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small business leaders
2018
edition
Epson DPS
Epson DPS
contents
6 Editor's foreword
6 Sponsor’s foreword
8 A note from the ASBFEO
10 Meet our judges
12 A big year for small business
14 Putting customers first reaps
dividends
15
Octomedia Pty Ltd
Top 50 Small Business PO Box R217 Royal
Exchange, NSW 1225
Leaders 2018 | A-Z
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W insidesmallbusiness.com.au
Inside Small Business
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3000
Editor
Tim Ladhams
Advertising
George Moraitis
P 03 8330 1933
E george@octomedia.com.au
Lee Cassidy
P 03 8330 1934
E lee.c@octomedia.com.au
Contributing journalist
Karl Aguilar
Design & layout
Sofia Costales
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editor's foreword
Small is beautiful
W
elcome to this year's special report that way we work the land to Flavia and her nanosatellites
celebrates the achievements of Australia's top that connect the billions of mobile devices around the
small business leaders. The stories of world, our report shows just what small businesses
our Top 50 leaders’ journeys capture the – the heartbeat of the Australian economy –
dedication and never-say-die attitude can achieve when their leaders allow their
required to turn an idea into a viable dreams to take flight, then work their socks
commercial enterprise, and the range off to ensure those dreams are realisable,
of businesses those leaders head up then realised.
illustrate the richness and diversity of Last year I was blown away by
Australia’s small businesses sector. the warmth with which we were
Some of our pioneers, such as received at the Top 50 launch events
Adelaide barber Goitom, have travelled we hosted, and the strength of those
halfway around the world to realise small-business communities, around
their dreams; others, like Melissa and the country. Despite the incredible
Warren at Buckle, have taken a business diversity of business types the attendees
that has been established for generations represented so many of them knew each
and ensured it remains relevant and profitable other, and evidently support each other. I very
despite the changes and disruptors today’s much look forward to seeing as many of you
technology has heralded. Tim Ladhams as possible at one of our launch events taking
From Carissa and Karyn changing the Editor, ISB place this month.
sponsor's foreword
Small business tech set
to produce big green results
F
or the most part, technology has simplified our daily customer to create an improved end-to-end experience that
activities in business and in life but as it continues to saves time and uses less energy and resources.
grow at rapid pace, a key consideration is how to Epson’s new business printing technology also
use technology to drive your business right now. delivers a step-change in environmental
With the government now discussing tax performance, reducing power usage by up to
relief for middle-income Australians, the a staggering 87 per cent* compared to
timing is right for small businesses to a comparable speed laser printer. The
explore new tech resources to enhance Epson WorkForce Enterprise range of
their operations. In light of this, Epson printers is faster, smarter, cheaper and
advises that the right choices don’t greener to run than anything you may
just boost your bottom line; they also have used before.
protect the environment – a cause we’re The future is here with technology
fundamentally committed to. that reduces costs, increases productivity
In fact, consideration of costs – both and limits your carbon footprint. In this
environmental and financial – is at the economic climate, can you afford to fall
forefront of all technology development at behind in the race?
Epson. A case in point is our wireless
*Based on Epson WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20590
POS technology, which saves time, energy
and costs by connecting wirelessly to any
Craig Heckenberg max power consumption of 320W, and comparable
speed model Fuji Xerox ApeosPort-V C7785 / C6685 /
device, from any location. The technology General Manager, C5585 max power consumption of 2400W, based on
comes to you or, more importantly, the Epson Australia manufacturers own specifications.
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ASBFEO's foreword
Celebrating small
business success
Cashflow and delayed payments top the many
challenges successful small-business owners should
feel proud about overcoming.
O
nce again it's time to celebrate small business consideration. Bernard runs a small business and would
success in Australia. The small-business owners very much like, after submitting a valid invoice, to be paid
featured in this year's Top 50 Business Leaders immediately. Online payment platforms and bank transfers
have achieved the goal of every small-business owner – to make this possible. “The cheque is in the mail” is no longer
launch, grow and thrive. an excuse for late payment.
It really is an achievement when you consider that over Bernard’s is a fair request, which brings to mind two
60 per cent of small businesses stop operating in their first options worthy of further investigation – electronic
three years. Success in small business means overcoming invoicing (e-invoicing) and the New Payments Platform.
many challenges, but the rewards are worth it! A recommendation in our Payment Times and Practices
Small-business owners need to work Inquiry was that governments encourage the
smarter. This means taking the time to adoption of technology solutions, such as
work on the business and not just in it; e-invoicing, to help businesses to facilitate
to identify improvements or changes payment practices. We also recommended
that will give you the edge over your that government take the lead and move
competition. to pay small businesses in 15 working
Cashflow and payment times days. We are pleased that the Federal
are always at the top of the list of Government has agreed and will
challenges. My office has done a lot progressively implement this, with all
of work on this since we opened for departments complying by July next year.
business two years ago, including The New Payments Platform, which
conducting a major inquiry into was launched in February, will allow fast
payment times and practices. payments – immediate payments – between
While some late payments are a banks and between banks and their customers.
result of incorrect invoices, manual As 2018 progresses, more banks, building
process errors and complex payment societies and credit unions across the
procedures, our Payment Times and Kate Carnell country will register to use the new platform.
