Remarkable Regional Business

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 16 - Nathan MacPhee, IIF - Invest Inya Farmer

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 16
Guest: Nathan MacPhee, Founder and Managing DirectorBusiness Name: IIF - Invest Inya FarmerWebsite: www.iif.today/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanmacphee/
Topics Covered
/ Introduction to IIF:- Nathan MacPhee introduces the concept of IIF, a platform enabling individuals to invest in agriculture without owning a farm. The platform's mission is to put a "farm in every pocket" by allowing users to invest in livestock, crops, and other agricultural products directly through their app.
/ How IIF Works:   - The platform operates as a micro-investment marketplace for agricultural assets like cattle, crops, and oysters.   - Investors can diversify their portfolio beyond traditional financial assets by investing in real, tangible agricultural products such as livestock, apples, and even oysters.   - By using the app, users can choose what to invest in, and farmers benefit from upfront capital without taking on debt.
/ Overcoming Challenges in the Agtech Sector:   - Nathan discusses the unique legal and tax hurdles they had to overcome to launch IIF, given the lack of a clear playbook for this type of business.   - Leveraging his background in financial services, Nathan navigated the regulatory landscape to create a model that benefits both farmers and investors.
/ The Cooperative Model:   - IIF utilizes a cooperative structure to allow consumers to become micro-farmers. This structure offers unique benefits such as tax efficiency and the ability to pool investments while ensuring democratic decision-making among members.   - Each member of the co-op can select their investments (e.g., livestock, crops) and receives regular updates on their investments’ progress.
/ Scaling the Business:   - Early growth was rapid, leading to a pause in marketing to maintain balance between supply (farmer opportunities) and demand (investors).   - The journey to raising venture capital was challenging due to the novelty of the business model, but they eventually secured investment from international agri-focused venture capital firms.
/ Global Expansion:   - With successful ventures in Australia, IIF is expanding to markets like New Zealand, Canada, the US, and Japan.   - Nathan highlights the importance of having a scalable and efficient system to replicate their model in other countries while navigating local regulations.
/ Investor Returns and Risk Management:   - IIF targets a return rate of 10-20% on investments, emphasizing diversification to spread risk. By investing across various regions and agricultural sectors, users can mitigate the impact of localized adverse events (e.g., cyclones).   - The platform is designed to be uncorrelated with traditional financial markets, offering an alternative investment avenue with meaningful impact.
/ Engagement and Education:   - The platform incorporates gamification elements to enhance user engagement, encouraging people to learn about agriculture while investing.   - A separate educational version, IIF Ed, allows high school students to simulate agricultural investments using virtual money, aiming to promote agricultural literacy.
 
References- Join IIF: www.iif.today/join?r=sn04e0dV- IIFed: www.iif.today/iifed/ - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nathanMacPhee/ 

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 15 - Rhianwen Seiter, McKenzie Quarters

