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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.

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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Margaret Uhr, Beaks Birdminding: Member Spotlight, November 2011

Margaret Uhr,
Beaks Bird Minding

Contact details

Phone: 0419 641 921 or 07 3289 2873
Website: www.beaks.com.au

Brief description of products/services

Margaret provides luxury safe accommodation for birds whilst her clients are on holidays. Beaks Bird Minding looks after birds from all over Queensland and has now been in business for 5 years and relies on many regular customers. The birds love it as it is a 'home away from home' situation with lots of TLC, rather than the clinical alternative. Having said that, Margaret believes that her bird cages are the cleanest in the country as they are cleaned out twice a day!

Share a significant impact you have made for a client

Before Beaks Bird Minding came on the scene, the only place for birds to stay was either at the vet (would you like to stay at the doctor for your holidays?), or your bird would go to a kennel/cattery.

Birds are extremely sensitive and very intelligent, so this would be a very frightening experience. At 'Beaks' it is all about the birds, and most birds really enjoy it as they just meet other birds and enjoy communicating. It is sort of like kindergarten....all fun and squawking, and food to die for!

What is your most favourite technology gadget, tool, app or toy and why

Not much time for apps in this business. It is all about my website, phone, cleaning cloth and customer service!

What inspires you on a daily basis

I sincerely believe I have the best bird minding business ever. I love watching other people try and copy me but know it will never be as good as they lack the passion that I have for birds.

Something worth noting

'Beaks' turned 5 on the 1st October!

What do you love about working or living in the Samford district

I've lived in Samford for nearly 19 years. What I love about the place is that even though it has grown incredibly in that time, it still has the 'village feel'. I also have to mention the wildlife....no need to go bushwalking here... just sit on the verandah!

What do you enjoy/appreciate about the Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce

As I work from home on my own, I really enjoy meeting with all the other business owners once a month. The support I have had from the Chamber has been incredible, particularly in the past few years. This has been important, as many people in the wider community don't understand about companion parrots, and have sometimes made me feel that perhaps my business is a little odd...probably me too!

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Another Fantastic Breakfast

Once again this morning we had to prevail upon "mine host" Steve to add a few more place settings for the Samford and Districts Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast.

Our guest speaker this morning was Sophie Head from the Moreton Bay Regional Council delivering the results of a Business Confidence Survey that was conducted during May this year. There were loads of questions from the floor and an interesting discussion on the results and some helpful and insightful hints on framing some new questions for subsequent surveys.

For the full results click on this link:

http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/subsite.aspx?id=90701

There are several events coming up that may be beneficial to you and your business

Better in Business Event - 21st October

http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au//discover.aspx?id=87416

An information workshop for the New occupational Health and Safety Laws which come into effect in January next year - If you are not up to speed with this it could have a profound impact on your business

http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au//discover.aspx?id=10737419725

Minutes for today's meeting are available by contacting Angela Galvin - Secretary of the Samford and Districts Chamber of Commerce on angela.galvin@harcourts.com.au.

Next meeting date: November 9th - there will be no guest speaker at this breakfast but we will be conducting Referral Circles.

A reminder that Membership renewals are being sent out for the coming year.

Until Next time

Angela

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Michael Benstead, Tecnet Solutions: Member Spotlight, October 2011

Michael Benstead,
Tecnet Solutions

Contact details

Mobile: 0422 144 906
Website: www.tecnetsolutions.com.au
Email: michael@tecnetsolutions.com.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tecnetsolutions
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/michael-benstead/1a/46a/6b4

Brief description of products/services

We offer a wide range of solutions that enable our customers to effectively utilise rapidly changing technologies in the workplace. Services we offer include a full range of Computer Hardware and Software, Consulting Advice, Software Development, Google Apps services, Cloud Based File Storage and Backup Solutions, Full Systems Monitoring and of course timely, onsite IT Support! Our customers benefit by engaging with a Technology Support Provider who makes an effort to understand their business needs so their technology solutions are "the right ones".

We specialise in Small and Medium businesses who have unique needs – often larger IT companies struggle to form a meaningful relationship with their clients. We make the effort to do this because it is rewarding for both parties!

Share a significant impact you have made for a client

Overall you know you have made an impact when your customers tell you that they no longer notice their IT systems anymore and they are just focusing on running their businesses again instead of worrying about those bloody computers!

What is your most favourite technology gadget, tool, app or toy and why

Our Client Monitoring Software System. It proactively monitors our customer's IT systems and fixes most problems before they impact on end users. In the event there is an issue we can click a mouse and instantly connect to a customer's computer and work through the issue with them and in most cases fix it on the spot.

What inspires you on a daily basis

The simple fact that technology affects every part of our lives, especially business, and there are exciting things happening all the time!

Something worth noting

We are resellers for "Trend Micro" (World Number 1 Server Security Vendor). Trend Micro have just this month released their "Safe Sync For Business" cloud based file storage, backup and synchronisation solution. We participated in the pre-release testing of this revolutionary way of storing and sharing files and we believe it is a fantastic solution for our customers. You can access, share and synchronise your files with staff (and customers) in real time to any computer (PC or MAC) and any mobile device (iPad, iPhone, laptop etc). No more confusion about who is working on what file and having difficulties accessing information when not in the office!

What do you love about working or living in the Samford district

No traffic lights! The smile you make when people from "over the hill" ask you what is like "living in the country". Friendly people who know how lucky they are to be living here!

What do you enjoy/appreciate about the Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce

We have been involved with the Chamber of Commerce for several years now and it is a great way to engage with potential clients and fellow business owners. The atmosphere is laid back and everyone has a good laugh at each other's jokes.

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