Practices Inquiry found that government, Australian Small Business Money will be transferred instantly between
and Australian and multinational and Family Enterprise accounts at different financial institutions,
companies purposely delayed and Ombudsman and payments made any time of the day, any
extended payments, sometimes to 90 day of the year.
or 120 days. Obviously small businesses This will no doubt make Bernard happy
can’t wait four months to be paid. They have to pay and no doubt the rest of the 2.1 million Australian small
their staff and suppliers and even the ATO. As we know, businesses, if they choose to participate in these new
poor cashflow is the primary reason for small business technologies. But unless the majority of big businesses
insolvency in Australia. move to payment times of less than 30 days, ASBFEO will
Although recent research shows an improvement in late be urging the government to legislate, as has occurred in the
payment times overall, it still represents a significant cost EU and Europe.
impact on small business. This is reflected in the amount of The small business leaders featured this year have no
outstanding invoices for 2017, totalling $89.6 billion. doubt mastered the cashflow and late payment dilemma,
In one of his recent columns, Bernard Salt suggested a but it’s always good to get back to basics and remember the
national campaign around #samedaypay, and it bears some stepping stones to success.
8 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
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the judges
Meet our judges
Chelsea Ford
Founder, Tim Ladhams
Females in Food (New South Wales) Editor,
Stacey Head Inside Small Business (National)
Chelsea only launched Females in Food Founder,
in late 2016 but the organisation – that She Wear (Queensland) Tim is responsible for all the content
connects women and advocates their on the Inside Small Business website
interests – is already making waves in The She Wear concept arose from the and in the quarterly magazine. He
the food and beverage industry. underwhelming options for women has come into journalism after a long
The idea behind Females in Food working in specialised fields and trades career – including management roles
came when Chelsea was working who need compliant, quality safety – in hospitality, insurance and credit
for such companies as Kellogg’s footwear, and Stacey’s first range of management, giving him significant
and Nestle. There were lots of safety work boots designed and styled insights into the way business works.
great networking groups out there, for women, along with a range of other His experience as a credit manager
however, none focused on the unique matching workwear accessories, was offered a first-hand experience of
needs and challenges women in launched in October 2013. dealing with the issue that small-
her industry faced. Allied to the As a small-business owner, Stacey business owners repeatedly cite as their
under-representation of women at believes that it is extremely important biggest challenge to staying afloat and
management level, Chelsea set out to to give back to her local communities prospering – getting paid by those to
create a community of professionals and charities. In 2014, she released whom they have provided goods or
who provide guidance and advice. a specially designed limited edition services!
Females in Food is based on the boot for the National Breast Cancer Tim now combines this business
entrepreneurial notions of “iterate, Foundation and donated $10 for every experience with a particular passion
iterate, iterate” and “fail fast”, pair sold; she also ran a campaign for start-ups and small businesses, a
underlining that accepting feedback with “buy a bale” where $10 for every sector he is now fully immersed in and
quickly and producing professional “she will” boot sold was donated to for which he is a passionate advocate.
content is key to success in such a fast- the charity that focuses on assisting The highlight of his journalism career
moving industry. Queensland farming communities to date was the enthusiasm with which
The regular events that Females suffering one of the worst droughts on Inside Small Business was received by the
in Food run and its burgeoning record. small-business communities around the
membership see Chelsea meet with One of Stacey’s proudest moments to country during last year's Top 50 Small
small-business owners on a daily basis, date has been She Wear being selected Business Leaders Report launch event
giving her an in-depth understanding as the footwear of choice for the female roadshow, and he very much looks
of the challenges that they face and the contestants on TV home-renovation forward to meeting this year’s winners
help they require to succeed. reality show The Block. at the 2018 events in May.
10 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.authe judges
Meet our judges
Lexie Wilkins
Founder,
Diané Ranck Lexie Wilkins Consulting (WA)
Educator and Marketing
Ailsa Page Consultant (South Australia) Lexie Wilkins is a people and
Director, performance consultant and a
AP Marketing Works (Victoria) Diané has had extensive experience workplace culture expert. Perth based
in the education sector across high but working nationwide, she assists
Ailsa is a small-business marketing school, vocational and university. leaders and workplaces to achieve
specialist, professional speaker, Her geography teaching has led her optimum organisational success
three times author – her most recent to teach, research, write geography through developing and embedding
title is Get Good or Get Off: A guide to text books and consult in Papua New a highly engaged and motivated
getting it right on social media – and Guinea, Australia and Fiji. She has workplace team within strategic and
award-winning business owner of consulted in education, geography, performance-based environments.
AP Marketing Works. Known as the health and women participation in Bali The benefits of optimising the
marketing dynamo, Ailsa has helped (for the UN), Fiji and the Middle East. employee experience in order to
thousands of businesses around Diané worked at the Australian achieve a culture of growth and
Australia navigate the marketing maze Embassy in Thailand as Education innovation is her passion. Her work
and improve their bottom line. Counsellor for four years. Her draws on a depth of knowledge gained
AP Marketing Works has been diplomatic skills and international as a senior leader and consultant
helping small-business owners since development led to further posts at within a diverse range of government
1999, focusing on getting the balance the University of Sydney and, most and non-government industries
right for the many business owners who recently, at Flinders University in SA. coupled with formal qualifications in
spend so much time working in their Diané has had board experience on nursing, psychology, financial services
business that they don’t have the time, several not-for-profits and through and training and assessment.
energy or know-how to work on it. her involvement with Brand South As well as providing strategic
Ailsa has been a judge for the Australia, and experience with SMEs, business and people development
Telstra Business Awards and Women’s both in mentoring young business assistance, Lexie is a speaker, facilitates
Awards and is a regular contributor for owners and in marketing in the sector. programs, workshops and mentors
MYOB, The Pulse Blog and Inside Small Diané has worked with various leaders and teams who seek to create
Business. sporting groups, most recently with greater purpose both personally and in
Ailsa is a fellow of the Australian the South Adelaide Football Club and the workplace.
