Ash Ivory, founder of Ivory Common and self-described “fractional CPO,” shares their unique journey from scaling and maximising product offerings to founding a business that helps others do the same. In this episode, Ash and Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb, dive into the art of product strategy, the psychology of business decisions, and the hard realities of running your own consultancy. Ash’s passion for neurodiversity, real-talk about cash flow pressures, and her approach to business coaching through radical honesty shine through. With deep insights into startup culture, customer discovery, and the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, Ash offers listeners a fresh perspective on building meaningful and resilient businesses—plus a surprising crossover with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Covered in this episode: · Ash’s journey from startup product lead to founder of Ivory Common. · What it means to be a "fractional CPO" and how Ash supports founders. · How to define success in unexpected moments. · The emotional cost of entrepreneurship, including impacts on personal life. · Using outcomes over features when designing products or services. · Why customer feedback is essential—and how to gather it. · The importance of coachability and knowing when to “sack your clients.” · Getting started with AI tools like ChatGPT for business efficiency. · Ash’s business mantra: “Words Matter”—the interplay between language and action. · A shared love for Taylor Swift (and a debate about best tracks).

Check out Ivory Common.

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

#SmallBusinessBigStories, #IvoryCommon, #ProductStrategy, #FractionalCPO, #NeurodiversityInBusiness, #TaylorSwiftBusiness, #AIForSmallBusiness

Shaun 'Zoro' Radnedge, owner of Dunnes Meats and Mayor of Murweh Shire Council, shares his unique journey from apprentice butcher to small business owner and local government leader. This episode explores Zoro’s experience running a successful butcher shop in Charleville for over 25 years while also serving his community as Mayor. Zoro discusses the challenges of operating a small business in rural Queensland, including weathering droughts and floods, finding and retaining staff, and adapting to changing times. From extending business hours to prioritizing quality and customer service, Zoro offers valuable insights on business resilience, community engagement, and the importance of support for small businesses in regional areas. His experiences highlight the critical role of small businesses as the "beating heart of Australia" and the unexpected paths that can lead to both business success and public service.

Covered in this episode:

• The origin story: Zoro’s journey from apprentice butcher to owning Dunnes Meats in Charleville.
• The challenges and opportunities of buying and rebranding a small business in a rural town.
• Strategies for differentiating a business in a competitive small-town market.
• The importance of quality products and customer service in retaining customers.
• Approaches to finding and retaining staff in a rural area, including "growing your own" through apprenticeships.
• Sean's transition into local politics.
• The importance of community support and engagement for small business success.
• Insights on business resilience and adapting to changing circumstances.
• The need for support and resources for small businesses in remote, rural, and regional Queensland.

Time-Stamped Key Moments

•00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest: Sean “Zoro” Radnidge.

•00:01 – Zoro’s journey: From apprentice butcher to owning Dunn Meats.

•00:02 – The challenge of acquiring a business after a decade away.

•00:03 – Small changes, big impact: Extending business hours to capture the after-work crowd.

•00:04 – Competing in a small-town market: What makes Dunn Meats stand out?

•00:06 – Finding and training staff in a rural setting.

•00:07 – Family business or succession planning? The future of Dunn Meats.

•00:09 – Entering politics: Why Zoro ran for mayor.

•00:12 – The crucial role of community support in business success.

•00:13 – Zoro’s advice for small business owners facing tough times.

•00:14 – The biggest challenges for small businesses in regional Queensland.

•00:15 – Zoro’s mantra: “Pleased to meet you with the meat to please you.”

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Ghis Gallo, manager of The Crystal Caves in Atherton, shares the remarkable story of how a passion for crystals evolved into a unique retail and tourism experience. This episode explores the journey of The Crystal Caves from its humble beginnings as a small shop in 1983 to becoming a must-visit destination in North Queensland. Ghis discusses the challenges of running a family business, the importance of customer experience, and the evolution of their marketing approach. From building man-made caves to showcase crystal collections to adapting to changing customer needs, Ghis offers valuable insights on creating memorable experiences, staff management, and leveraging support in the tourism industry. Her experiences highlight the critical role of embracing uniqueness, continual innovation, and maintaining a genuine connection with customers in retail success.

Covered in this episode:

• The origin story: How Rene’s passion for crystals led to the founding of Crystal Caves in 1983.
• The evolution from a small shop to a large-scale retail and experiential destination.
• The creation of the unique "cave" experience and its impact on the business and local tourism.
• Challenges of marketing a niche experience in a location off the beaten tourist path.
• Strategies for continually updating and improving the customer experience.
• The joy of seeing generational visits and creating lasting memories for customers.
• The benefits and freedoms of running a family-owned business.
• Tips for small businesses on creating magical experiences and memorable customer interactions.
• Approaches to staff management and fostering individual strengths within the team.
• The value of engaging with industry support and resources, particularly in the tourism sector.

