Remarkable Regional Business

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.
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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/ 

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 6 - James Reade, Bendigo Heritage Attractions

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 6
Guest: James Reade, CEOBusiness Name: Bendigo Heritage Attractions Website: https://www.bendigoheritage.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesreadethinkup/ Topics Covered: / Early Beginnings and Political Career: James discusses his early involvement in community development and his decision to run for council at 19. His unique campaign strategy and lessons learned from serving as the youngest councillor in Bendigo.
/ Diverse Career Path: A look into James's varied roles across different sectors, including local and state government, consulting, and entrepreneurship, particularly his experience as a Publican.
/ Leadership at Bendigo Heritage Attractions: Insights into the challenges and opportunities of leading a non-profit organization in the tourism sector, especially one that doesn't profit directly from some of its main attractions. Strategies for financial sustainability and growth amidst challenges like COVID-19.
/ Innovations and Community Impact: James shares innovative approaches to community engagement and business operations, including the successful Elf Academy initiative and the strategic restoration projects at Bendigo Tramways.
/ Personal Growth and Leadership Philosophy: Reflections on personal development, leadership styles, and the balance between professional ambitions and personal life.
References:
Central Deborah Gold Mine - https://www.central-deborah.com/ Bendigo Tramways - https://www.bendigotramways.com/ Elf Academy - https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo/whatson/elf-academy

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 5 - Steve Durkin, Safescape

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 5
Guest: Steve Durkin, FounderBusiness Name: SafescapeWebsite: https://www.safescape.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-durkin-28583418/
This episode features Steve Durkin, the founder of Safescape, focusing on the innovative safety and efficiency solutions his company offers to the mining industry. Key topics covered include the origin and impact of Safescape’s flagship product, Laddertube, a plastic ladder designed for safe escapes in underground mines. Steve shares his journey from concept to market, highlighting the challenges of convincing the industry of the ladder’s viability, the company’s expansion into manufacturing, and the introduction of other safety products like Multi-Bund, Edge Protector and Paste Hole Cover. The episode also explores Safescape’s global reach, regulatory challenges, and the significant impact of their products on mining safety standards. Topics Covered: / Introduction of Steve Durkin and Safescape: Background and mission of Safescape to enhance mine safety and efficiency.
/ Development of Laddertube: The inspiration behind and development process of Laddertube, a revolutionary escape ladder for mines.
/ Challenges and Breakthroughs: Initial skepticism from the industry, the decision to self-manufacture, and the eventual acceptance and success of the product.
/ Expansion and New Products: Introduction of additional safety products like Multi-Bund, Edge Protector and Paste Hole Cover, designed to address specific mining safety challenges.
/ Global Impact and Regulatory Hurdles: Safescape’s international expansion, adaptation to various regulatory environments, and notable achievements in changing safety regulations in regions like Quebec, Canada.
 
References:
Safescape - https://www.safescape.com/ ​

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 4 - Paul Dettmann, Cassinia Environmental

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 4
Guest: Paul Dettmann, Founder of Cassinia Environmental (and many other companies)Business Name: Cassinia EnvironmentalWebsite: https://cassinia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-dettmann-ba945412/ 
Topics Covered:
/ The Intersection of Environmental Sustainability and Business VenturesPaul Dedman, founder and director of Cassinia Environmental and several other ventures, shares his journey in integrating environmental sustainability with business. He delves into how his companies, like Cassinia Environmental, are leading in environmental restoration and protection. This segment explores the balance between human aspirations and nature conservation, highlighting the role of businesses in promoting biodiversity and ecological health.
/ Innovative Projects and Social EntrepreneurshipPaul discusses various innovative projects under Cassinia Community, including initiatives aimed at improving access to education in the Global South. He emphasizes the importance of developing new models to address global challenges, such as educational disparities. Additionally, Paul talks about the Social Foundry, a social enterprise cafe in Kyneton, focusing on workplace mentoring and skill development for people with limited opportunities.
/ Developing Environmental and Biodiversity MarketsA significant part of the discussion is dedicated to understanding environmental markets, particularly carbon credits and biodiversity credits. Paul explains the mechanics of these markets, their importance in the current ecological landscape, and the role of businesses and individuals in these markets. He also touches upon the challenges and opportunities in developing and participating in these markets.
References:Cassinia Environmental - https://cassinia.com/Social Foundry - https://www.socialfoundry.org.au/Wilderlands - https://wilderlands.earth/

Remarkable Regional Business Episode 3 - Jarrod Robinson, Connected PE

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 2
Guest: Jarrod Robinson, Founder & CEO of ConnectedPEBusiness Name: ConnectedPEWebsite: https://connectedpe.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepegeek/
Topics Covered:
/ Designing a business to serve you rather than you serving it. Jarrod talks about structuring his business in a way that gives him freedom and flexibility rather than being trapped in the day-to-day.
/ Launching products and services you know will work. Jarrod discusses the importance of thoroughly validating and testing new offerings before bringing them to market. This prevents wasting time and resources.
/ Building a sellable business. Jarrod shares his focus on making ConnectedPE an attractive acquisition target by systematizing processes and creating a scalable model.
/ References:ConnectedPEAI/ML products