Remarkable Regional Business

Tom Isaacs - PRD Bendigo

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 25
Guest: Tom IsaacsBusiness Name: PRD BendigoWebsite: https://www.prd.com.au/bendigo/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tom-isaacs-45b69397/
 
Topics Covered
/ Building PRD Bendigo from the Ground UpTom 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 ModelsThis 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 TeamTom 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 CaptainsA 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 GoalsRather 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 ModelTom 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 EstateTom 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 RolesFrom 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.auSouthern Cross Kids’ Camp – https://www.sckc.org.auSimon Sinek – https://simonsinek.com

Ben Amos - Innovate Media

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 24
Guest: Ben AmosBusiness Name: Innovate Media Websites: https://innovatemedia.com.au/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/beninnovate
 
Topics Covered
/ From Videographer to StrategistBen 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 StrategyBen 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 RootsBen 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 StrategistThe 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 PodcastingBen 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 BookBeyond 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 YearBen 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 GrowthBen 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, AlwaysThe 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/ 

Julie Sheahan - 3D Physiotherapy Health Group

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 23
Guest: Julie SheahanBusiness Name: 3D Physiotherapy Health GroupWebsite: www.3dphysio.com.au/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julie-sheahan-5b90b3165/
Topics Covered
/ The Philosophy Behind 3D PhysiotherapyJulie 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 ExperienceJulie 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 PhysiotherapyRather 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 ModelJulie 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 WellJulie 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 HealthWhile 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 TeamJulie 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 LeadershipJulie 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 TeamRecognizing 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/
 

Kyle Racki - Proposify

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 22
Guest: Kyle RackiBusiness Name: ProposifyWebsite: https://www.proposify.comLinkedIn: 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/ 

Kira Hyde - The KH Studio

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 21
Guest: Kira HydeBusiness Name: The KH StudioWebsite: 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
 

Joe Ciancio - Maxsum Consulting

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 20
Guest: Joe CiancioBusiness Name: Maxsum ConsultingWebsite: www.maxsum.comLinkedIn: 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/FvkUQRLGyjJpcsXcKq7hmISO Certifications - https://www.iso.org/home.html
 

Lisa Renato - Lifeline Loddon Mallee

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 19
 
Guest: Lisa Renato
Business Name: Lifeline Loddon Mallee
Website: www.lifelinelm.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisamrenato
 
Topics Covered
/ Introduction to Lifeline Loddon Mallee:
Lisa Renato introduces Lifeline’s mission, explaining its critical role in providing crisis support and suicide prevention services. She shares how the organisation serves regional communities and why local awareness is essential.
 
/ Lifeline’s Local and National Impact:
Lifeline operates 24/7 crisis support services through call centres in Bendigo and Mildura, staffed by nearly 100 volunteers. While most people recognise Lifeline’s national hotline (13 11 14), many are unaware of the regional centres that answer these calls. In addition to crisis support, Lifeline delivers mental health first aid, suicide prevention training, and domestic violence awareness programs.
 
/ The Scale of the Crisis in Australia:
Lifeline Australia answers approximately 1.3 million crisis calls annually, with 2% classified as imminent suicide risk. Financial stress, loneliness, and economic challenges are driving an increase in calls. Locally, the Loddon Mallee call centres answered 22,000 calls last year, reflecting the high demand for support in the region.
 
/ Volunteerism and Community Engagement:
Volunteers at Lifeline not only contribute their time but also gain valuable skills in crisis intervention, active listening, and mental health awareness. These skills often extend into their personal and professional lives, allowing them to support friends, family, and colleagues in distress. Since COVID, recruiting and retaining volunteers has become more challenging, making community engagement and flexibility crucial in maintaining a strong team.
 
/ Leadership in a Non-Profit Environment:
Transitioning from the corporate world to non-profit leadership required Lisa to rethink traditional business strategies. Instead of focusing on sales and profits, her leadership now centres on volunteer engagement, trust, and accountability. She shares how she moved away from micromanagement and embraced outcome-based leadership to create a culture where volunteers and staff feel valued and motivated.
 
/ Fundraising and Sustainability:
With 75% of its annual funding needing to be raised independently, Lifeline Loddon Mallee relies on a mix of revenue streams. The organisation operates a thrift store as a social enterprise, providing affordable goods while generating income to support crisis services. Additionally, they offer mental health first aid training to businesses and community groups. The Hello for Hope campaign unites local businesses and individuals in fundraising efforts, demonstrating the power of community-driven support.
 
/ Suicide Prevention and Regional Challenges:
In 2022, Australia recorded 3,249 deaths by suicide—nearly double the national road toll. Men account for 75% of suicides, with rising rates among men over 65. Lisa highlights the need for targeted community initiatives that encourage early intervention and support. By increasing awareness and equipping people with the skills to recognise distress, Lifeline is working towards its vision of a suicide-free Australia.
 
