True Business Stories

Sarah and Cass love design and making a difference in the world. A meeting at The Gordon TAFE while both were studying eventually led to them teaming up to create their business Storyfolk. A business founded on great values and one that keeps winning awards.

Craig started his career in banking and then moved into telecommunications. A change in the Telstra business model led Craig to start his own ICT company supporting medium to large businesses called Kenstra. Craig is also the Chair for the Committee for Wyndham supporting businesses across western Melbourne.

Stretch Kontelj has had a fascinating career in law and business. Combined with a passion for community and politics. Stretch is now the Mayor of the City of Geelong.

Lauren is the CEO of Pets Country Club a family business that has been operating in Lara, outside Geelong for over 30 years. Lauren has had a career in sporting events but has come back to run the family business. A great story.

Marie-Claire (MC to friends) had a passion and still does for acting. The Q Train evolved from a family plan to create a dining experience. The business has grown over the years to win awards for tourism and recently the Geelong Business Excellence Awards for Inclusivity and Accessibility.

Bill and Mark chat about all the people they have met and some of the key take outs that they have gleaned from some amazing people.

Donna started her career in fashion and worked for some major clothing companies and developed and sold her own label of kids clothes. Spotting a beautiful old warehouse Donna and her partner Beav decided to open a restaurant. They now have three - The Arborist, Meet me at Marys, Beav's Bar

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.