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 15
Guest: Rhianwen Seiter, General ManagerBusiness Name: McKenzie QuartersWebsite: www.mckenziequarters.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rhianwen-seiter-7b08267/
Topics Covered:/ Introduction to McKenzie Quarters:Rhianwen introduces McKenzie Quarters, a multi-faceted hospitality business based in Bendigo. The business features boutique accommodation, a speakeasy-inspired lounge bar called Ms Batterhams, versatile event spaces, and off-site catering. She describes the inspiration behind their offerings, emphasizing her collaboration with her brother Ellis in building a community-focused venue.
/ Navigating the Challenges of Family Business:Rhianwen shares insights on working closely with family and highlights the importance of maintaining strong, healthy dynamics. The siblings adopt a playful yet practical approach to decision-making, including a coin flip strategy—though it’s rarely needed.  
/ Adapting Through the COVID-19 Pandemic:The episode covers the unexpected challenges posed by the pandemic. Rhianwen details how they quickly pivoted by launching "Winnie on Wheels," a gourmet food delivery service, to sustain the business during lockdowns. The team also engaged with the community through innovative live-streamed cocktail-making sessions.  
/ Growth and Expansion:Over time, McKenzie Quarters expanded its offerings to include unique events and off-site catering. They now collaborate with local wineries and festivals, enhancing their brand presence. Rhianwen reflects on their deliberate growth strategy, which included balancing hospitality operations with event hosting to maintain profitability.  
/ Hospitality Values and Customer Experience:The business is deeply rooted in creating memorable experiences through quality service and meaningful connections. Rhianwen explains the importance of fostering a positive work environment for staff, ensuring they feel valued and empowered to deliver exceptional service. She also emphasizes the role of hospitality in bringing people together and building community connections.  
/ Recognition and Success:McKenzie Quarters recently won the Gastronomy Award at the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards. This accolade recognizes their contribution to Bendigo's reputation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Rhianwen reflects on the pride and satisfaction of being acknowledged by both the community and industry peers.  
/ Future Plans and Evolving Opportunities:Looking ahead, Rhianwen discusses their commitment to promoting local produce and deepening community ties. McKenzie Quarters aims to continue hosting diverse events and delivering top-tier hospitality, while remaining agile to market changes.  
ReferencesMcKenzie Quarters: www.mckenziequarters.comBendigo City of Gastronomy: https://www.bendigogastronomy.com

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 14 - Rodney Carter, DJAARA

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 14Guest: Rodney Carter, CEOBusiness Name: DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation)Website: https://djadjawurrung.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-carter-ab400120/
Topics Covered:/ Introduction to DJAARA: Rodney begins by introducing DJAARA, an Aboriginal corporation structured similarly to other organizations with a constitution and membership. Over the past decade, the corporation has grown from a modest $600,000 annual budget to a $28 million organization with more than 200 employees. He outlines the key business arms that drive DJAARA’s operations: Djandak, focusing on land management; Dumawul, involved in creative industries and tourism; and Djakitj, which centres on agriculture and food sciences.
/ Restoration of Bendigo Creek: Rodney highlights several major projects led by DJAARA, including the restoration of Bendigo Creek into a vibrant recreational space known as the Frog Ponds. He also discusses the corporation’s involvement in designing cultural elements into public structures like the Bendigo Courthouse, where Aboriginal language and symbols are integrated into modern architecture. Additionally, DJAARA has embarked on landscape and recreational developments across Central Victoria, further cementing its role in regional growth.
/ Cultural and Community Connection: A significant part of DJAARA’s mission is fostering connections between Aboriginal culture and the broader community. Rodney discusses how the organization’s projects are designed to not only preserve Aboriginal heritage but also contribute to the community’s shared environmental and cultural landscape. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the role DJAARA plays as a bridge between Aboriginal traditions and contemporary society.
/ Growth Journey and Organizational Structure:Rodney shares insights into DJAARA’s rapid growth, explaining how the organization expanded from six employees to over 200 staff members. He reflects on his leadership approach, which centers on shared responsibility and empowerment. Managing such rapid expansion, however, has come with challenges, particularly in terms of personnel management and compliance with industrial regulations.
/ Sustainability and Agriculture Initiatives:In addition to its community-focused projects, DJAARA is also leading in sustainability and agriculture initiatives. Rodney details their innovative work in cultivating kangaroo grass for grain and developing a commercial yabby farming project. These efforts not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also offer commercial opportunities that tie back to Aboriginal cultural practices.
/ Challenges and Leadership Lessons:Finally, Rodney touches on some of the key challenges he has faced in scaling DJAARA. These include managing a diverse workforce that includes both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff and ensuring everyone remains aligned with the organization’s vision. He emphasizes the importance of communication and the need to continually reinforce the organization's goals and cultural values to overcome these challenges.
References:Djandak - https://djandak.com.au/Dumawul - https://dumawul.com.au/Djakitf - https://dumawul.com.au/Wanyarram Dhelk, Bendigo Creek Restoration Project - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR1CfnLwi6YNew Bendigo Law Courts - https://youtu.be/hit-OqY_EmE

