Remarkable Regional Business

Lou Hopwood - LouFit Personal Training (Part Two)

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
 
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Lou Hopwood - LouFit Personal Training (Part One)

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.

Paul Olsen - ISH24 Safety & Rescue (Part Two)

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.

Paul Olsen - ISH24 Safety & Rescue (Part One)

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

Bianca Tarrant - Our Cow (Part Two)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 37 (Part Two) 
Guest: Bianca Tarrant, Co-FounderBusiness Name: Our CowWebsite: https://www.ourcow.com.auLinkedIn: 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

Bianca Tarrant - Our Cow (Part One)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 37 (Part Two) 
Guest: Bianca Tarrant, Co-FounderBusiness Name: Our CowWebsite: https://www.ourcow.com.auLinkedIn: 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

Scott & Sam McLarty - Connecting Futures

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 36Guests: Scott & Sam McLarty, FoundersBusiness Name: Connecting FuturesWebsite: https://connectingfutures.com.auLinkedIn: 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

Julian Perez - Villawood Properties

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 35Guest: Julian Perez, Regional Development ManagerBusiness Name: Villawood PropertiesWebsite: https://villawoodproperties.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-perez-70084076/ 
 
Topics Covered:
/ Community-Centric Property DevelopmentJulian 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 ExpansionThe 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 LensJulian 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 HousingA 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 DevelopmentThe 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 BuildingJulian 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 

Chris Harrington - Strategem

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 34Guest: Chris HarringtonBusiness Name: StrategemWebsite: https://www.strategem.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-harrington-1a95a8103
 
Topics Covered
/ What is Strategem? A 90-Year Legacy with a Modern TwistChris 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 ServicesStrategem 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 ShiftsTo 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 JobsChris 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 ServicesThe 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 JourneysStrategem 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 ReachWhile 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 ImpactChris 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 PressureManaging 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 FamiliesGrowing 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 

Brent Nolan - Blunt Agency

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 33Guest: Brent NolanBusiness Name: Blunt AgencyWebsite: https://www.bluntagency.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentnolan/
 
 
Topics Covered
/ What is Blunt Agency? A 3-Part Brand FrameworkBrent 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 BrandingOperating 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 BusinessBrent 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 CreativesRather 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 DesignBrent 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 GrowthA 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 ProblemBrent 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 TransformationBrand 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 MarketingWithout 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