For episode 6 in Season 2 of Coast and Commerce, Ben Amos interviews Gary Tramer, co-founder of NatPat. Gary shares his business journey and the success of their innovative product, which started with BuzzPatch, a children's mosquito repellent sticker. The company focuses on creating natural solutions for parents and children, that make life a little bit easier, starting with a sticker. Ben & Gary discuss that the success of NatPat can be attributed to their unique product, no fear of hustling, their diverse and global team, and their bold yet intentional approach to branding and business. The business partners prioritise their own individual values and focus on what truly matters, which has led to their success and enjoyment of the journey.

Takeaways

• Focus on creating a unique and innovative product that solves a problem
• Build a diverse and global team that aligns with your values
• Take a bold and different approach to branding and business
• Prioritise what truly matters and enjoy the business journey

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:15 The Birth of NatPat and BuzzPatch

07:12 The Success of BuzzPatch

13:59 The Evolution of NatPat

28:35 The Role of the Brand in NatPat's Success

32:52 Measuring Success and Enjoying the Journey

Click here for more

On the fifth episode of Coast and Commerce, season two, Ben Amos interviews Tim Kelly, the leader of the Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF) on the Sunshine Coast. Tim discusses the thriving manufacturing industry on the Sunshine Coast, highlighting companies like Country Chef, Protector Aluminium, and Zone RV that are achieving world-class manufacturing. He explains MEF's role in supporting local manufacturers through networking, events, and connecting them with resources and grants. The conversation highlights the importance of advanced manufacturing, automation, and attracting top talent to the region while providing job pathways for young people on the coast. Tim emphasises MEF's efforts to change the perception of manufacturing and create a self-sustaining ecosystem that can position the Sunshine Coast as a manufacturing hub.

Takeaways

• The Sunshine Coast has a robust manufacturing industry with around 1,400 manufacturers employing over 8,500 people and contributing 20% of the region's total exports.

• Notable companies like Country Chef, Protector Aluminium, Kilcoy Global Foods, Zone RV are doing world-class manufacturing on the Sunshine Coast.

• The Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF) supports local manufacturers through networking events, connecting them to resources/grants, and providing advice.

• MEF aims to attract and retain top talent in STEM fields by engaging students through programs like the eVTOL autonomous air taxi project.

• Addressing labour shortages and housing affordability are key challenges, making automation and advanced manufacturing critical for future competitiveness.

• MEF is working to change perceptions that manufacturing jobs are "dirty, dull, dangerous" and position the region as an attractive manufacturing hub.

• With a fun, ‘not taking themselves serious’ attitude as "MEF heads", the forum tries to make manufacturing engaging and facilitate meaningful connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:12 Specializing in Helicopter Fitouts

04:30 Supporting Growth and Diversifying the Economy

06:52 Introduction to the Benefits of Having Businesses in the Sunshine Coast

09:11 The Importance of Supporting Local Manufacturers

11:18 Connecting Businesses with Local Suppliers

13:32 Introduction to MEF and its Support for Early-Stage Startup Manufacturers

15:40 Supporting Manufacturing Businesses

19:50 Promoting Manufacturing and Innovation on the Sunshine Coast

22:07 The Power of Mentors

24:12 Catalyzing Change and Creating a Self-Sustaining Ecosystem

26:20 Creating Connections and Scaling Good Interactions

27:31 The Problematic Issue of Housing Availability and Cost

28:14 The Need for a Cultural Shift in Perception towards Manufacturing

29:11 Attracting Top Talent for Driving Innovation

29:11 The Power of Banter

30:12 The Manufacturing Excellence Forum

30:57 Advocacy for Manufacturing

31:19 Stay Informed

Click here for more

Brady Sullivan, CEO of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, joins Ben Amos on the Coast and Commerce podcast to discuss the business ecosystem on the Sunshine Coast. They highlight the hidden gems of businesses on the coast that are often unknown to the public, and emphasise the importance of collaboration, networking, and engaging with business support groups to unlock opportunities and learn from others. They also discuss the changing perception of business opportunities on the Sunshine Coast and the need for businesses to give back to the community. The episode concludes with a call to showcase the Sunshine Coast as a global business destination.