Institute of Marketing and State as President of the SA Snow Sports Lexie has sat on a number of
President of the Professional Speakers Association, working on governance, government and non-government
Association. When not inspiring strategy and marketing. She is a engagement and marketing
small-business owners, Ailsa is playing passionate advocate for making theatre committees and is a contributor to
gypsy cello, tap dancing or working on accessible to all, especially youth. She select media publications, including
completing her final classical piano is a keen cross country skier and sea a regular column for Inside Small
exam. kayaker. Business.
insidesmallbusiness.com.au – INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS 11editorial
A big year for
small business
By Tim Ladhams
Editor, Inside Small Business
necessary in other jurisdictions. to small businesses without the
Different government The Fair Work Commission-inspired collateral requirements traditionally
legislation has had changes to the rates of pay for casual demanded by the “big four” banks.
and part-time employees on weekends Angus Sedgwick, CEO of SME
mixed outcomes for the and public holidays – that came into FinTech cashflow provider tim (The
small business sector effect on 1 January this year – have a Invoice Market), said to me recently,
direct impact on the pockets of small- “The Royal Commission testimonies
in an age of rapid and business owners. If a recent experience by some of the banks highlights the
significant changes to of my own is anything to go by, this structural and fundamental issues of
move has been far more of a hindrance the Australian banking industry due
the way it is governed. than a help to local businesses. On the to the long-standing oligopoly enjoyed
recent Labour Day holiday in Victoria by the ‘Big Four’. The emergence
T
he last 12 months have seen my wife and I headed out to find some of alternative lenders and FinTech
significant initiatives and lunch: not one of our favourite local companies has brought much-needed
legislation affecting small cafes or restaurants was open, and competition to the lending market in
business. Whenever you talk to small- we ended up in a branch of one of Australia, particularly in the business
business owners about the biggest the country’s most high-profile chef’s finance sector. FinTech companies are
challenges they face, or look at the restaurant “empire”, still having to pay becoming trusted partners, providing a
results of the regular surveys and a 15 per cent surcharge. Whilst it is, of range of smart and innovative cashflow
reports on the key factors influencing course, vital that people are paid what finance products for SMEs that will
the sector, one thing always comes they are due, it is just as important offer access to capital quickly and help
above all else – cashflow. The Small that a remuneration system is found them to flourish and grow.”
Business and Family Enterprise that does not prevent local businesses The advance of technology is
Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, has from being able to open. The recent bringing about changes to the way we
already talked about her Payment Times high-profile underpayment scandals in do business at an unprecedented rate,
and Practices Inquiry in her foreword the franchise sector – think Domino’s, and with it a raft of new regulations
to this report, and Kate’s efforts in Caltex, 7-Eleven and others – are small-business owners need to get
getting government and big business proof that small-business owners their heads around very quickly. The
to pay the small businesses they are simply cannot remain competitive by digitisation of the economy means
working with in a more timely fashion complying with the regulations as they even sole traders now carry a lot of
is absolutely fundamental to keeping are today. data about their customers and their
the SMEs that are the backbone of our The Royal Commission into the suppliers, and it is crucial business
economy afloat. It will be interesting banking industry should have a more owners familiarise themselves with the
to see if the big end of town really positive outcome for small business, Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme that is
does play ball and, if not, whether with a plethora of new funding options now in force as the penalties it will levy
the government has the appetite – many of which are accessible online for non-compliance will break most
to legislate, as Kate flags has been and in quick time – now available small businesses.
12 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.auad
SME growth story
Putting customers first
reaps dividends
One of Australia's first online entrepreneurs has
proved that not meeting your consumer face-to-
face is no excuse for not focusing on customer
experience in the eCommerce world.
T
oday Kate Morris is a leading light – managing cashflow,
in eCommerce, a tireless advocate BAS returns and so on.
for women who is persuading In these days before
the entire retail industry to re-assess its broadband, social media
approach to gender equality and who and – most importantly
expects to turn over $25 million this year. for an eCommerce
It was not always thus, however, here is site – multiple payment
Kate’s story of her journey working on a gateways, it took a
department store beauty counter to being lot of time and effort
the queen of cosmetics. contacting all the banks but
one eventually offered me
ISB: When and how did the idea for merchant services so I could take
Adore Beauty come about? payments on my website.
KM: In 1999 I was a uni student in ISB: So, now you have suppliers and
Melbourne, studying a business degree a website, you just need customers…
and working part-time as a promotional
demonstrator for Clarins. Talking KM: There was no money left in the pot KM: In the early years I only sold
to other women, I discovered that for marketing, I assumed once you had Australian brands but customer
they found the experience of buying a website people would come to it but feedback revealed I needed to offer
beauty products in department stores things don’t work like that. I consulted globally-recognised products. I looked
intimidating and often came home a marketing lecturer at Monash Uni to distributors of these brands but at
with products that weren’t exactly and drafted a media release. The early that time they saw the internet as a fad
right for them. I resolved to create a internet magazines were keen to cover the and a threat rather than an opportunity.
way of providing a better experience story – Australia’s first online beauty store I knew I had to get one major brand on
and realised that it would be more – but the beauty magazines were a harder board before the others would follow so I
empowering for women to be able to nut to crack, and in fact they didn’t come persevered. Eventually I “landed” Clarins,
make decisions from the comfort of their on board until we were really established, the company I had worked for in my
own home on the internet. so I had to focus on providing a really student days.
great experience for my first customers.