/ Personal Growth and Lessons in Leadership:
Lisa reflects on her leadership journey, emphasising the importance of delegation, trust, and flexibility. She has learned to create an environment where team members take ownership and feel safe to contribute ideas and take risks. By fostering a culture of psychological safety, Lifeline Loddon Mallee encourages innovation and adaptability in its mission to support those in crisis.
 
References
Lifeline Australia: www.lifeline.org.au
Lifeline Loddon Mallee: www.lifelinelm.com 
Crisis Support Hotline: 13 11 14 (Available 24/7)
Mental Health First Aid Training: www.lifelinelm.com/start-training 
 

Remarkable Regional Businesses Episode 18 - Arj Perera, Human Mechanics

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 18Guest: Arj PereraBusiness Name: Human MechanicsWebsite: https://humanmechanics.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arj-perera/ 
Topics Covered
/ A New Gym Philosophy:Arj shares how Human Mechanics operates differently from traditional volume gyms by actively encouraging members to show up and use their memberships. The gym focuses on achieving tangible results for its members rather than relying on unused memberships for revenue.
/ Strength and Conditioning Focus:Human Mechanics distinguishes itself by employing certified strength and conditioning coaches instead of personal trainers. Arj emphasises the importance of ongoing education and proper qualifications in delivering effective and safe coaching.
 
/ Personalised Coaching and Goal Setting:Arj explains how the gym tailors programs for members, focusing on progression, habit stacking, and individualised goals. Members are guided through adaptable training plans to ensure consistent improvement.
/ Building a Community Through Relationships:The gym fosters a strong sense of community by prioritising relationships with members. Arj and his team emphasise personal connections, knowing members by name, and supporting their goals beyond fitness.
/ Integrating High-Performance Training and Rehabilitation:Arj discusses his work with professional athletes and integrating elite sport training methodologies into the gym. He also delves into the rehabilitation services offered in partnership with physiotherapists.
/ The Journey of Human Mechanics:Arj recounts his entrepreneurial journey, including starting the gym, challenges faced, and the importance of networking and relationships in building the business.
/ Mental Health and Leadership:Arj opens up about his personal experiences with mental health, the challenges of running a business, and the importance of self-care and seeking support. His efforts extend to community mental health initiatives, including programs for men.
/ Lessons for Small Business Owners:Arj reflects on lessons learned about customer loyalty, relationship-building, and the long-term value of treating clients with care and respect. His insights apply to businesses across industries.
 
References
Bendigo Spirit - https://www.bendigospirit.com.au/
Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) - https://www.strengthandconditioning.org/
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 17 - Tim Burrowes, Unmade

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 17Guest: Tim Burrowes, Founder of UnmadeBusiness Name: UnmadeWebsite: www.unmade.media LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/timburrowes/
Topics Covered
/ The Evolution of Unmade:Tim recounts the journey of Unmade, a platform launched on Substack that serves the media and marketing industry. He shares insights into its three-year growth, the development of a daily newsletter, and the strategic decisions behind organizing industry conferences.
/ Media Entrepreneurship and the Substack Experience:Tim discusses leveraging Substack's Pro Program to establish Unmade, which provided funding, tools like audio editing support, and design resources to help build a foundation for the business.
/ Monetization Strategies in Media:The episode explores Unmade’s multi-pronged approach to revenue, including advertising, paid subscriptions, event ticket sales, and sponsorships. Tim highlights the critical role of cultivating an engaged audience for monetization.
/ Scaling Challenges and Achievements:From transitioning to a distributed team to surviving the initial years, Tim outlines the strategies employed to scale the business, including the challenges of funding, audience engagement, and maintaining profitability.
/ Insights on Media Trends and Industry Challenges:Tim provides a deep dive into the evolving media landscape, emphasizing the role of niche content and value-driven journalism. He also shares the importance of storytelling that directly impacts readers' professional growth and career development.
/ Personal Reflections on Building a Media Brand:Tim shares lessons from his career, including the tension in partnerships, the need for robust shareholder agreements, and the challenges of keeping a business independent while scaling.
/ The Role of Events and Conferences:A significant part of Unmade’s success is attributed to its curated events, leveraging Tim’s journalistic background to create relevant and engaging content. He emphasizes the importance of repeatable processes in scaling event operations.
/ Looking Ahead: Innovation and Future Goals:Tim talks about the need to balance personal branding with scalability, the future of niche media platforms, and the importance of adapting to market needs while maintaining journalistic integrity.
References:- Mumbrella Awards - https://mumbrella.com.au/mumbrellaawards?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAx9q6BhCDARIsACwUxu7Awpf1slxXQp-BaUIpkXnyo70tCFK7x8-CyehvNNB7uSHU154icrEaAm84EALw_wcB - Compass Conference - https://www.compassconference.net/- Substack - https://substack.com/going-paid- "Media Unmade" (Book by Tim Burrowes): https://www.amazon.com.au/Media-Unmade-Australian-Medias-Disruptive-ebook/dp/B094NQ21RS

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/