Network Success: Northside Notables

What do a saxophone, a startup, and smart automation have in common? Jordan Bailey. In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables , we sit down with Jordan Bailey , founder of BizAutomate, whose mission is to help business owners take back their most valuable resource: time . After years of climbing the corporate ladder at ANZ, Jordan made a bold leap into business ownership, blending...

In this episode of Network Success: Northside Notables , we speak with David Maugeri, founder of Westflow Plumbing Services, about building a business that goes well beyond clearing blocked drains. From almost pursuing an accounting degree to becoming a local go-to for residential plumbing, David shares the story behind launching his own business, navigating a partnership, and now running Westflow...

In this inspiring episode of Network Success: Northside Notables , host Lisa Thomas sits down with Priyanka Baruah , founder of Cocoa Oven , to uncover the creative, courageous story behind her thriving cake design studio. A trained architect turned cake artist, Priyanka shares how her love for design, food, and structure fused into a bold career pivot. She talks about launching Cocoa Oven just mo...

What began as a one-man travel agency in 1997 has grown into a go-to specialist for complex, long-haul holidays—and even medical evacuations. In this episode of Network Success: Northside Notables , host Lisa Thomas chats with Andy Allen , founder of Travel Connections , about the art—and business—of turning dream itineraries into seamless reality. Andy explains: Why he draws a seven-hour “long-ha...

When Kaan Ristic opened Ristic Real Estate in 2003, the “office” was his parents’ lounge room. Two decades on, the Epping agency sports a 14-strong team, a bold magenta brand and a reputation for communication that outshines bigger rivals. In this episode of Network Success: Northside Notables , host Lisa Thomas digs into Kaan’s journey from family start-up to local market leader. He explains: How...

In this episode of Network Success: Northside Notables , host Lisa Thomas welcomes Hamish Jones , founder of Best Business Deals , a Moonee Valley–based telecommunications provider helping small businesses get the right phone systems, NBN and mobile plans—then leverage automation and AI for a competitive edge. With two decades in tech, Hamish explains why “better technology makes better businesses...

Season 2 of Network Success: Northside Notables launches with Merly Dizon, Principal of Inno Meros Accounting , a boutique firm helping Melbourne SMEs turn financial clarity into confident growth. Drawing on 18 years across audit, tax and credit management, Merly explains why accounting should deliver more than compliance—it should give owners the data and guidance to sleep easy and scale sustaina...

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables , Lisa Thomas interviews Tricia Ong, founder of Mintrix Business Advisory. Tricia combines her decade-long experience in senior management with her passion for helping small businesses thrive. She specialises in providing hands-on, practical business strategies that drive growth, improve efficiency, and eliminate waste. Tricia shares: How s...

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables , host Lisa Thomas chats with Jasmiit Singh, a property and financial strategist who’s helping Australians achieve financial independence through smart property investment. Jasmiit shares his personal journey from growing up in a property-focused family to becoming semi-retired at 33. He discusses the importance of structure, strategy, and...

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables , host Lisa Thomas sits down with Marissa Mascaro, owner of The Candy Buffet Company. With over 14 years in the business, Marissa has turned her passion for creating memorable candy experiences into a thriving, nationwide service, specialising in corporate events, weddings, and everything in between. Marissa shares her journey from employee...

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas interviews Matthew Galea, founder of Content Hype, a Melbourne-based content marketing agency. Matt shares his journey from sports journalism to launching his own agency and explains why podcasting has become a game-changer for businesses looking to boost their marketing efforts. Matt provides practical tips on content cre...

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables , host Lisa Thomas interviews Maria Di Pietro, the passionate founder of Jump on Board Travel. With over 24 years of experience in the travel industry, Maria shares her incredible journey, from navigating global crises to helping clients create unforgettable travel experiences. Maria discusses the importance of using a travel agent in today...

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables , Lisa Thomas sits down with Tristan Bennett-Ackland, co-founder of Forefront IT, to discuss the evolving role of IT in small to medium-sized businesses. Tristan shares how Forefront IT is providing bespoke, personalised IT services to industries like legal, medical, finance, and real estate, all while ensuring businesses remain secure and...

In Episode 3 of "Networking Success: Northside Notables," host Lisa Thomas sits down with Warren Parker, the seasoned accountant and founder of HeadStart Tax & Accounting. With over 16 years of experience and a passion for helping small businesses thrive, Warren shares invaluable insights into the world of accounting, tax planning, and financial advisory. Warren discusses the importa...

In Episode 2 of "Networking Success: Northside Notables," host Lisa Thomas sits down with Phoebe Preuss from Living KoKo, a social enterprise based in Ravenhall, Melbourne. Phoebe shares her incredible journey from Samoa to Australia, carrying forward her family's legacy in the cacao industry. Learn how Living KoKo collaborates with over 400 domestic plot farmers, predominantly wome...

In our debut episode of "Networking Success: Northside Notables," host Lisa Thomas sits down with Hasi Mutluel from Mortgage Choice. Recently recognized as a top performer in BNI Melbourne's West and awarded the National Director of the Year, Hasi shares his inspiring journey from local government work to becoming a successful mortgage broker. Hasi discusses the pivotal moments that...

Networking Success: Northside Notables Welcome to "Networking Success: Northside Notables," a podcast dedicated to showcasing the remarkable success stories and valuable business insights from high-performing members of BNI Melbourne's West. Hosted by Lisa Thomas, the Regional Director of BNI Melbourne's West, this podcast provides a platform for local entrepreneurs and busines...