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  • 31. Taming the Community: Bevan Rakoia

    56:25||Season 2, Ep. 31
    Imagine leaving behind a flourishing career in global hotel management to champion the needs of Pacific communities. Bevan did just that. From his role as a first-time candidate for the Tauranga City Council to his ongoing commitment to youth engagement and cultural understanding, his story is a testament to the power of community leadership. Bevan’s journey offers a rich tapestry of insights into the importance of staying connected and supportive, even in the face of political challenges and election campaign hurdles.Listeners will gain a wealth of knowledge about Bevan’s transition from managing high-end hospitality experiences across the world to advocating for cultural preservation and civic engagement. His unique blend of skills and experiences underscores the significance of understanding diverse cultural landscapes and the impact of governance on community development. Through his current roles, such as chairing the Pacific Island Community Trust and engaging in sports governance, Bevan demonstrates how his background in hospitality informs his approach to leadership and community service.This episode promises an engaging exchange between Bevan, Tony and Emil, where they share surprising hobbies and discuss the dynamic interplay between personal growth and community impact. From the challenges of promoting voter turnout among young people to fostering cultural sensitivity in diverse environments, this conversation encourages a deeper appreciation of the roles we play in our communities. Join us as we explore the rich narrative of Bevan’s life and the lessons it holds for us all......................Taming the Ferrets is produced by ThePodHub.com (previously known as WTF! Productions) and presented by Tony Snow and Emil Verster, both serial entrepreneurs, open to learning, fun and informal, with a dash of high energy. Discover Tony’s profile here and Emil’s profile hereInterested in starting your own podcast? It's easier than you think. Find out more at www.thepodhub.com....................Get on the 'Gram! Follow Taming the Ferrets hereIf you prefer Facebook find us hereHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....................00:52 - Local Business Stories and Community Engagement05:15 - Personal Growth and Community Leadership21:52 - International Hotel Management Experience29:18 - Cross-Cultural Adventures and Community Engagement42:04 - Community Engagement and Cultural Understanding56:48 - Podcasting Opportunities and Industry InsightsPodcast References:Bevan Rakoia LinkedIn

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  • 30. Taming the Broker: Teresa Jacobs

    52:32||Season 2, Ep. 30
    Can passion, perseverance, and strategic planning truly transform a career across vastly different fields? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Teresa Jacobs, an ambitious business broker who transitioned from residential real estate to the challenging realms of commercial sales and accounting. Teresa shares her inspiring story of earning prestigious accountancy qualifications, and thriving in Tauranga's dynamic commercial property landscape. Her tale is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of success, offering invaluable insights for those navigating their own career pivots.Explore the emotional and financial complexities facing small business owners, especially when residential properties back their ventures. Teresa provides a deep dive into the intricacies of business brokering, emphasizing the crucial role experienced brokers play in negotiating deals and guiding entrepreneurs through turbulent times like economic downturns and personal crisis. We also examine the generational shift in business ownership, with younger entrepreneurs opting for experiences over traditional assets, and discuss the varying valuation multiples across New Zealand, Australia, and China.Discover Teresa’s entrepreneurial ventures, from acquiring a Coffee News franchise to founding Calculate, a bookkeeping business. She shares her marketing strategies, the rewards of balancing business ownership with family life, and her vision for leveraging technology, such as smart glasses, to manage operations remotely. With an emphasis on preparation, financial prudence, and the importance of seeking professional advice, Teresa’s experiences offer a treasure trove of practical advice and inspiring stories for anyone aspiring to succeed in the multifaceted world of business......................Taming the Ferrets is produced by ThePodHub.com (previously known as WTF! Productions) and presented by Tony Snow and Emil Verster, both serial entrepreneurs, open to learning, fun and informal, with a dash of high energy. Discover Tony’s profile here and Emil’s profile hereInterested in starting your own podcast? It's easier than you think. Find out more at www.thepodhub.com....................Get on the 'Gram! Follow Taming the Ferrets hereIf you prefer Facebook find us hereHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....................Highlights:00:52 - Taming the Ferrets09:20 - Navigating Business Brokering and Transfers21:41 - Family Business Succession Planning26:02 - Building Multiple Business Enterprises38:20 - Entrepreneurial Persistence and Preparation43:35 - Business Ownership and Preparation52:55 - Future Business Technology DiscussionPodcast References:Teresa Jacobs LinkedInblackgoldagency.co.nz coffeenews.co.nz/publishers/Tauranga 
  • 29. Taming the Lawn: Michael Sievwright