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 13 - Abe Udy, Abe's Audio

Remarkable Regional Business - Episode 13
Guest: Abe Udy, Founder and CEOBusiness Name: Abe's AudioWebsite: www.abesaudio.com.au
Topics Covered:/ Founding Abe's Audio: Abe shares how he started the company after recognizing the need for high-quality, affordable audio production, particularly in voiceovers and radio ads. He recounts his early days in the industry, competing with higher-priced services and how that experience shaped the way Abe's Audio operates today.
/ Industry Disruption and Challenges: The conversation delves into the disruption of the audio production industry, particularly through the integration of new technologies and the challenges posed by the rise of AI in voice work. Abe discusses the impact of these changes and how his company has navigated them while staying competitive.
/ Innovation and Efficiency: Abe highlights how Abe's Audio has become competitive through systemization and operational efficiency, sharing insights into how the company manages to provide quality services at lower prices while maintaining creative flexibility.
/ Leadership and Team Culture: The episode explores Abe’s leadership philosophy, focusing on empowering his team, creating a culture of trust, and allowing flexibility. He shares his strategies for hiring and retaining talent, particularly through offering remote work and maintaining a strong company mission.
/ Navigating Technological Advancements: A key segment of the episode covers the rise of AI in the audio industry. Abe and the host discuss how AI technologies like voice synthesis pose both opportunities and risks for the industry, and how Abe's Audio is responding to these trends.
/ Balancing Growth and Creativity: Abe touches on the delicate balance between systematizing operations for efficiency and allowing space for creativity to flourish within the company. He discusses strategies for ensuring that the systems put in place enhance rather than stifle creativity.
/ Future of Audio Production: The episode wraps up with a forward-looking discussion on where the audio industry is headed, the role AI will play, and how Abe's Audio plans to continue innovating in a changing landscape.
References:Abe's Audio - www.abesaudio.com.auCorrect quote reference - "Ideas come from people so people are more important than ideas" - Ed Catmul from his book Creativity Inc.

Remarkable Regional Business Podcast - 12 Months In Update

At almost 12 months in, it's time to update you on what's happening, how you can help and how we're changing things up over the next couple of months.
Please send feedback to caleb@hebronfilms.com, send me a message on LinkedIn or drop a comment on this video.
Who do you want to see on the show?
What do you enjoy about the conversations we have?
What would you like to see more or less of?
If you'd like the opportunity to sponsor the show and deliver a message to the audience then get in touch with me as well, I'd love to hear from you.

