozi – How to Turn Trash into Cash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaiLcj6tzBQ Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council Water Crisis  – https://nit.com.au/08-10-2024/14116/queesland-government-announce-26million-to-tackle-cherbourgs-long-running-water-crisis Silicon Coast – Sunshine Coast innovation ecosystem https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/business/regional-innovation/the-ecosystem

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 25 Guest: Tom Isaacs Business Name: PRD Bendigo Website: https://www.prd.com.au/bendigo/  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tom-isaacs-45b69397/   Topics Covered / Building PRD Bendigo from the Ground Up Tom shares the journey of growing PRD Bendigo from zero market presence to one of the leading real estate agencies in the region. He reflects on the early days, unexpected opportunities, and how initial “dumb luck” evolved into strategic business decisions. / Reimagining Real Estate Business Models This episode unpacks how Tom departed from the traditional real estate model to build a fully resourced, department-led structure. From media to sales to admin, each arm of the business supports growth and enables team specialisation. / Creating Career Pathways and a Scalable Team Tom explains how PRD fosters long-term careers by developing internal pathways - from support roles to independent agents or management tracks. The team culture is built on clarity, mentorship and flexibility. / The Power of Culture Captains A standout initiative, “culture captains,” empowers team members to uphold values and call out misalignment, creating peer-led accountability. Tom discusses how this simple framework transformed team dynamics and strengthened internal cohesion. / Investing in People and Personal Goals Rather than traditional KPIs, PRD’s leadership begins with personal aspirations. Whether it’s buying a home or starting a family, team reviews are structured around what matters most to each employee. / Embedding Community into the Business Model Tom shares the origin and structure of the PRD Community First Fund - a quarterly initiative where staff contributions are matched by the business to support underfunded community organisations. Past recipients include Sunshine Bendigo and Southern Cross Kids Camp. / Changing Public Perceptions of Real Estate Tom and host Caleb discuss the negative stereotypes around real estate agents and how PRD is helping shift that narrative through service-first mindsets, trust-building and long-term community commitment. / Leadership Lessons and Evolving Roles From hands-on sales to full-time leadership, Tom reflects on stepping out of the frontline, especially during COVID, and how that transition demanded new approaches to empathy, vision and business planning. References PRD Bendigo – https://www.prd.com.au/bendigo/  Sunshine Bendigo – https://www.sunshinebendigo.org.au Southern Cross Kids’ Camp – https://www.sckc.org.au Simon Sinek – https://simonsinek.com

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 24 Guest: Ben Amos Business Name: Innovate Media  Websites: https://innovatemedia.com.au/  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/beninnovate   Topics Covered / From Videographer to Strategist Ben Amos shares his journey from traditional video production to becoming a pioneer in video strategy. He discusses the realisation that delivering high-quality videos without strategic input often fails to deliver real value to clients. / Why Video Needs Strategy Ben and host Caleb discuss the importance of video strategy in business - how it connects business goals with audience needs, customer journeys, and platform-specific execution. They break down what it means to move from “video for video’s sake” to intentional, goal-oriented video content. / Innovate Media and Regional Roots Ben gives an overview of his agency, Innovate Media, based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He talks about the unique opportunities and challenges of running a regional business and how regional agencies can still lead globally in innovation and thought leadership. / The Rise of the Video Strategist The role of a video strategist is dissected - part producer, part marketer. Ben emphasises the importance of helping clients choose the right video for the right audience at the right time and measuring results meaningfully. / Educating Through Content and Podcasting Ben reflects on launching the Engage Video Marketing Podcast as a way to “learn out loud.” Now with over 300 episodes, the podcast has grown into a platform that attracts clients, builds authority and deepens his industry relationships.   / Launching an Online Brand and Book Beyond his agency, Ben talks about building a personal brand through content, courses, and coaching—culminating in the release of his book Engage. He outlines how this thought leadership initiative has fueled both personal and business growth. / Resilience and Revenue in a Challenging Year Ben explains how 2024 began with uncertainty but ended with Innovate Media’s strongest year in revenue. He attributes this success to long-term client relationships, consistent value-driven communication and strategic selling. / Business Lessons and Leadership Growth Ben shares key lessons from over 16 years in business, including learning to manage time and ideas, building protective routines around work-life balance and developing a mission-first mindset with clients and his team. / Lead with Value, Always The episode emphasises the power of leading with education, not sales. Ben advocates for a business approach rooted in generosity, strategic listening and building genuine trust - especially when selling creative or consulting services. References Engage the Book – https://engagevideomarketing.thrivecart.com/engage-book/  Engage Video Marketing Podcast – https://engagevideomarketing.com/podcast/  Riverside.fm – https://riverside.fm/  Smart Passive Income Podcast – https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/spi/  Loom – https://www.loom.com/ 