ISB: How did you turn the concept I wrapped the beauty products in tissue ISB: Finally, what was the best
into a viable business venture? and put a Furry Friend or a Caramel piece of advice you have received
Koala into every package – today it’s an you could pass on to those who are
KM: I worked out the minimum amount individually-wrapped Tim Tam – and looking to launch their own start-up?
of money I would need to launch a made sure I despatched every package on
website and buy enough product to the day of purchase. The feedback on this KM: Choose a business in a field that
service my first customers, and estimated approach, emails from customers saying you are truly passionate about, and
I would need $12,000. As a student I how much receiving their package had that customers will care about too. The
wasn’t going to be able to get any money made their day, sustained me in the tough first years will be really hard so that
from a bank so I pitched the idea to early days. passion will sustain you, and the positive
my boyfriend’s dad, a small-business feedback from your early customers that
owner. He lent me the money and ISB: What was the biggest challenge you are genuinely making a difference
mentored me on the financial side of you faced in making the business confirms you’re on the right path – so,
starting and running a small business really profitable and sustainable? listen to your customers!
14 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.autop 50 profiles
Jolleen Hicks
Aboriginal Insights, WA
Ngarluma-Aboriginal woman Jolleen Hicks drew
on her background fostering the engagement of
over 20 separate Aboriginal groups with leadership
and business to found Aboriginal Insights in
2016. The organisation offers insights into the
Aboriginal cultural world intended to lead to
stronger partnerships, relationships, understanding
and appreciation of Aboriginal peoples and
their cultures, resulting in more respect between
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
Jolleen, who is also a Director of Mawarnkarra
Health Service in northern WA, is determined to
narrow the health and life expectancy gap between
Aboriginal families and non-Aboriginal families.
“That gap is far too wide,” Jolleen says. “I know we
need to do more, I also know that our staff works
hard to provide the best health services that they can
within the limits of health funding, and our Board is
investigating ways that we can ‘do more’.”
Aboriginal Insights offers practical steps for both
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people designed
to lead to better outcomes: the former through
specific training and learning in areas such as
health, education and community; the latter through
promoting awareness of issues affecting Aboriginal
people. “It is one thing to offer a service; it’s another
thing to ensure that the service achieves its purpose.
The key is successful engagement,” Jolleen says.
Goitom Tekle
African Style Haircut, SA
When Goitom graduated from Flinders University
he struggled to find a job in accounting. His
entrepreneurial spirit sparked the idea of opening a
salon for the growing number of migrants of African
heritage coming to Adelaide, and the response when he
opened the doors in 2012, having raised the money for
the premises and fittings from friends and family, was
overwhelming.
More than just a barber’s shop, African Style Haircut
celebrates diversity, culture, and community.
“A lot of customers come to socialise and meet
friends, especially on Fridays and Saturdays,” Goitom
says. Building on its unique offering and point of
difference that initially attracted people, the clientele
has grown through word-of-mouth referrals – at events
such as weddings, dinners and graduation functions –
and social media.
The shop has become an Adelaide landmark, with
Australian and international personalities visiting the
salon when in Adelaide for its many festivals. However,
Goitom gets most satisfaction through positive feedback
and compliments from African international students
that suggest his little shop contributes to the social
wellbeing of the community. Goitom goes further in
this regard by offering a number of apprenticeships to
youngsters studying at local TAFEs.
insidesmallbusiness.com.au – INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS 15Pirra Griffiths
Allerton Swimwear, NSW
Having studied design and fashion at important to Pirra she found a couple of
Sydney’s UTS and run a design studio Balinese suppliers producing high-quality
at a swimwear label, Pirra felt that there garments from ethically produced
was a gap in the market for marrying material – most made from recycled
fashion and functionality. Determined fishing nets, plastic bottles and
to do things differently in a field full of nylon carpets – in good working
huge brands, Pirra launched Allerton conditions. “As a small label it’s
Swimwear, designing luxury swimwear difficult to find manufacturers
lines from recycled waste materials who are happy to ‘let you in’ and
made only by suppliers with an ethical inspect what they’re doing, so I
approach to manufacturing and how they focus on working those few that
treat their workers. do,” she says.
Pirra had originally intended to launch Allerton – Pirra named the
in Australia but got an order from a major business after her mother’s
US swimwear retailer and showed her maiden name in recognition
first collection in Miami in August 2015. of her family’s support and
The dearth of manufacturers in encouragement – distributes
Australia meant some production internationally to major retailers in
having to go offshore – as ethics are so the UK, USA & NZ.
David McAuley
Andaha, NSW
Launched in July 2017, Andaha is an It hasn’t all been plain sailing for David:
eCommerce platform for the foodservice he initially employed the traditional sales
industry that enables the buying and strategy of people on the ground cold
selling of goods through smart logistics, calling potential customers, a tactic he says
and helps cafes and restaurants to manage “failed dramatically”. David worked hard
down their food costs. to understand more deeply the selling
Described by its founder, David, as cycle in hospitality, and repivoted the
a version of Amazon for foodservice, business, aligning with the interests of the
Andaha is a market access platform that different users and effectively engaging
makes it easier for businesses to promote them, and packaging that knowledge
their products in the notoriously difficult into a mechanism that brand owners and
hospitality industry, with a number of manufacturers can use.
added benefits. It is also a sampling Having found “this start-up thing really
platform, leveraging its unique logistics very hard mentally” David is proud of the
and warehousing infrastructure, and social fact that he has devised a model that really
communication methodologies. works, and that is unique in the industry.