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 11 - Kody Thompson, WrkPod

Remarkable Regional Business - Episode 11
Guest: Kody Thompson, Founder and CEOBusiness Name: WrkPodWebsite: www.wrkpod.com
Topics Covered:/ Building Teams in the Philippines: Kody Thompson shares his experience of building and scaling teams in the Philippines over the past decade. He explains how his company, WrkPod, enables businesses to directly hire talent, allowing companies to maintain control over their workforce, unlike traditional BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing) that lease employees to clients.
/ Difference in Business Models: A deep dive into WrkPod’s unique business model where clients hire staff directly, thereby maintaining ownership and control over their teams. This approach differs from traditional outsourcing agencies that retain control of staff, which can limit a company’s value by tethering it to the agency.
/ Creating Meaningful Work Environments: Kody emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and enriching work environment. He highlights WrkPod’s facilities, such as gyms, cinemas, and recreational areas, that are designed to ensure high employee satisfaction and retention. This strategy aligns with Kody’s personal and business philosophy of fostering a culture where employees thrive and remain loyal.
/ Impact of Ethical Practices: Discussion on the significance of ethical practices in the outsourcing industry. Kody critiques exploitative models that underpay staff while overcharging clients and underscores his commitment to fair wages and a supportive work environment to attract and retain top talent in the Philippines.
/ Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): Kody discusses his partial adoption of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) framework, which structures organizations into visionary and integrator roles, along with three core business functions: sales and marketing, delivery, and administration. He recommends the book “Traction” for those interested in learning more about EOS.
/ Philanthropy and Commerce Integration: Kody reflects on his mission to blend business success with philanthropy. He talks about his initiatives to support local communities in the Philippines by creating jobs and aiding local schools. This approach represents a balance between commercial success and social impact.
/ Leadership and Change Management: Insight into Kody’s approach to leadership and managing change in a fast-growing company. He discusses the need for team members to embrace change and how he sets expectations to foster a dynamic and adaptable workforce.
/ Navigating Growth Challenges: Kody talks about the personal growth required as an entrepreneur to scale a business successfully. He shares his experience of overcoming growth plateaus by continually delegating tasks, optimizing processes, and restructuring roles to maintain momentum./ From Youth Pastor to Entrepreneur: A personal story about Kody’s transition from being a youth pastor to becoming an entrepreneur. He shares how his faith and experiences in the church community shaped his values and influenced his approach to business and leadership.
/ Scaling a Web Development Business: Kody details how he successfully scaled his previous web development business by shifting to a subscription-based model for website development and management, which eventually led to a profitable exit.
References:WrkPod - wrkpod.comLightning Sites - https://www.lightningsites.com/Book - Traction by Gino Wickman - https://www.amazon.com.au/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 10 - Jesse Gollan, Get Naked Espresso Bar

Remarkable Regional Business - Episode 10
Guest: Jesse Gollan, Owner and OperatorBusiness Name: Get Naked Espresso BarWebsite: https://getnakedespressobar.com/
Topics Covered:/ The Journey of Get Naked Espresso Bar: Jesse Gollan recounts the origin story of Get Naked Espresso Bar, which started in 2013 and expanded to multiple locations. He details the evolution from a single shop to managing multiple venues and the challenges that came with this growth.
/ Business Philosophy and Customer Service: Jesse shares his philosophy on hospitality, emphasising genuine customer interactions and the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere. He discusses the value of remembering customer names and creating personal connections, which has been central to his business success.
/ Challenges and Lessons Learned: The episode delves into the difficulties of scaling a business, including staffing issues and maintaining quality across different locations. Jesse talks about the reality of managing six venues and the personal toll it took, leading to valuable lessons on effective management and delegation.
/ Brand Evolution and Innovation: Jesse explains the creative branding behind “Get Naked Espresso Bar” and its playful, memorable name. He also discusses the rebranding and expansion into new ventures like “Nude Food Breakfast Bar,” which focuses on minimal packaging and homemade products, aligning with a broader sustainability movement.
/ Team Management and Culture Building: Strategies for hiring and retaining great staff are highlighted, with Jesse emphasising the importance of personality and cultural fit over technical skills. He shares his approach to training staff to ensure they embody the business’s values and provide excellent customer service.
/ Personal Reflections and Strategies: Jesse reflects on balancing business demands with personal life, the importance of listening to customers, and creating a supportive environment for both customers and staff. He offers insights into maintaining authenticity and integrity in business practices.
References:Get Naked Espresso Bar - https://getnakedespressobar.com/Nude Food Breakfast Bar - https://www.nudefoodbreakfastbar.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 9 - Russell De Groot, De Groot Roof Painting

