Coast & Commerce

In episode 8, Season 2 of the Coast and Commerce podcast, Ben Amos interviews communication specialist Mel Kettle about the importance of self-awareness, self-motivation, and self-care for leaders and also discuss the need for leaders to set boundaries and communicate their work preferences to clients and colleagues. Mel discusses the value of self-assessment and seeking feedback from others to ga...

Melitta McDonald, Chief People Officer at Country Chef, discusses how to attract and retain employees in a seasonal industry. She emphasises the need for businesses to have a clear employee value proposition and to align their recruitment strategies with their values and goals to be able to hire and retain the best talent. Melitta also highlights the benefits of being based on the Sunshine Coast,...

For episode 6 in Season 2 of Coast and Commerce, Ben Amos interviews Gary Tramer, co-founder of NatPat. Gary shares his business journey and the success of their innovative product, which started with BuzzPatch, a children's mosquito repellent sticker. The company focuses on creating natural solutions for parents and children, that make life a little bit easier, starting with a sticker. Ben &...

On the fifth episode of Coast and Commerce, season two, Ben Amos interviews Tim Kelly, the leader of the Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF) on the Sunshine Coast. Tim discusses the thriving manufacturing industry on the Sunshine Coast, highlighting companies like Country Chef, Protector Aluminium, and Zone RV that are achieving world-class manufacturing. He explains MEF's role in supporting loca...

Brady Sullivan, CEO of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, joins Ben Amos on the Coast and Commerce podcast to discuss the business ecosystem on the Sunshine Coast. They highlight the hidden gems of businesses on the coast that are often unknown to the public, and emphasise the importance of collaboration, networking, and engaging with business support groups to unlock opportunities and learn from...

In today’s episode of the Coast and Commerce podcast, our host Ben Amos interviews John Gallagher from Argon Law. They discuss the process of expanding a business and the different options for obtaining capital. They explore the benefits and considerations of equity financing, including bringing on external investors and sharing ownership of the business. They also discuss the various forms of deb...

Lisa Aitken joins the show today from Aitken Legal. Her business specialises in employment law and today’s topic emphasises the importance of having a great team and culture in the workplace. She discusses the benefits of a positive workplace culture, such as increased employee engagement and productivity. Aitken Legal helps businesses develop policies and procedures that support their desired cul...

In this conversation, Ben Amos interviews Jodie Thompson from Mulcahy & Co Accountants. They discuss various topics related to business growth and development, including the importance of planning, the challenges faced in different stages of business, the role of accountants and bookkeepers, and the options for succession planning and exit strategies. Jodie emphasises the need for business own...

In this fascinating conversation, Ben Amos interviews Catherine Molloy, an international keynote speaker and author, about the importance of communication in business. They discuss the power of words and how they can impact our lives. The conversation delves into the significance of body language and the common mistakes people make in their non-verbal communication. They also explore the impact of...

Allan Keogh from Keogh Consulting shares insights on organisational transformation, strategy development, and working with different types of organisations. He discusses the importance of having a compelling vision, building a strong culture, and having inspirational leadership. Allan also talks about his involvement in the strategy of Sunshine Coast's role in the 2032 Olympics. He shares the keys...

Ash Platz, Director of FC Lawyers, shares the story of the firm and its growth on the Sunshine Coast. He emphasises the importance of being authentic and real in business. Ash discusses the challenges of marketing in a crowded legal space and how FC Lawyers differentiates itself by being personable and approachable. He also highlights the importance of building relationships with clients and foste...

Luke Hawley, a connector and community builder on the Sunshine Coast, shares his journey in business and his recent involvement in Matters Magazine. He emphasises the importance of networking and building meaningful relationships in business. Luke also discusses the power of print in a digital world and the future of Matters Magazine as a platform for sharing inspiring stories and connecting the S...

Today, Tim Eldridge, COO of Advanced Aquarium Technologies, shares his journey from the advertising industry, through to joining the team at AAT, which has become a leader in the design, construction, and operation of major public aquariums around the world. On behalf of AAT, he discusses the challenges and benefits of a business being based on the Sunshine Coast while reaching a global market. Ti...

In this episode of the Coast and Commerce podcast, Ben Amos interviews Helen Perry from Fresh PR and Marketing. They discuss the importance of design in branding, the unique business ecosystem on the Sunshine Coast, and the challenges of getting messaging and marketing heard in the region. Helen explains what PR is and how it helps in storytelling, as well as the changing landscape of media and co...

In this episode, Ben Amos interviews Michael Malloy, the owner of DTB Advertising, about his experience in the advertising and marketing industry on the Sunshine Coast. They discuss the changes in advertising and marketing over the past 20 years, the importance of branding, and how businesses can adapt to the rapidly changing landscape. Michael emphasizes the fundamentals of marketing and advertis...

Susan Toft, founder of The Laundry Lady, shares her entrepreneurial journey and the growth of her laundry service business. She discusses her career transition, the challenges she faced in the early stages, and the development of her business model. Susan also talks about her experience appearing on Shark Tank and receiving a $1 million investment. She shares her future plans for expansion and off...