True Business Stories

Humphrey started life in a small country town and has fond memories of pouring beer in his Fathers Pub. Through taking opportunities he has now landed the role running the Geelong Art Gallery. A story of being brave and following a passion. https://truebusinessstories.buzzsprout.com

Lou has had a great career working across real estate, City of Greater Geelong and running a business helping others organise themselves. She now runs Pre Loved Geelong - selling predominately women's designer clothes. https://truebusinessstories.buzzsprout.com

Ryan is the fourth generation working in the Walker family business along with his two brothers. It was never assumed he would work in the business but spent time working on his own projects including developing a Sail Procurement company.  

Rhys started his life journey in Canberra and always had a passion for acting and theatre. Through roles at Sydney Theatre Company, MOMA to name two he has now settled into enriching the arts scene in Geelong. 

Ken is well known around Geelong and has worked with numerous businesses helping manage waste. He started with one truck and one bin and now runs an enormous fleet and recycling operation across Victoria.

Dave has a fascinating story. he started his business career as an optometrist and successfully created a franchise business that was sold to SpecSavers. He then turned to his love of tech and the rest is history. He now operates, with his son Luke,  Ai Wise - helping businesses understand tech.

We first spoke with Kody in October 2023. His aspiration then was to help employ 10,000 people in the Philippines. He now is close to 2000 and expanding. His strong values help drive his organisation. A fantastic story of being brave and following your calling.

Maree has had a long career within the recruitment industry both overseas and in Australia. She formed her own company based in Geelong some years ago and is is now well recognised for providing people solutions to companies across Victoria.

This is a great story. Two school friends that went separate ways and ended up working together. When the opportunity arose to buy the business they worked in they took the leap. They now work as co- Directors and are continually looking to grow and improve the business. They have expanded from Toshiba Print and Copy to now providing IT support and service.  

Michael Kenneady has a work ethic derived from working on his parents farm and being involved at an early age in working with disadvantaged people. His passion is infectious and as General Manager for Lazarus Community Centre he is keen to make a difference to his guests lives.

Glen has a passion for education and continuous learning. He is now the Chair for U3A Australia - or more formally known as the University of the 3rd Age. U3A focusses on the 50 to 100 year olds and provides a wide variety of courses through a membership model.

Adam left school not really sure what to do and began a role at BBQ Galore and found he had a passion and a gift for selling. This led to management roles and an offer to learn about real estate. He now is the Principal for Ray White Highton.   

Brett has established himself as one of the leading business leaders in Geelong and beyond. A career starting in logistics has now led Brett to running Geelong Port a vital part of the economy in Geelong and Victoria.

Ryan ran his own electrical business for a number of years and then seeking a bit of a change, together with his wife Nicole, bought King Parrot Cottages and Event Centre. This is located in Penny Royal in the wonderful Otways in South Western Victoria. 

Stephanie is an Australian social entrepreneur and the founder of Seven Women, a social enterprise based in Nepal that provided skills training and employment for women with disabilities. Stephanie was inspired to start her charity while visiting Nepal some years ago. Stephanie is passionate about social change and now runs tours to bring others into understanding the need for meaningful impact an...

Jesse began his employment journey as an electrician and then took a plunge into freight and his first contract was for Australia Post out in Mildura. He has now expanded by purchasing Colac Dairies and is looking for more opportunities. Jesse is also an advocate for Ai as this makes his business more  efficient.  

Len has a great story from being an accomplished athlete (as a runner) to his journey in forming LBA Construction group. A building group delivering high quality homes in Melbourne. An honest, humorous and stimulating story on being good at what you do (and the power of a good Mother!)

Shae has been born and bred in Colac in South West Victoria. Her passion for dance and supporting children led her to form a dance studio that has over 60 classes a week. She has also created The Courageous Kids Club to build positive self belief in children. A great story.

Joe emigrated to Colac some years ago, following his wife to the community they love and work in. Joe owns Treasure Hunters a thriving retail business that is worlds away from the small village he grew up in in Zimbabwe. Joe has a passion for people and products and is an inspiration to all that meet him.  

Lynda has had a fascinating career dealing with intercultural approaches to work and community engagement. Lynda says 'For 30 years, my goal has been for the Australian government, all states, territories and 537 local governments to move beyond multicultural thinking to operate interculturally to benefit every person who lives in Australia' A great story. 

Bill and Mark chat about the year gone and the great businesses they have met. We will be back in 2026.

Mark started his life as a teacher and through hard work and 'sliding door moments' has been an AFL Player, AFL Coach and now the CEO of Geelong United Basketball. Mark has a clear vision and passion for sport and the need to ensure it is inclusive.  

Nick has had a drive to create businesses filling a gap in the market. He moved from selling Heat Pump Hot Water services to importing and installing lifts in peoples home after identifying a trend of people aging but wanting to stay in their own homes. A great story of innovation and adaptability.

Leighton has had a strong career in developing innovation across a number of roles. He then decided to pursue his love of sport and running completing a Ph. D in Sport Science and runs his own business coaching triathlon runners.  

Scott loves being in education and as the College Principal at Northern Bay College he wants all his students to be successful. A great career across various schools, a passion for teaching and a great role model.