Takeaways

• Engaging and collaborating with other businesses and business support groups on the Sunshine Coast can lead to valuable knowledge transfer and opportunities for growth.
• The Sunshine Coast offers a diverse range of businesses, from startups to large-scale manufacturing companies, and provides a supportive community for entrepreneurs.
• The perception of limited business opportunities on the Sunshine Coast is changing, with significant population growth and an increasing number of global businesses choosing to establish their presence in the region.
• Businesses on the Sunshine Coast have the opportunity to give back to the community and contribute to the region's economic and social development.
• By showcasing the success and global reach of businesses on the Sunshine Coast, the region can be recognized as a thriving business destination.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Collaboration

07:40 Uncovering Hidden Gems of Business on the Sunshine Coast

14:07 Changing Perceptions of Business Opportunities

25:53 Showcasing the Sunshine Coast as a Global Business Destination

Click here for more

In today’s episode of the Coast and Commerce podcast, our host Ben Amos interviews John Gallagher from Argon Law. They discuss the process of expanding a business and the different options for obtaining capital. They explore the benefits and considerations of equity financing, including bringing on external investors and sharing ownership of the business. They also discuss the various forms of debt financing, such as bank loans and alternative lending options. Gallagher emphasises the importance of seeking advice from professionals, including lawyers, accountants, and finance brokers, to ensure the best setup for business expansion.

Takeaways

• Expanding a business requires careful consideration of different financing options, including equity and debt.
• Equity financing involves bringing on external investors and sharing ownership of the business, which can provide access to capital and additional resources.
• Debt financing involves borrowing money from lenders, such as banks or alternative lenders, and repaying it over time.
• Seeking advice from professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, and finance brokers, is crucial to ensure the best setup for business expansion.
• The choice between equity and debt financing depends on factors such as the business's growth potential, control preferences, and financial situation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Argon Law

06:01 Areas of Law Specialisation at Argon Law

10:11 Different Forms of Equity Financing

24:49 Exploring Debt Financing Options

29:10 Caution and Advice for Business Expansion

33:42 Conclusion and Contact Information

Keywords

business expansion, capital, equity financing, debt financing, external investors, legal structures, professional advice

Click here for more

Lisa Aitken joins the show today from Aitken Legal. Her business specialises in employment law and today’s topic emphasises the importance of having a great team and culture in the workplace. She discusses the benefits of a positive workplace culture, such as increased employee engagement and productivity. Aitken Legal helps businesses develop policies and procedures that support their desired culture. Lisa Aitken highlights the importance of having the right documentation and training in place to mitigate potential legal risks. She also emphasises the need for regular reviews of culture and adaptation of new values as a business grows.

Takeaways

• Having a positive workplace culture leads to increased employee engagement and productivity.
• Policies and procedures should be in place to support the desired culture, but they must be enforced and regularly reviewed.
• The right documentation and training are essential to mitigate legal risks.
• Values and culture should be determined collaboratively with employees.
• As a business grows, values and culture may need to be re-evaluated and adapted.
• Aitken Legal specialises in employment law and can help businesses develop the necessary documentation and policies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lisa Aitken and Aitken Legal

04:16 Defining Culture and Values

09:07 Mitigating Legal Risks with Documentation and Training

14:15 Culture in Larger Organisations

Keywords

employment law, workplace culture, policies and procedures, policy documentation, policy training, legal risks

Click here for more

In this conversation, Ben Amos interviews Jodie Thompson from Mulcahy & Co Accountants. They discuss various topics related to business growth and development, including the importance of planning, the challenges faced in different stages of business, the role of accountants and bookkeepers, and the options for succession planning and exit strategies. Jodie emphasises the need for business owners to have a clear vision of their goals and to regularly review and adjust their plans. She also highlights the importance of holistic financial management and the role of accountants in helping clients achieve their lifestyle goals.

