Remarkable Regional Business

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 

Anthony Jenkin - Outlier Studio - Part 2

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

Andrew Hamilton - Euca

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

Jenn Donovan - Social Media & Marketing Australia

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

Melanie Clark - Fabriq

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

Lachlan Edwards - OFRM Lawyers

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