Meredith and Bill Whiting
Archer & Holland, SA
Archer & Holland is celebrating trademark for 100 years. As well
its centenary this year, the as continuing the manufacture
jewellery store having opened of exquisite jewellery on the
on the corner of King William premises, they offer remodelling
and Hindley Streets in central and repair services, and also sell
Adelaide in 1918. Its is a rare feat pre-loved and antique jewellery.
indeed for a small family business “People love coming in and
to survive so long, through the spending time looking at our
depression of the 1930s to the rise special pieces,” Meredith says.
of stores selling cheap jewellery at Members of the third
heavily discounted prices during generation of the family to run
the 1970s and the 1980s. the business – Bill is grandson
Meredith and Bill have kept one of one of the two founders,
the business going strong by Herbert Holland – they have 10
taking pride in the quality of employees…and that brings in
their products and a dedication the fourth generation, with their
to good customer service that daughter and daughter-in-law
has remained the company’s working with them.
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Azure Entertainment, WA
Since 2009, Azure Entertainment overcome that mentality and accept us
has been providing professional, as a key player was difficult.”
experienced event and entertainment Stella was confident of Azure
services such as stage productions, live Entertainment’s potential, nevertheless,
events and cabaret and variety shows. and let the work speak for itself. She
Azure is also one of the go-to businesses strived to make the business better and
for Western Australians hosting took calculated risks along the way,
weddings, hen’s dos, birthday parties quickly moving on from what wasn’t
and so on. working and innovating to create
Despite the success and respect Azure initiatives that did.
has gained over the years, the business As a testament to Stella’s dedication
didn’t have a smooth start. “Perth to making it work, her leadership and
was somewhat of a small town,” its her business skills, she was rewarded
founder, Stella, says. “And my industry with the title of Optus Australian
– performing arts and entertainment Businesswoman of the Year in 2016.
– was even smaller, it was very much
about who you knew, rather than what
you knew, so trying to get others to
Erica Urquiaga
Baked by Erica, WA
Erica first discovered her love for egg-free and dairy-free.
baking and cooking when she was Erica readily admits her lack of
around 10 years old, though it was skills in sales and marketing when she
almost 20 years later that she decided started out. “I feared that my business
to pursue her passion as a profession, would fail because of my lack of skills
culminating in the opening of her in this area, especially when it comes
business Baked by Erica in 2016. to the ‘hard sell’,” she recalls. She
Erica’s cookies are unlike other credits family and friends for giving
traditional cookies. “I make soft, very her the confidence and belief in herself
moorish cookies which are smaller to overcome these doubts, support
in size than majority of cookies in supplemented by attending workshops
the market – so it is a bit of a mindful and networking groups such as Fusion
treat,” she says. Mindful of those Biz Babes and Females in Food.
unable to enjoy a lot of things others Validation of her efforts came
do due to allergies, Erica produces recently when Erica was invited to
allergen-friendly varieties of the work with Kenwood at the De Lish
cookies, ranging from gluten-free to Expo 2018 at Crown Perth.
Franziska Iseli and Christo Hall
Basic Bananas, NSW
Marketing educators Basic Bananas have “We've always had a big vision of
been helping small-business owners to running our educational marketing
make the most of every opportunity and workshops across the world, but when
think outside the box since December 2009. we were running simultaneously in three
Franziska and Christo determine to go countries, I had to pinch myself a little!”
the extra mile, both figuratively – “What says Franziska.
makes us successful is that we sprinkle Today Franziska and Christo are helped
'fairy dust' onto everything we do and by what they describe as an “incredible
see how we can delight our customers at team”, but putting that together was one of
every touch point,” Franziska explains, and the biggest challenges they faced. It took
literally – recently Franziska was running a few years, and Franziska says that they
one educational marketing workshop achieved it by she and Christo becoming
in Canberra on the same day that Christo much clearer about their vision and only
was running a session in San Diego and hiring people who were as excited about the
their colleague Erik was doing the same impact Basic Bananas was making as they
in Calgary. themselves were.
18 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.augough
Beernuts Productions, Qld
Founded in December 2006 on the Gold Coast, Beernuts Productions is
an independent production company that produces and distributes its own
movies, TV shows, audio productions, and books.
Beernuts’ point of difference – to keep things lean they have cut out the
“middleman” and their content is only available from their website – is also the
source of their biggest challenge. “If people don’t know we exist then they can’t
enjoy our films, shows and books,” gough explains. To counter this a full-time
marketing resource was employed, allowing gough and the rest of his team to
focus on producing content. Beernuts only has five permanent employees, with
actors, crew members, make-up artists and so on being hired as required.
Despite all the success and fun gough has producing content, the proudest
moment Beernuts has given him is the recent invitation to speak at Parliament
House in Canberra on the matter of disability employment. This is an issue
that is very close to his heart, as gough lost a great proportion of his eyesight
when he was just 12 weeks old. Indeed, in 2010 he became the first legally blind
person to write, edit, produce, direct and star in a feature film!
Carissa Wolfe and Karyn Cassar
Benmar Farm, NSW
Carissa and Karyn have been connection return between ‘we that
business partners for about 12 years, eat’ (all of us) and the land, animals
having co-founded together a couple and farmers that our food comes
of businesses in Portland, Oregon from,” Carissa says.
in the United States. Bennar Farm, Ongoing climate risks and
the dairy business they started in situations no amount of risk analysis
December 2013, is their first Australian could have predicted have been
venture. overcome in no small part due to the
The duo set out to do things synergy between the girls, which has
differently in the dairy industry. been critical to everything they’ve
Unlike other dairy farms, Benmar done. “It’s the core fire under it all,”
Farm is home to a dual-purpose Carissa explains.
breed of cow that provides greater The business partners always
value as both a milk producer and seek to challenge themselves with a
a beef producer. The cows are also mindset and focus of “always learn,
bred organically for the health and always analyse, always cross-apply,
longevity of both the cow and the always challenge the answer ‘that’s
land. “We want to see a conscious how it’s done’.”