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 23 Guest: Julie Sheahan Business Name: 3D Physiotherapy Health Group Website: www.3dphysio.com.au/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julie-sheahan-5b90b3165/ Topics Covered / The Philosophy Behind 3D Physiotherapy Julie Sheahan introduces the mission of 3D Physio, a practice grounded in the biopsychosocial model of care. She explains how their approach treats not just physical symptoms but the whole person—body, mind, and soul. / Evolving the Clinic Experience Julie outlines how the practice has expanded to include multiple locations, a purpose-built exercise studio, and integrated services like podiatry and naturopathy. The goal is to offer a holistic health hub that supports prevention and empowerment. / Rethinking Traditional Physiotherapy Rather than relying on ongoing appointments, Julie and her team focus on education and self-management. They help clients understand the root cause of injuries, develop personalized strength programs, and shift toward long-term, preventative care. / Combatting the Reactive Healthcare Model Julie challenges the conventional, reactive model of healthcare and instead promotes a culture of proactive well-being. She emphasizes the need to shift both public perception and healthcare practices to support prevention over treatment. / Strength and Aging Well Julie shares how 3D Physio runs programs like Strong for Life, GLA:D, and Onero to support older adults with strength, balance, and mobility. Clients in their 70s and 80s are performing exercises like deadlifts and lunges, redefining what’s possible as we age. / The Impact of Food and Inflammation on Health While not a nutritionist herself, Julie discusses how diet—particularly industrialized, boxed foods—can lead to chronic inflammation and poor musculoskeletal health. She stresses the importance of whole, nutrient-dense foods to support healing and performance. / Building a Mission-Driven Team Julie reflects on creating a culture where every team member is aligned with a shared “why.” From regular alignment days to hiring based on values, she’s focused on creating an environment where purpose drives performance. / Business Growth, Awards, and Leadership Julie shares the story of starting 3D Physio in 2018 and gradually growing the team and services. She discusses winning multiple Bendigo Business Excellence Awards, including the Regional Women’s Award, and how mentorship and strategic hiring have supported her leadership journey. / Managing Change Without Burning Out the Team Recognizing the challenges of being an ideas-driven entrepreneur, Julie brought in a change consultant to help structure and pace innovation. She explains how this improved internal communication, stabilized the team, and allowed them to implement new systems more effectively. References GLA:D Program – https://gladaustralia.com.au/ Radical Candor (book) – https://www.radicalcandor.com/ Biopsychosocial Model of Care – https://www.physio-pedia.com/Biopsychosocial_Model  Bendigo Business Excellence Awards – https://bbea.com.au/  

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 22 Guest: Kyle Racki Business Name: Proposify Website: https://www.proposify.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleracki Topics Covered / The Journey of Proposify Kyle Racki shares how he transitioned from a freelance designer and agency owner to the founder of Proposify. He talks about the early frustrations of creating proposals manually and how that led him to develop a SaaS solution that streamlines and improves the proposal process for businesses. / Building and Scaling a SaaS Business Proposify started as a small, bootstrapped venture and has since grown into a 65-person company. Kyle discusses the early growth phase, the impact of adding features like e-signatures and proposal templates, and how they found their product-market fit. / The Challenges of Rapid Scaling Scaling too quickly brought unexpected challenges. Kyle shares insights on why adding more people doesn’t always lead to greater efficiency, how too many management layers slowed decision-making, and why they ultimately scaled back from 110 employees. / Leadership, Culture, and Radical Candor As the company grew, Kyle realized the importance of fostering a strong company culture. He explains how he introduced “Radical Candor” as a core value, encouraging open, honest feedback while maintaining a positive workplace environment. / Personal Growth as a Founder Kyle reflects on the personal and professional development required to lead a growing company. From learning to have tough conversations to seeking mentorship and business coaching, he shares how continual self-improvement has played a critical role in Proposify’s success. / Vision, Strategy, and Staying Connected to Customers Rather than focusing solely on high-level strategy, Kyle emphasizes the importance of staying involved in the day-to-day realities of the business. He explains how engaging with customers, keeping an eye on competitors, and understanding industry trends help shape the company’s direction. / The Power of Online Proposal Software Proposify simplifies the proposal process, making it easy for businesses to create, send, and track professional proposals. Kyle highlights key benefits, such as real-time updates, integrated e-signatures, and data tracking—giving sales teams the tools they need to close deals faster and stand out from the competition. / The Role of Founder Branding vs. Product Excellence While personal branding can be valuable, Kyle believes the best companies focus on building great products rather than making their CEOs famous. He shares examples of companies that have succeeded without high-profile founders and discusses what really matters when scaling a SaaS business. References Proposify – https://www.proposify.com Radical Candor by Kim Scott – https://www.radicalcandor.com/  Zapier – https://zapier.com/  Loom – https://www.loom.com/ 

