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The Member Spotlight showcases a financial member of the Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce ... helping members, guests and visitors get to know each other better. See also the members directory for a full list of members.
If you'd like to be profiled on this page, please email the President, Cat Matson.
Joanne Harding-Smith, Maverick Travel: Member Spotlight, May 2012
Joanne Harding-Smith
Maverick Travel (Samford and Everton Park)
Contact details
Phone: 3289 3700 (Samford) and 3355 3700 (Everton Park)
Email: info@mavericktravel.com.au
Website: www.mavericktravel.com.au
Addresses: Shop 12, Samford Central, Mt Glorious Rd and 711 Stafford Rd, Everton Park
Linkedin: http://au.linkedin.com/pub/joanne-harding-smith/7/7a/507
Brief description of products/services
We have two travel agencies, one in Samford and one in Everton Park. All staff have at least 15 years experience (some over 30) so we are the local team with the most experience. Try us and you'll be surprised.Share a significant impact you have made for a client
I love it when a new client comes in to organise a more complicated trip, not run of the mill and when we present the best way to do it and the savings by the way we put it together, they are chuffed. An extreme example of that is when we had a client require 2 tickets to Istanbul, Izmer, Prague and Berlin and we were $3,200 cheaper than the best quote she had, it was great knowing that the money we saved her paid for all her accommodation and the rest of the trip.What is your most favourite technology gadget, tool, app or toy and why
My new Samsung Galaxy 10.1 tablet – I feel like "modern milly" (I suppose that using the term "modern milly" shows that perhaps I am not modern at all...)
What inspires you on a daily basis
In the morning I always have cuddles with my boys – they are so beautiful and happy that each day I am thankful for their existence. At work every day is never the same and I enjoy the constant stimulation that provides me. I enjoy being happy.Newsworthy items
- Tina just returned from South Africa and sampled all styles of game
parks from camping, glamping to private reserves so if you'd like to
tick this off your bucket list then pop into Samford and see Tina.
- We're
proud to be the longest-serving travel agent in Samford. And even
though we've recently changed our name to "Maverick Travel", we're still
a member of Travelscene and we still offer the same top-notch service.
What do you love about working or living in the Samford district
It's so close to Brisbane and that lovely drive over the range just clears the head. I come from the village of Uki so I am very comfortable in the Village of Samford – very similar and I love how the place buzzes.
What do you enjoy/appreciate about the Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce
In
this very social (& I do mean very sociable) environment I have
made real connections with people and that fact that I am able to do
business with and for them just enhances the time I spend there. I have
always enjoyed good support and I enjoy supporting other members in
turn, they always do a marvellous job.
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Carolyn King, Credos Associates: Member Spotlight, April 2012
Carolyn King
Credos Associates
Contact details
Website: www.credos.com.au
Phone: 07 3289 1628
Mobile: 0413 860 173
Email: info@credos.com.au
Twitter: @CredosAssoc
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/credos-associates
Brief description of products/services
Credos Associates are communication
consultants. That means we help clients achieve their business
objectives via effective communication strategy, planning and
implementation. Solutions range from websites and social media to online
collaboration software, intranets, sustainability reports, video,
software apps and traditional print media.
Our particular focus is sustainability and corporate responsibility –
embedding sustainable thinking into an organisation to improve the world
while also improving the company's bottom line!
What makes us different? Well, we care about results. Our clients'
success is our success. And if that makes the world a better place in
the process, it's a win-win.
We make a point of listening to what clients need, researching the business context, analysing the possibilities, understanding target audiences, and using the best communication tools for the job. Oh, and we don't believe in jargon either. Straight-talking, workable solutions are best for all concerned. Having fun helps too.
Share a significant impact you have made for a client
A recent project involved developing online collaboration tools for a rapidly growing Qld business. We designed and produced a staff intranet, timesheet application and CRM (Client Relationship Management) system. These tools have radically improved internal communication, streamlined financial reporting, and enabled the business to gather and act on information more efficiently.What is your most favourite technology gadget, tool, app or toy and why
OK, it has to be my iPad. When I got it over a
year ago I thought it would just be a toy, but actually I use it all
the time – for web browsing, presenting ideas, reading documents,
managing photographs, sharing files, keeping up with social media, etc.
My second favourite tool is DropBox – an exceedingly simple but
incredibly effective way to share documents online and sync them across
computers.
Third favourite (can I have 3?) – Basecamp, for online project management across virtual teams.
What inspires you on a daily basis
Ideas. New ways of looking at things, different perspectives gained from others, emerging technologies that open up unforseen possibilities. Learning all the time.
Something newsworthy
Business opportunity: Although we are a new business partnership, our partners have been operating for many years as successful individual businesses, and are interested in building a network of trusted associates. We are always on the lookout for people who have shared goals and can offer services relevant to our clients. This could be in design, copywriting, web development, sustainability, communication, IT, training, etc. We encourage a culture of collaboration. Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss further.