Melissa Gibson and Warren Sanders
Buckle 1922, NSW
Buckle 1922 is one of the few mortage on the family home.
remaining clothing accessories Those risks have paid off, with Buckle
companies that still manufactures 1922 now enjoying success not only in
locally in Sydney. The firm remained in Australia but also in New Zealand and
the hands of its founder’s family until the United Kingdom. Melissa attributes
Melissa and Warren, who had worked at this success to offering high-quality
the company for some time, took it over products at accessible prices, as well as
in 2013 through a management buyout. the hard work of a team that has been
The pair sought to reinvigorate the put together on the basis of equality and
brand, overcoming significant hurdles cultural diversity: almost three-quarters
to do so. of Buckle’s employees are female; almost
“No financial institution was willing two-thirds were born overseas; and over
to fully back or support an Australian a half consider English as their second
manufacturer in the fashion industry,” language. The approach has been
Melissa relates. They took a big risk, rewarded with excellent retention – the
remortgaging their personal assets average tenure is 14 years – and the value
and, in Melissa’s case, taking a second of experience that brings to the team.
insidesmallbusiness.com.au – INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS 19Denyse McDonald
Currong Comestibles, NSW
Currong Comestibles was resourceful and creative,” says
launched, in 2012, to introduce Denyse. She networks with
Australian native flavours to other business owners facing
a wider audience. Denyse similar challenges through the
enhances traditional recipes Females in Food organisation
with unusual “bush tucker” that is helping her cut the
flavours from native plants, perceived barriers to her
herbs and fruits. progress down to size.
“When someone tastes Despite monetary
our speciality cordials or constraints limiting both
chutneys they intrinsically the product range and
taste the inimitable variation distribution volumes,
of indigenous flavours in Currong Comestibles has
recognisable recipes,” she says. won numerous awards up
As a solo entrepreneur – and down the country in
Denyse’s husband works as an their six years of operation,
“offsider” on her market stalls including two gold medals at
(the products are also available the Australian Food Awards.
via the company’s website “These are always ‘wow’
Emma Lovell and selected delicatessens) awards for us,” Denyse says,
and she employs a casual “as they are ‘blind tests’ and
Cozigo, NSW sales assistant at larger we’re being judged against
When Emma flew with her five-month-old baby Aimee to events –with limited resources some of the best artisan
introduce her to her grandmother in the UK, the constant to-and- “has forced me to be more producers in the country.”
fro of passengers, lights and noise meant that neither mother nor
baby had any sleep on the flight. Emma determined to create a
product far more effective than the standard bassinet.
Having drawn up endless designs and had no less than a
dozen prototypes created, Emma settled on a model only for the
initial bulk order to arrive from the overseas manufacturer totally
unsaleable.
“It was heart breaking to see $25,000 worth of stock being buried
in landfill and it was extremely hard to stay faithful to the idea as I
had not yet sold a single item,” Emma says.
She persevered, nevertheless, officially launching CoziGo in
April 2015 and stringent quality control measures and insurance are
staples of the business. Since that early setback Emma has acted
like a big business, patenting her product to stave off any copycat
competitors.
Gaining an investor in Janine Allis on Shark Tank was a highlight
for Emma – “It was amazing to realise that at least one other person
except my husband also believed in the idea!” she says – as was
winning 2017 Best Product in the Mother & Baby Magazine Awards.
Pete Wilson
Determined2, SA
Determined2 started out as a personal can express themselves under water
journey for Pete after he sustained a serious free of gravity.
work injury in 2007 and reached a point Pete left school in year nine and has lived
where his physical recovery was as good what he calls “a colourful life”, and initially
as it was going to get. He yearned to work struggled to believe that he could set up
with people who were feeling the same way and run a successful business. Supported
he did and take the attention away from by wife Amy and two children and various
all the things they couldn’t do and replace mentors, however, he now employs four full-
it with an exciting experience that made time staff, six casuals and has four or five
people smile. volunteers at any one time, many of whom
The result is Determined2’s Immersion started out as clients, and last year was able
Therapy™, a world first service that liberates to fund over $165,000 worth of Immersion
people from the day-to-day restrictions and Therapy™ sessions to people who otherwise
offers significant physical benefits as they wouldn’t have been able to afford them.
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EFTPOS | Deposits | LendingDanny and Shane Gramazio
D&S Quality Meats, SA
Brothers Danny and Shane Gramazio were brought up on a farm by parents who
then opened a butcher’s shop. The boys spent 13 years learning the trade before
establishing their own business, D&S Quality Meats, in 2010 bringing countryside
meats to Adelaide’s northern suburbs. “We are always looking to make our
customers’ lives easier – everyone works so much these days but we all want to eat
healthily and enjoy food so taste is more important than ever,” Danny says.
The early days were hard work – “you can’t buy experience”, Danny says –but
every crazy Christmas, Easter and long weekend they got through made them
stronger and better equipped for the next one. Eschewing the budget cuts their
competitors in the city had been serving up for decades paid dividends, the boys
doubling their turnover within 12 months which allowed them to open a second
store: they now have six stores with nine full-time and 16 part-time employees, all of
whom are northern suburbs locals.
Having their story open a 400-delegate annual small business event last year
Aldo Grech enabled the boys to take stock for a moment and realise that all their hard work is
paying off and they really are getting somewhere.
Essential Leadership, NSW
Aldo Grech turned the concept of a
leadership consultancy inside out when he
opened Essential Leadership in January 2000.