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 21 Guest: Kira Hyde Business Name: The KH Studio Website: https://www.thekhstudio.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirahyde/   Topics Covered / The Journey of The KH Studio Kira Hyde shares how she founded The KH Studio, a boutique brand design and marketing agency based in Bendigo. She explains how the business has evolved from a solo operation focused on branding and website design into a full-service marketing agency that now offers SEO, Google Ads, social media management, and marketing strategy.   / A Strategy-Driven Approach to Branding and Marketing Kira discusses how The KH Studio differentiates itself in the competitive marketing industry by offering strategy-first, integrated digital solutions. She highlights the importance of blending branding, creativity, and technology to deliver bold, high-impact results for businesses across various industries.   / Scaling a Business to Meet Client Needs The KH Studio has grown by carefully listening to client needs and expanding its service offerings accordingly. Kira explains the journey from a freelancer to a business leader, the challenges of scaling a boutique agency, and how her team has developed long-term client partnerships.   / Business Growth and Lessons in Leadership Kira shares key insights from her entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of hiring employees vs. contractors, maintaining company culture, and creating a sustainable business model. She also talks about the importance of business mentorship, the impact of working with a board of advisors, and the personal growth required to lead a creative business.   / Award-Winning Excellence The KH Studio was recently recognised at the 2024 Bendigo Excellence Awards, winning the Professional Services Firm of the Year. Kira reflects on what this award means for her business and the importance of elevating creative professionals in the regional business landscape.   / The Role of Processes and Systems in Business Success Kira explains how implementing structured processes and automation has allowed The KH Studio to deliver high-quality results while remaining boutique. She shares insights on how they use client portals, time tracking, and streamlined workflows to enhance efficiency and improve the client experience.   / Building a Team That Works for Your Business Model Unlike traditional agencies, The KH Studio operates with a hybrid team structure, consisting of core team members and specialised contractors. Kira explains why this model provides flexibility, scalability, and top-tier expertise, allowing them to compete with larger agencies while maintaining a personalised, boutique approach.   / The Entrepreneurial Journey & Work-Life Balance Starting her business at just 20 years old, Kira has had a unique entrepreneurial journey—including traveling through Europe while running her business remotely. She shares lessons on balancing work and life, staying motivated as a business owner, and the importance of trusting your own instincts when making business decisions.   References The KH Studio - https://www.thekhstudio.co/ Bendigo Excellence Awards - https://bbea.com.au/award-categories/ Tools & Systems Mentioned: CRM software, Slack, Google Ads, SEO tools, client portals  

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 20 Guest: Joe Ciancio Business Name: Maxsum Consulting Website: www.maxsum.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ciancio-gaicd-76a95a1a/   Topics Covered / Introduction to Maxsum Consulting Joe Ciancio, founder and Managing Director of Maxsum Consulting, shares the story of how the business evolved from a small IT solutions provider to a consulting firm focused on business strategy, technology integration, and digital transformation. He explains how rebranding from “Maxsum Solutions” to “Maxsum Consulting” reflects their shift from IT services to strategic business enablement.   / Moving Beyond Commoditised IT Services Joe discusses how technology is often seen as a necessary but low-value utility, like electricity, rather than a strategic asset. He emphasises the importance of aligning technology with business goals to drive efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage.   / Strategic IT Partnerships vs. Transactional IT Services Maxsum Consulting prioritises working with businesses that view IT as a strategic enabler rather than just a cost. Joe explains how they engage with organisation’s that seek long-term IT partnerships, focusing on business outcomes rather than low-cost, one-off solutions.   / The Power of Data and AI in Business Growth Joe highlights how data is the most valuable asset for modern businesses, comparing its impact to that of oil in the industrial era. He discusses how AI tools are now accessible to small and medium-sized businesses but require proper implementation and data security measures to be effective.   / Security Challenges in the Age of AI With AI-driven tools like Microsoft Copilot making data more accessible, Joe stresses the importance of securing internal information. He shares insights on how businesses must carefully manage access to sensitive data to avoid unintentional breaches and misinformation caused by AI "hallucinations."   / Change Management and Digital Transformation Technology alone does not drive change—people do. Joe discusses the critical role of change management in IT implementations, citing examples of businesses that failed to adopt new technology due to poor training and communication. He shares best practices for successfully integrating new systems into an organisations workflow.   / Serving Diverse Industries Across Victoria Maxsum Consulting operates across multiple industries, including professional services, local government, manufacturing, mining, and non-profit sectors. Joe explains how their approach is tailored to the unique needs of each industry, particularly in high-compliance fields like aged care and disability services.   / Business Growth and Organisational Culture Joe reflects on how Maxsum Consulting’s internal growth journey has been shaped by clearly defined cultural values. He shares how their company’s mission—"Enable Opportunity and Realise Potential"—guides both their client engagements and internal team development.   / Personal Growth and Leadership Lessons Transitioning from a hands-on IT technician to a business leader required Joe to develop new skills in delegation, trust, and strategic decision-making. He shares key lessons in leadership, including the importance of empowering teams, maintaining work-life balance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.   References Maxsum Consulting - https://www.maxsum.com/ Microsoft Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/FvkUQRLGyjJpcsXcKq7hm ISO Certifications - https://www.iso.org/home.html