True Business Stories

Michelle had a long career working in audit, mergers with one of the 'big 4'. A desire for a change led to the purchase of some acres on The Bellarine and the development of a sustainable cooking and growing demonstration business.

Shannon has had plumbing in his blood from an early age, helping with the family business while at school. Now he and his brother run the Kennedys Group with over 100 employees. A great story about a respected family business and the strength from having a good succession plan.

Shannon talks about his early childhood trauma and hurdles that in the long run has led him to developing his business helping people deal with stress and trauma. Shannon has a wonderful story to tell.

John started his journey thinking about becoming a dentist. He then changed tack and went onto becoming a successful lawyer with a focus on the franchise industry. The family business that was started by his father then beckoned and John now heads up SafeMate Anti Slip Solutions.  https://safemateantislip.com/ Another great story.

Libby started off as a hairdresser but a 'tipping point' in her life was visiting Japan and taking a pottery class that inspired her to change direction. After lots of lessons and discovery of different styles Libby has now moved to an incredible studio based at the FyansPaper Mill complex.   

Shannan Gove with partners Bennett Merriman and Chris Grant took their idea to create their own staffing company (Event Workforce) to help connect motivated university students with work experience opportunities throughout Australia.  As Event Workforce grew, the founders realized that they needed to ditch the spreadsheets in order to support their growing database of volunteers and casual staff....

Tom is not only a financial expert but also a true advocate for his clients' success. Renowned for his innovative thinking and creative problem-solving, he goes above and beyond to drive business growth and prosperity.

Our latest pod cast with Scott Andersen , a director and partner at Worrells https://worrells.net.au an insolvency practice and liquidation specialist firm. The conversation discusses the growing number of insolvencies in Australia, particularly in the regions, and the impact on businesses, especially small-to-medium enterprises. Scott provides insights into the reasons for the uptick, such as the...

Christine started off being an accountant in the USA and through a number of moves and changes is now running a virtual CFO service form Tasmania. A great story.

Jeremy Crawford - CEO of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce asked if he could interview us on the 100th Episode. So the tables were turned and we had to answer some great questions.

Amelia has had a journey through the corporate advertising agency world and then decided to start her own business to focus brand building. Her partner Bryan had a similar journey and their paths crossed and they now have a family together. Bryan has now joined Amelia in Made Mate.  

Angus grew up on the family farm and thought his life would take him elsewhere. The changes in the direction of the farm to becoming a goat dairy and the development of being the producers of what is arguably the best goats cheese drew him back. A fantastic story of sustainability and adaption. 

Steve has a long career in systems engineering but a sea change led to the purchase of an olive grove. This led to a desire to help produce quality olive oil from the many growers around Barwon South West in Victoria. He now operates Geelong Region Olives with over 20,000  olive trees producing great oil. A fantastic story.

Robert started his hospitality journey manning the chicken rotisserie at Coles while at school. He has had a fantastic journey across the globe and now runs a consulting company helping deliver hospitality businesses. He has been involved with the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce and the Celtic Club.

Chris started life as a carpenter in the UK and had a number of roles in his journey to Australia. Geelong Access Hire starting as a side venture with 2 scissor lift platforms. This is now a full time business with over 100 scissor lifts and now has forklifts.

Pam started out as a primary teacher but the closure of the school she was at set her on the way to becoming a highly regarded photographer for weddings and commercial events.

We interviewed Peter some 2 years ago and wanted to know more about the racing scene in Geelong and the events that make the Geelong Racing Club such a contributor to the community. Peter is also standing as a Councillor for the Geelong Council elections in November 2024.

Emilie started life in Western Australia and wanted to be a teacher. She is now using her long held passion for sustainability in working at Geelong Sustainability. Emilie also donates her time being treasurer at Cloverdale Community Centre and is looking to run for Council in the City of Greater Geelong.  

Caleb always had an interest in cameras and film. He is now living his passion creating video for businesses to help their branding and marketing. As Caleb puts it - story telling with pictures. 

Michael has a great story to tell from a start in a retail role through to working in sports administration. He is now the CEO for the Committee for Geelong. 

Jeremy has had an interesting career starting in hospitality, hotel management and a role at a major health insurer. This wide and business focussed career gives him a great perspective in his current role supporting businesses across Geelong. 

Cameron started his career working as a Roofer. An injury led him to focus on safety at work sites and the eventual launching of his own business.   Walker Safety Services has over 250 clients across Australia that Cameron and his team help with in creating safe work places. 

Bill and Mark chat about their experience in franchising and what to be aware of. Franchising is a huge part of business in Australia and a great way to have your own business - but you need to do your homework.

Sonia has had an very interesting career staring as a lawyer with a passion for giving back. This led to a first role on a NFP Board and then to a successful career on other boards including the TAC, Qantm, Vitrafy and TAL.  

Giulia has had a great career from being a journalist at the ABC, Chief of Staff for the Melbourne Lord Mayor and a role at the ACTU. Giulia is now the leader of the  G21 Regional Alliance.