“It is a journey from head to heart for those
that understand that heart is essential for real
leadership,” Aldo explains. “We focus of soft
rather than hard leadership.”
Instilling this unique principle to clients has
often been a great challenge but, ultimately,
many of them go on to achieve “astounding
results”, Aldo says, by “conquering the fear in
the head by operating from their heart, their
soul, their essence.” Indeed, the biggest hurdle
of all for Aldo was his making his own journey
from head to heart, one he says takes boldness
and humility, something he impresses upon
his clients.
Aldo does not only focus on those at the
top of an organisation, believing that bringing
out the innate leadership in every individual,
whatever their role, improves their level of
fulfilment and, thereby, their attitude to what
they do, to the benefit of all.
Essential Leadership is a boutique business
with a team of five people offering their unique
service across five territories.
Laura Madden and Juanita Mottram
Eve Renovations, Qld
Established in 2010, Eve highest level of qualifications and
Renovations is one of very few female- licenses so that “no one could dispute
owned and operated construction that we had a place in the construction
companies in Australia, succeeding in industry.”
doing things differently and standing Despite these challenges the
out in an industry heavily dominated business has managed to thrive, and
by companies run and staffed by men. Laura and Juanita make sure they
Being female-run means Eve celebrate the “little things” such as
Renovations has been the subject of obtaining a new licence, winning a
both admiration and great scrutiny. tender and graduating apprentices.
Co-owners Laura and Juanita say “We consider our biggest milestone
that their biggest challenge has to date as purchasing a dedicated
been getting themselves to be taken space for the business, where our
seriously by peers and professional office, showroom, and warehouse are
organisations within the construction located,” Juanita says. Today Eve has
industry. They have had to prove three full-time employees, and up to 12
themselves by gaining as much contractors working on projects at any
knowledge as possible and attain the one time.
22 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.auFlavia Tata Nardini
Fleet Space Technologies, SA
Despite having only that covers the planet, creating a world more
20 employees, Fleet connected than ever before.
Space Technologies Flavia says that starting a space business in a
is a genuinely country with no space agency was hard, but that
pioneering business bringing the community together and creating
that is transforming the support needed has turned her greatest
the future of obstacle into her greatest asset. “Australia is going
industries from space to become an important hub for space tech,”
by launching a world- Flavia predicts.
first constellation 2018 has already provided massive highlights
of nanosatellites to for Fleet Space Technologies, from the launch of
ubiquitously connect their first satellites to the deployment of their first
the world’s soon-to-be- trials and commercial partnerships.
online 75 billion devices. “It’s all a dream come true,” says Flavia.
Rocket scientist Flavia, “We started with a crazy idea which is now
who launched the business becoming reality, and what was real for us is
in September 2015, says that slowly becoming true for others as the benefits of
once live, this network will building IoT connectivity from space to improve
create a digital nervous system the world are becoming apparent.”
Lorraine Gnanadickam
Food St., NSW
A former cook and a self-professed The aim is to create Australia’s first
foodie, Lorraine Gnanadickam co- and largest network for home-cooked
founded FoodSt. in August 2015 to help food. “It’s thrilling to know that so many
bring home cooking to the gig economy, people are excited by the concept and
empowering passionate home cooks to want to see it succeed,” Lorriane says.
earn extra income cooking from home The highlight for Lorraine is seeing
and helping busy people eat better. cooks and customers connect to help
In order to overcome widespread each other. Whether helping them stress
perceptions about home cooking, FoodSt. less about their dinner or earning well-
abides by the highest standards in food needed income by cooking from home,
quality. Lorraine involved food safety the feedback has been that Food St. –
regulators early on in the process to which has three full-time employees – is
create a safe and commercially viable making a difference in the everyday cycle
system for the business, thereby ensuring of people’s lives. “That is so satisfying,”
its sustainability. says Lorraine.
Peter Foott
Foott Waste and Recycling, Vic
Foott Waste and Recycling started a new waste and recycle processing
its operations in July 1992, providing facility in 2007, and the recent
waste disposal and recycling services acquisition of a much larger 48,000
across a large swathe of northern square meter greenfield site will see
Victoria. the construction of a larger and more
Such a business requires heavy and sophisticated waste processing facility
specialised equipment such as trucks, that Peter envisages will be the most
bins, and waste disposal equipment, significant such operation outside the
and Peter says sourcing the capital metropolitan areas.
to invest in such items was the Peter puts the longevity of the
biggest challenge he faced in getting business down in no small part to
the business off the ground. He a focus on attracting and retaining
persevered, however, with high levels an exceptional staff and client
of reinvestment ensuring consistent base based on values of “locals
organic growth. with locals”. Peter says that this
This success has enabled the philosophy “is part of our greater aim
business to expand its operations to strengthen our relationships with
and capabilities. Peter established the local community”.
insidesmallbusiness.com.au – INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS 23Cameron Syme
Great Southern Distilling Company, WA
Growing up in WA’s north-east wheat principles, and has a 50-year strategic
belt, Cameron enjoyed hearing stories of planning methodology that formulates
distant relatives in Scotland who gave up the decisions based on the long-term gain.
whereabouts of their own illegal distillery to Among a number of awards the company,
use the reward money to start a new one. The which today has 14 employees, won the
story sowed the seed of a desire to run his “Best International Craft Whisky” award
own distillery, a feat he achieved with from the American Distilling Institute. The
the establishment of the Great Southern standout for Cameron, however, was being
Distilling Company in November 2004. appointed as the supplier of whisky to a
The long ageing requirement for whisky regiment of the Australian Army he has
makes it a tough economic proposition, with long admired and considers as heroes. “To
the need to invest significantly in capital be able to give something back and for our
equipment and operating costs for many years business to acknowledge people’s significant
before there’s a return. Cameron adopted contribution to our society, that is my
sustainability and Harvard “smart business” proudest achievement,” Cameron says.