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Karagh-Mae ‘Kaz’ Kelly, founder of Doggy Day Care Brisbane, shares her journey from RSPCA inspector and border force handler to successful entrepreneur. This episode explores how Kaz built a holistic doggy daycare business that goes beyond basic pet sitting. Kaz candidly discusses the challenges of starting and scaling a business, the importance of community engagement, and navigating the complexities of being a value-driven female business owner. From building professional networks to managing empathic staff, Kaz offers valuable insights on leadership, community involvement, and political engagement in the small business landscape. Her experiences highlight the critical role of purpose-driven leadership, community connection, and the importance of defining personal success in business.

• The origin story: Kaz's background in animal welfare and the founding of Doggy Day Care Brisbane.
• The holistic approach to doggy daycare.
• The importance of community engagement and how it shapes business strategy.
• Diversifying services in response to community needs and staff expertise.
• The challenges and benefits of having a strong voice as a small business owner in the community.
• The role of personal values and morals in shaping business decisions and brand identity.
• Challenges of managing staff, particularly in an industry attracting empathic individuals.
• The importance of self-care and maintaining strong friendships as a business owner.
• Experiences with scaling the business and the subsequent decision to downsize.
• Reflections on the relationship between growth and success in small business.
• The intersection of politics and business, and the importance of taking stands on social issues.
• Tips for new business owners on getting involved in their local community.
• The importance of finding the right size for your business that aligns with your life goals.
• Insights on creating a value-led business and the impact on customer relationships.

Kaz Kelly is the founder of Doggy Daycare Brisbane, located in West End. With a professional background as an RSPCA inspector and border force handler, Kaz brought her expertise and passion for animals to small business ownership. Her commitment to community, social justice, and purpose-led entrepreneurship sets her apart. When not running Doggy Daycare, she’s actively involved in local advocacy, writing for the West Ender, and campaigning for better community resources.

• Engage with Your Community: Your neighbours and local groups are your greatest advocates.
• Stay True to Your Values: A clear moral compass can attract like-minded customers and build lasting loyalty.
• Reflect on Growth: Scaling isn’t always the answer; define what success looks like for your life and business.
• Lead with Empathy: Managing a team requires understanding individual strengths and communication styles.
• Purpose-Driven Business: Politics and business can intersect to create meaningful change and connection.

• Doggy Daycare Brisbane: Website | Instagram
• West Ender: Articles by Kaz Kelly
• Animal Justice Party: Learn More

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Holly Hunt, founder of Hunt & Co and Women in Digital, shares her journey from HR graduate to successful entrepreneur. This episode explores how Holly built a boutique digital recruitment agency and a national membership organization for women in tech. Holly candidly discusses the challenges of starting a business, the importance of mentorship, and navigating gender dynamics in male-dominated industries. From building professional networks to retaining talent in small businesses, Holly offers valuable insights on leadership, diversity, and adaptation in the evolving digital landscape. Her experiences highlight the critical role of community, purpose-driven leadership, and embracing diversity in business success.

• The origin story: Holly's background in HR and international business, and the founding of Hunt Co and Women in Digital.
• Challenges faced by women in the tech industry and the decision to create a support network.
• The transition from a side hustle to a full-time business and the importance of family support.
• Strategies for small businesses to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.
• The significance of company values and purpose in employee retention and business growth.
• Building and maintaining professional networks, both joining existing ones and creating new communities.
• The role of collaboration in business success and Holly's approach to partnerships.
• Addressing the "boys club" mentality and the importance of diversity in male-dominated industries.
• The value of diversity in product development, innovation, and market expansion.
• Balancing multiple business ventures and intentionally allocating time and resources.
• Insights on creating inclusive workplaces and the benefits of diverse teams.
• Tips for small business owners on finding their tribe and starting their own networks.
• Reflections on the challenges and opportunities for women business owners in tech-related fields.

• Women in Digital: Women in Digital Events & Memberships
• Meetup: Meetup Networking Platform
• Hunt Co Recruitment: Hunt & Co
• Bespoken PR Agency: Bespoken PR Services

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Kay Tommerup, from Tommerup’s Dairy Farm in Queensland's Scenic Rim, shares the remarkable journey of her family's 150-year-old farm. This episode explores how their traditional dairy operation transformed into a thriving agritourism destination. Kay candidly discusses the challenges of diversification, the importance of authenticity in business, and how embracing change saved their farm from financial ruin. From weathering natural disasters to navigating family dynamics, Kay offers valuable insights on adapting to market changes, succession planning, and staying true to your values in business.

Covered in this episode:

• The origin story: The 150-year history of Tommerup’s Dairy farm and its transition from traditional dairy farming to agritourism.
• Challenges faced in the dairy industry at large and the decision to diversify.
• The impact of inviting visitors onto a family farm and the importance of maintaining authenticity.
• Dealing with natural disaster and how tourism helped sustain the farm.
• The value of community support and networking among farmers in times of crisis.
• Unexpected opportunities arising from diversification.
• Navigating family dynamics and overcoming resistance to change from older generations.
• The process of succession planning and bringing the next generation into the business.
• The importance of education and training when transitioning into agritourism.
• Insights on branding, understanding your values, and staying true to your business identity.
• Tips for small business owners considering diversification or major changes in their operations.

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.