Takeaways

• Having a clear vision of your goals and regularly reviewing and adjusting your plans is crucial for business growth and development.
• Accountants play a key role in providing guidance, accountability, and advice to business owners.
• Bookkeepers handle data entry and record-keeping, while accountants provide analysis, reporting, and strategic advice.
• Succession planning and exit strategies should be considered at various stages of the business life cycle.
• A successful ending of a business can involve closure or liquidation, and it is important to plan for the financial and legal implications.
• Business owners should ask their accountants about how to achieve their financial goals and what steps to take to ensure the business can run without them.
• Holistic financial management, including accounting, finance, and legal aspects, is essential for business success.
• Mulcahy & Co Accountants offer a range of services to help businesses achieve their financial goals, including financial planning and loan broking.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and the Importance of Planning

06:11 - The Role of Accountants and Bookkeepers

14:45 - Succession Planning and Exit Strategies

22:23 - Holistic Financial Management for Business Success

25:44 - Services Offered by Mulcahy & Co Accountants

Keywords

business growth, development, planning, challenges, accountants, bookkeepers, succession planning, exit strategies, financial management

Click here for more

In this fascinating conversation, Ben Amos interviews Catherine Molloy, an international keynote speaker and author, about the importance of communication in business. They discuss the power of words and how they can impact our lives. The conversation delves into the significance of body language and the common mistakes people make in their non-verbal communication. They also explore the impact of miscommunication in business and the importance of being present in conversations. Cath provides insights into the power of handshakes and the role of words in effective communication. They discuss the domino effect of one person’s behaviour and the importance of reflecting on one’s own emotions. Finally, they touch on the key traits of a conscious leader and Cath's books on communication and leadership.

This is the last episode of season one, and we’ll be back in a few weeks time for season two.

Takeaways

• The quality of your words determines the quality of your life.
• Body language and non-verbal communication play a significant role in effective communication.
• Miscommunication in business can lead to closed doors, staff turnover, and loss of passion.
• Being present and reflective in conversations can improve communication and prevent misunderstandings.
• Conscious leaders are self-aware, empathetic, and focused on creating win-win situations.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Words

01:04 Introduction to Cath Molloy

02:01 Passion for Communication

03:28 The Importance of Communication in Business

04:21 Understanding Body Language

05:19 Miscommunication in Business

06:18 The Impact of Reacting Before Speaking

07:42 The Power of Body Language

08:43 Common Mistakes in Body Language

09:12 The Importance of Being Present

10:39 The Significance of Handshakes

14:20 The Impact of Words in Communication

15:42 The Downside of Miscommunication in Business

16:40 Cultural Differences in Communication

18:04 Understanding Behaviours in Communication

19:01 The Domino Effect in Behavior

20:29 The Importance of Reflecting on Emotions

22:16 Practical Ways to Improve Communication

23:12 The Power of Being Present

24:36 Overcoming Pride in Communication

26:05 Key Traits of a Conscious Leader

27:59 Overview of Cath Molloy's Books

29:47 Where to Find Cath Molloy's Books

30:41 Following Cath Malloy's Work

Click here for more

Allan Keogh from Keogh Consulting shares insights on organisational transformation, strategy development, and working with different types of organisations. He discusses the importance of having a compelling vision, building a strong culture, and having inspirational leadership. Allan also talks about his involvement in the strategy of Sunshine Coast's role in the 2032 Olympics. He shares the keys to success for organisations, including having a clear vision, a strong culture, the right team, and a well-executed plan. He also highlights the common causes of failure, such as denial, lack of momentum, and poor planning. Allan concludes by sharing personal lessons learned from his experiences.

Takeaways

• Having a compelling vision and bringing it to life is crucial for success.
• Building a strong culture and having inspirational leadership are key factors in organisational transformation.
• Working with green organisations requires assessing the concept, working capital, leadership depth, and commercialization strategy.
• Working with blue organisations involves rejuvenating the business and changing the culture.
• Working with red organisations requires identifying key change agents, developing champions for change, and educating and training the leadership team.
• Building the right team is essential for success, and healthy conflict should be encouraged.
• The Sunshine Coast's role in the 2032 Olympics presents opportunities for collaboration and showcasing the region.
• Keys to success for organisations include having a compelling vision, a strong culture, the right team, and a well-executed plan.
• Common causes of failure include denial, lack of momentum, and poor planning.
• Lessons learned from personal experiences include the importance of asking for help, being prepared, and sustaining momentum.

Click here for more