Ann and Jeff Ross
Hive Haven, Qld
Ann and Jeff farmed both honey commercialisation of native honey.
and native bees as a hobby and, Hive Haven focuses on delivering a solution
seeing a gap in the market, to the global decline in the pollination of
officially registered Hive Haven food crops. “Customers purchase our honey
in August 2014. During the because they know we respect our bees and
2013 heatwaves they lost honour their honey through gentle harvesting
their native bees so they and processing methods, "Ann says. “Native
experimented with different bees are in rapid decline. When people
hive building materials and purchase Hive Haven native honey the profit
in December 2017 successfully goes directly into building a new and viable
manufactured their first agri-business for Australia.”
innovative native bee hives, Anne recently showcased her native bee
specifically designed to combat hive at the Global Forum for Innovations in
hive overheating and enable Agriculture (GFIA), with The Abu-Dhabi
sustainable harvesting of food- Food Authority paying for their travel and
grade native honey and cerumen. accommodation. “It’s a real confidence
Knowing their bees were now boost to have the hive recognised outside of
safe, the couple are moving onto the Australia,” Ann says.
Mandy Elliott
Hi-vis Kids, Qld
In 2008 Hi-vis Kids became the first company to launch a range of
kids' high-visibility safety shirts. Motivated by a family member who
was involved in a motorbike accident, Mandy realised there were
no other children’s safety shirts available. Living in a mining area,
Mandy saw that kids would have fun being able to dress like mum
and dad at work while being more easily seen and, therefore, safer.
“After all, our kids’ biggest role models in the early years are mum
and dad!” says Mandy.
Mandy and her husband saved every penny they could for a year,
taking on second and third jobs to cobble together the $20,000 they
needed to get the business off the ground. Having done that, they
then needed to ensure the quality of their garments. "It took a few
months and multiple factory visits until we got it right,” Mandy says.
That range has grown through Mandy working to understand her
customers’ needs and innovating to meet them. “We’re constantly
testing fabrics, incorporating additional UVP50+ products, kids’
fishing and swimming garments, hats and new designs,” she says.
Mandy’s efforts were rewarded with a nomination for the 2014
Townsville Chamber of Commerce Young Business Person Award.
24 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.auJo Harris and Lucy Glade-Wright
Hunting for George, Vic
Launched in August 2010, Hunting for George is a homewares and gifts
eCommerce business that has built a passionate and loyal customer base,
leading to the brand being named Independent Small Retailer of the Year
in 2017. “We do more than just retail, we are storytellers,” explains co-
founder Lucy. “We seek to connect with our customer on a personal level,
and that authentic interaction is what builds passion and loyalty.”
Their rapid growth initially created challenges for Jo and Lucy, with a
300 per cent revenue increase in their fourth year requiring them to bring
on extra staff for the first time, a move that left the girls questioning what
their own roles should be. “As most-small business owners will understand,
you’re used to doing all roles of the business instinctively,” Lucy says. “That is
fine when it’s just one or two of you, but not when you have a team requiring
leadership.” The advice of a business coach helped them resolve the issues and
made them more confident leaders.
Lucy says that business owners are usually too busy to stop and appreciate what
they’ve achieved, but that they take great pride in being recognised by their industry
through the awards they have won.
Alyx Stewart
Kee-Moh Snacks, Vic
Alyx experienced the devastating phone and getting plenty of knock
effects chemotherapy and radiotherapy backs. She had a breakthrough by
have on food and the enjoyment of it reaching out to people running similar
when battling breast cancer, losing businesses. “I was astounded, and
45 kg during her treatment. “They continue to be, at how willing people
alter patients’ taste buds and appetite,” are to help out another business owner
she explains, “and induce conditions –it’s very humbling that people actually
such as nausea, constipation, and want to see you succeed,” Alyx says.
mouth ulcers.” Being a sole operator enables Alyx
On recovering herself, Alyx set to quickly incorporate what customers
about specifically designing foods to are asking for, adding new product
help cancer patients maintain their lines constantly based on their needs.
nutritional well-being, launching Kee- An appearance on Today Extra last
Moh Snacks in May 2017. year generated an overwhelming
Alyx was worried her venture was too public response. Alyx says, “I still get
small to warrant a manufacturer making goosebumps knowing that my idea
the number of products she initially and products are helping thousands of
needed, spending a lot of time on the people.”
Antonette Golikidis
Little Innoscents, Vic
When Antonette had her first baby she sought skincare products that were
chemical-free but discovered there was only a very limited number that were
difficult to find, too expensive, or weren’t what they said they were. “I was so tired
of ‘pretend’ organic companies misleading consumers with marketing strategies
promoting ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ claims without having formulations that abide
by those claims,” Antonette says.
So, Antonette began making products in her kitchen and spent 10 months
perfecting the ingredients. She formulated a nappy rash cream, massage lotion,
body powder and other products, launching Little Innoscents in October 2017, the
range formulated to relieve conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Spreading the word was initially difficult but Antonette believed in the power
of storytelling in getting potential customers to relate to her brand, making them
more likely to support it. “Storytelling can have a huge impact on a brand and
larger companies’ expensive and aggressive marketing campaigns no longer
dominate the market,” she says. “Small businesses that tell a story are emerging as
power houses.”
This year Little Innoscents have been involved in an acquisition that Antonette
is confident will see its organic growth accelerate.
insidesmallbusiness.com.au – INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS 25You can also read