Guest: Russell De Groot, Founder and Owner  Business Name: De Groot Roof PaintingWebsite: https://www.degrootroofpainting.com.au
Topics Covered:/ The Journey of De Groot Roof Painting:Russell Groot shares how De Groot Roof Painting began as a sole operation and grew into a team of 15, servicing Victoria, Tasmania, and southern New South Wales. Discussion on how the business evolved from residential to also handling commercial projects, including a crazy cool waterproofing product that stretches to 800 times its size.
/ Systemization and Process Management:Russell emphasizes the need for detailed systemization and processes to enable scaling and efficient management. He shares insights into mentoring staff and implementing structured management levels to handle a larger team and more extensive operations.
/ Challenges and Triumphs:The impact of COVID-19 on business operations, particularly the shift from subcontractors to a full employee model. How and why he implemented Edge Protection and other safety measures even though it drove up his cost of goods sold as well as the time taken to complete a job.
/ Personal Reflections and Strategies:Russell talks about how systemization has allowed him to take extended time away with the family while ensuring the business continues to operate smoothly. He emphasises continuous improvement, problem-solving, and maintaining high standards for quality and safety.

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 8 - Pete Andrew, Bendigo Fresh

Remarkable Regional Business - Episode 7
Guest: Pete Andrew, Founder and Owner Business Name: Bendigo Fresh Website: https://bendigofresh.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-andrew-726724305/
Topics Covered:
/ The Journey of Bendigo Fresh: Pete Andrew shares the story of how Bendigo Fresh started when he and his wife Rochelle were just 19. Initially, they bought an Aussie Farmers Direct franchise but soon discovered another market opportunity and started their own business. They transitioned from wholesaling to creating a vertically integrated company that includes retail, transport, and online sales, catering to a wide range of clients including pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes, and individual customers.
/ Challenges and Triumphs: Running a 24/7 operation with over 30 employees presents numerous challenges, from logistical complexities to managing staff. The COVID-19 pandemic initially seemed like a setback but turned into an opportunity as it boosted their home delivery service, significantly increasing sales. Adapting quickly to changing circumstances, including managing inherited staff from acquisitions, required rapid and sometimes difficult adjustments.
/ Business Strategies and Growth: Pete emphasizes the importance of diversification to avoid over-reliance on large customers. He explains how they expanded into various sectors, such as transport and retail, to spread risk and seize new opportunities. He also shares leadership lessons learned over the years, highlighting the necessity of clear communication, setting realistic expectations, and empowering team members to take initiative.
/ Personal Reflections: Balancing the demands of a family business with personal life is challenging. Pete discusses strategies for keeping work separate from personal life to ensure quality time with family. He also stresses the importance of maintaining integrity in business, striving for ethical decisions that benefit all parties involved, rather than taking the easy route that might harm others.
References: Bendigo Fresh - https://bendigofresh.com

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 7 - Lindsay Callaway, Warral Maldon

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 7
Guest: Lindsay Callaway, Owner and Managing DirectorBusiness Name: Warral MaldonWebsite: https://warralmaldon.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-callaway-46142493/Topics Covered:/ The Evolution of Warral Maldon: Lindsay Callaway discusses how his family’s beekeeping business, established in the 1890s, has evolved over five generations. He highlights the business’s expansion from basic beekeeping to a multifaceted operation including honey production, beeswax, and extensive pollination services essential for various crops.
/ Challenges of Beekeeping: Exploring the complexities and challenges of modern beekeeping, including navigating environmental impacts and recent threats. Lindsay details the critical role bees play in the pollination of major crops like almonds and the operational challenges faced during seasonal pollination.
/ Sustainability and Innovation: Discussion on the innovative practices at Warral Maldon, such as sustainable beeswax production and the development of new products like beeswax candles. Lindsay emphasises the importance of sustainable practices in beekeeping and the environmental benefits of beeswax compared to other waxes.
/ Business Growth and Strategy: Lindsay shares insights into the growth strategies that have helped sustain and expand the business through generations. He discusses the importance of meeting industry standards and certifications to maintain business relationships and expand market reach.
/ Generational Knowledge and Future of Beekeeping: Reflecting on the transmission of knowledge across generations and the future of beekeeping in the face of environmental challenges, Lindsay shares personal stories of growing up in the business and how the family’s legacy influences current practices and innovations.References:
Big Desert, VIC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yHDcDyfaR2gH7fSQ6 Victorian Apiarists' Association - https://www.vicbeekeepers.com.au/