What do you love about working or living in the Samford district
So many professional and entrepreneurial people have actively chosen to live in this area and base their businesses here. Outsiders may think we're a quiet backwater, but we know different! It's a beautiful country environment, yet only a short hop to the city. There aren't many places in the world where you get that.
What do you enjoy/appreciate about the Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce
The spirit of collaboration. Everyone helps each other, shares information and refers business to others.
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Hans Willemsen, Contrail Solutions: Member Spotlight, March 2012
Hans Willemsen
Contrail Solutions P/L
Contact details
Phone: 0413 319 709
Email: hans@contrailsolutions.com.au
Website: www.contrailsolutions.com.au
Brief description of products/services
My business Contrail Solutions helps business to improve safety and productivity through Safety and Training Management. Our experience includes the aviation industry which is founded on robust systems and quality. We apply these principles to two main areas: Safety Management and Training. Our approach to Safety Management is from a systemic perspective where we look at policy, people (roles, responsibilities and awareness) and processes. In the Training area, we look at the training needs of the organisation and of the individuals. We develop a training solution to best address these needs which could include designing and developing bespoke training courses. Although we have provided services to a number of clients we still recognise that each business is unique and we work with clients to ensure we develop the solution which best meets their needs.Share a significant impact you have made for a client
We were able to help a major airline to establish a program to minimise the potential of an inflight event from occurring through the facilitation of a risk assessment process.What is your most favourite technology gadget, tool, app or toy and why
I particularly like the BowTie Risk Assessment methodology because it is logical, comprehensive, easy to work through and understand, and it can be applied to a wide range of circumstances.
What inspires you on a daily basis
Sounds corny but, my family.What do you love about working or living in the Samford district
The environment – clear air and much quieter than in the CBD.
What do you enjoy/appreciate about the Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce
Sharing ideas and networking. There is always something new to learn.
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Ross Pickering, Samford Garage: Member Spotlight, February 2012
Ross Pickering
Samford Garage and Samford Towing
Contact details
Phone: 3289 1229
Fax: 3289 1169
Email: admin@samfordgarage.com.au
Website: www.samfordgarage.com.au and www.samfordtowing.com.au
What are your points of difference
- experienced and quality staff;
- welcoming, friendly and helpful;
- go the extra mile;
- well-equipped and well-trained;
- professional approach;
- attention to detail;
- deliver what we promise;
- honesty;
- client communication (including SMS if required);
- one stop shop (tyres, accessories and batteries);
- all automotive repairs and servicing;
- all makes, all ages, and all models;
- new vehicle servicing that won't affect your warranty.
What is your most favourite technology gadget, tool, app or toy and why
Our Safet-T-Stop machine. It's a two minute must which:
- checks steering;
- checks brakes;
- checks shock absorbers;
- provides a professional summary as a colour printout;
- provides the tare weight of machinery and trailers.
What inspires you on a daily basis
Satisfied customers, job satisfaction, supervising happy workers and the end product.What do you love about working or living in the Samford district
The Samford community and its total offer. Don't need to travel the mountain for supplies.
Plus
the national park barrier, so far but so close to a capital city, the
natural beauty of the valley and surrounding mountains, the cafes of Mt
Nebo and Mt Glorious and the scenic tourist drives.
What do you enjoy/appreciate about the Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce
Samford Garage is a member of two Chambers, the Hills and Samford.
I think each has its own unique benefits,
and was interested to hear a Hills member say that Samford has the edge in community networking.
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Cat Matson: Member Spotlight, January 2012
Cat Matson
Contact details
Phone: 3289 5500
Website: www.catmatson.com
Email: cat@alito.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CatMatson.BusinessCATalyst
Twitter: @catmatson
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/catmatson
Google+: plus.google.com/u/0/100539112251328599209/about
Brief description of products/services
I provide coaching and consulting services to small business owners. My coaching services drive performance improvement – that is, I coach the business owner to get more of what they want out of their business. My consulting services help owners with their strategy, marketing and social media needs. My point of difference is I don't deliver 'one-size-fits-all' solutions – I discover what the business owner *really* needs (which is often different to what they think they need) and I facilitate that outcome. I'm also very honest and practical about what it takes to run a business – I don't wax lyrical about how everyone can build a successful business and retire to a deserted island and I also don't believe that every *successful* business is one where the owner no longer needs to work in it. Definitions of success are different for everyone... AND running a business can be extraordinarily challenging. I tell the truth about that... and I work with my clients to create *real* and *practical* solutions to achieve a model of success that is meaningful to them.Share a significant impact you have made for a client
I stop the endless 'noise' in my clients heads – you know, those circular discussions about the 'best' way forward. In doing so, my clients have clarity and confidence about the action they're taking in the business. A specific example is a new technology and social-sharing business – the owner had invested a significant amount of money in a new website and was stuck in figuring out how to make the new business viable. We spent the day together in a strategic planning and marketing planning session and clarified how, exactly, she could make a profit from the business in less than 12 months. Four months in, she's on track.What is your most favourite technology gadget, tool, app or toy and why
Ooooh, that's a tough one between my iPhone and iPad... I'd say my iPhone because honestly, if I have that, I have EVERYTHING I need... Twitter, Facebook, Google+, emails, web... means I'm *always* connected :-)
What inspires you on a daily basis
Every-day people making their business work – whether it's through sheer determination, creative ideas or a combo of both. Also – people with great ideas or information. Oh, and the evolving interactive media space – blows me away.What do you love about working or living in the Samford district
I love the community feel of the Village – I love that my boys, at 6 & 4, can walk into virtually any shop or business in the Village and be looked after... even if they have raced ahead of me (as they often do). I love the fellowship of knowing my business and residential 'neighbours' and I love that we have Brisbane's best coffee shop in Main St :-)
What do you enjoy/appreciate about the Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce
LOL – well as President I'm a bit biased...
