True Business Stories

Bill and Mark chat about the year gone and the great businesses they have met.

We will be back in 2026.

Mark started his life as a teacher and through hard work and 'sliding door moments' has been an AFL Player, AFL Coach and now the CEO of Geelong United Basketball. Mark has a clear vision and passion for sport and the need to ensure it is inclusive.  

Nick has had a drive to create businesses filling a gap in the market. He moved from selling Heat Pump Hot Water services to importing and installing lifts in peoples home after identifying a trend of people aging but wanting to stay in their own homes. A great story of innovation and adaptability.

Leighton has had a strong career in developing innovation across a number of roles. He then decided to pursue his love of sport and running completing a Ph.D in Sport Science and runs his own business coaching triathlon runners.  

Scott loves being in education and as the College Principal at Northern Bay College he wants all his students to be successful. A great career across various schools, a passion for teaching and a great role model.

Kerri loves working in the digital space helping customers optimise their SEO. Kerri has a clear focus on what she wants to achieve and this is evident through her various roles and businesses. Another example of 'being brave'

Keith Fagg is well known across Geelong and Victoria for his family hardware and timber business that has operated for over 170 years. Keith now devotes his time to mediation work and is also a philanthropist and a casual marathon runner.

Claire started her career as a para legal and on joining Telstra found a passion for cyber security. Claire has worked in Hong Kong as well as Australia and now runs her own cyber security consulting company The Security Collective.

Claire also has her own pod casts with a focus on cyber security.

Nadine started off in WA and commended work after study as a Speech Pathologist. Nadine moved to Victoria and with her husband started Baie Wines by planting lots of Vines. Today Baie Wines is recognised for a great arrange of wines and a strong social conscience.

Mia Shaw is the Mayor of Wyndham. Starting with a degree from Deakin University and a journalism focus has led to a number of communication roles. Mia now runs her own leadership mentoring business 'Govern with impact'  and has a passion for all things to do with Wyndham.

Thomas as the Chief Executive Officer of Symphony3, leads a team of experts in delivering innovative and transformative solutions for businesses across various sectors. The focus on providing Local Government the tools to help drive efficiency and better outcomes is a key driver. 

Eddy has always enjoyed working with engines and this led to a career working on diesel engines and machinery all over the world. Eddy returned to Geelong some years ago and is now working in the Elphinstone Group across Australia. He is also a Councillor for the City of Greater Geelong.

Justin started his education in wanting to be a lawyer but then decided to change and undertake a degree in business and and commerce. He then took on a role at Cabinets by Computer and is now the General Manager. 

Andrew started his career in innovative design with Parker Pens and Sian through the creative industries including the Opera. They met in the UK and through working in a number of companies consulting on design, critical thinking and  leadership have forged a two businesses that have taken them around the world and now back to Geelong.

Lachie started working with a couple of the big accounting firms that led to his interest in business valuations. He then started his own business helping business owners understand the key drivers for having a business ready for sale.

Alison started with working in journalism but has always had a passion for Devonport and wanting to see her home town thrive. Alison has spent some years on Devonport Council and is now Mayor. The recent Memorandum between Geelong and Devonport shows the importance of the Spirit of Tasmania to both cities and the opportunities.  

Alex has had a career with Telstra and Microsoft and his learnings from these companies helped him start his own business helping companies with Ai.

A great story of following your passion and being brave!

Andrew has property in his blood growing up in one of Geelong's famous families. He spent some years working in New York working on a number of creative projects. On returning to Victoria he has started a company called Euca - Eco-Cabins’  - with a primary goal of cabins & small homes for regional tourism, Airbnbs, backyard dwellings and small footprint living. Small homes for a wide range of uses. 

Karen Foster started her life as a journalist but decided this was not her calling. The journey from journalist to Mayor is an interesting one. Karen now operates a business and leadership development consultancy in Port Fairy and is Mayor of Moyne Shire.