but it's similar to what I love about living and working here – the
fellowship of other local business owners... who have chosen a
lifestyle of semi-rural living... and of running their own show.
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Mark Dover, MDA Finance: Member Spotlight, December 2011
Mark Dover
MDA Finance
(Mark Dover & Associates Pty Ltd)
Contact details
Phone: 0435 470 788
Website: www.mdafinance.com.au
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markdoverqld
Brief description of products/services
MDA
Finance is an independent full service
business finance broking and consulting firm domiciled in Samford
assisting small business, SMEs and select large corporate institutions
achieve their financial goals.
MDA can arrange all commercial/business financing requirements from a
deep network of Australian and International financiers for clients
typically with annual cumulative borrowing needs over $250,000 for
equipment, vehicles, property purchase and development, working capital
finance and general business banking to compliment. We can also provide
refinancing,
restructuring and company acquisition financing.
We have deep experience financing to all industries most notably in
mining, construction, road transportation, agricultural and
manufacturing.
MDA Finance provides a holistic approach to all commercial finance
needs. We can save you or your clients significant opportunity cost
otherwise foregone raising finance, whilst we act independently of all
our financier accreditations – ensuring unbiased outcomes tailored to
client needs.
Share a significant impact you have made for a client
I have many satisfied and loyal clients who I've got to know well over the many years I've spent in the finance industry. The key to achieving satisfied clients is to listen to their needs and understand their business issues whilst readily being able to represent to the client how different financing structures can enhance their commercial position financially and competitively whilst building this strategy into credit submissions to lenders on the clients behalf saving them time and money.A recent example involved the commercial review of a clients current debt facilities in the advent of a return to steady growth after the downturn effects of the GFC. The existing debt facilities, largely required for working capital needs were previously established on a mix of fixed amortising (P&I) and interest only (IO) terms on largely non revolving terms at higher interest rates than what could be achieved in the market at the time. A restructure was established retaining some amortising debt facilities and introducing a competitive, revolving credit line in the form of a Debtor Finance Facility at an effective cost 2.5% below the existing facility interest rate which floats with the principle balance. The client has now secured the right debt product mix to rebuild their business and saved significant costs in the process which will further compound in their favour as the business grows.
What is your most favourite technology gadget, tool, app or toy and why
Perhaps a small plug for Apple here but I love the iPhone. It allows me to get data, take phone calls and keep u.t.d with urgent emails when travelling or taking a holiday break and it syncs well with my iMac when I return to the office.
What inspires you on a daily basis
Professionally that each new day provides an
opportunity to make another businessperson's life more manageable when
they decide to outsource their financing needs to MDA who will usually
be able to save them time, money and often stress allowing them to get
on with what they do best and enjoy most in their business as owner or
as a senior employee.
What do you love about working or living in the Samford district
I came to the Samford Valley with my family in 2003 and have found it a wonderfully peaceful place to reside when previously working in the CBD only 30 minutes away. Since establishing my own business in 2009 I've also found it to be a great base to work given the large number of business owners and professional people who actually live and or work in the Samford Valley providing a source of networking, business opportunities and collective local inspiration. Samford has a relaxed country and community feel and those that live and work here know the extensive benefits this provides.
What do you enjoy/appreciate about the Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce
I'm a relatively new comer to the Chamber
joining as a member in May 2010 under invitation from our esteemed Vice
President Tony Freeman who I had known for many years as a friendly
neighbour! With the Committee's kind introductions, I quickly realised there were many commercial benefits in
becoming a member in terms of marketing for business referrals, being
educated in local business and Government issues and sharing the trials
and tribulations of running a small business. I've now held the position
of Treasurer for one full annual term and was re elected in Sept 2011
for another term and thoroughly look forward to further building the
Chamber with our great committee and loyal, diverse and expanding member
base.
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