    53:44||Season 2, Ep. 29
    Ever wondered how to turn a small-town business into a global powerhouse? Michael, CEO of Trimax, reveals the secrets behind the company's meteoric rise from Tauranga, New Zealand to international acclaim. Learn how Trimax specializes in tractor-mounted mowing machinery for public green spaces and golf courses, and the intricate challenges of competing in markets like North America. Michael shares the personal sacrifices of balancing work-life demands while spearheading a company known for its laser focus on innovation and service excellence.Michael also underscores the importance of a strong team and the nuanced approach to allowing family members to forge their own paths, whether within or outside the family business.How do you balance a demanding career with extensive travel and family life? Michael opens up about the trials and tribulations of business travel, maintaining health routines, and the necessary support systems at home. We also discuss the impact of the pandemic on personal and professional spheres, and how mentorship and collective decision-making have fueled Trimax’s growth. Finally, we touch on the role of community involvement through the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust and the promising future of AI in manufacturing. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, practical advice, and heartfelt anecdotes for anyone navigating the complexities of business and family life......................Taming the Ferrets is produced by ThePodHub.com (previously known as WTF! Productions) and presented by Tony Snow and Emil Verster, both serial entrepreneurs, open to learning, fun and informal, with a dash of high energy. Discover Tony’s profile here and Emil’s profile hereInterested in starting your own podcast? It's easier than you think. Find out more at www.thepodhub.com....................Get on the 'Gram! Follow Taming the Ferrets hereIf you prefer Facebook find us hereHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....................Highlights:00:52 - Taming the Ferrets11:03 - Building a Family Business Legacy19:00 - Navigating Business Growth and Mentorship30:29 - Balancing Work, Family, and Travel34:24 - Balancing Work, Family, and Health42:14 - Community Involvement and Business Automation54:11 - Podcast Interview With Business OwnerPodcast References:Michael Sievwright's Linkedinwww.trimaxmowers.co.nzhttps://www.bopydt.co.nz/https://www.nzte.govt.nz/https://tin100.com/
  • 28. Taming the Investments: Hayley Nelson

    01:06:12||Season 2, Ep. 28
    From the rolling pastures of Taranaki to the bustling investment scene in Tauranga, Hayley Nelson's tale is one of remarkable transformation and tenacity. As the General Manager for Tauranga at Craig Investment Partners, she's at the helm of a spirited team during an era of significant growth and opportunity. With 27 years under her belt in the region, Hayley has a wealth of anecdotes about the local transformation, her ventures into non-profit work, and the exhilaration of steering the ship at Craig's through their 40th-anniversary celebrations and beyond.Dive deep into the heart of team dynamics and leadership as Hayley unravels the threads of personal experiences that shape our professional lives. It's a candid look at how travel, early life events, and the values that bind a team together can sculpt a workplace that thrives on respect, understanding, and the collective strength of its members. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone curious about the art of nurturing talent, the subtleties of recruiting, and the gentle push of intuition in guiding management decisions.The narrative then shifts to navigating the delicate intricacies of financial advising and the impact of personal growth on career trajectories. Hayley offers an insider's perspective on the evolution from business-centric operations to a people-focused approach, reflecting the shifting landscape of work-life balance and the embrace of innovation. We unpack the creation of the Western Bay Women's Fund, the resonance of community-focused strategies, and the anticipation surrounding Craig's new chapter in their landmark office space. This episode is not just a journey through the milestones of an investment firm but an inspiring reflection on the synergy between financial success and the spirit of giving back......................Taming the Ferrets is produced by ThePodHub.com (previously known as WTF! Productions) and presented by Tony Snow and Emil Verster, both serial entrepreneurs, open to learning, fun and informal, with a dash of high energy. Discover Tony’s profile here and Emil’s profile hereInterested in starting your own podcast? It's easier than you think. Find out more at www.thepodhub.com....................Get on the 'Gram! Follow Taming the Ferrets hereIf you prefer Facebook find us hereHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Highlights:00:52 Taming Ferrets Business Podcast Interview12:05 Life-Changing Experiences and Managing Teams24:50 Navigating Financial Management and Personal Growth38:02 Opportunities and Personal Growth in Careers41:38 Office Space and Team Dynamics47:33 Community Giving and Strategic Partnerships56:03 Wealth Building and Flexible Work StrategiesPodcast Reference:Linkedin - Hayley Nelson
  • 27. Taming the Rehab: Michelle Watson

    59:32||Season 2, Ep. 27
    Stepping out from behind the bank counter and into the sports arena, our latest guest is someone who epitomizes the art of career reinvention. Discover how a leap of faith led her from the world of finance to the heart-pumping adrenaline of high-performance sports therapy, providing both physical and emotional support to elite athletes. It's a tale woven with the threads of personal growth, the thrill of international competition, and the transformative power of embracing life's unexpected opportunities.Amidst the excitement of the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, we explore the meticulous world of sports therapy. From the complexities of athlete injury prevention to the collaborative effort required among medical staff, our guest opens up about her hands-on experiences with high-performance sports teams. Coupled with her anecdotes are the profound moments of gratitude and the touching victories of those she's aided, creating a narrative that's as heartwarming as it is insightful.Venture with us as Michelle from iFix Health illuminates the multiplicity of her world, where she melds a passion for wellness with the savvy of small business growth. The winding path of her career serves as a compelling backdrop to discussions on holistic therapies, the challenges of physical vocations, and the joy found in community contribution. Her energy is infectious, her story powerful, and her journey one that will resonate with anyone who's ever faced—or is facing—the crossroads of career transformation......................Taming the Ferrets is produced by ThePodHub.com (previously known as WTF! Productions) and presented by Tony Snow and Emil Verster, both serial entrepreneurs, open to learning, fun and informal, with a dash of high energy. Discover Tony’s profile here and Emil’s profile hereInterested in starting your own podcast? It's easier than you think. Find out more at www.thepodhub.com....................Get on the 'Gram! Follow Taming the Ferrets hereIf you prefer Facebook find us hereHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Highlights:00:52 Taming the Ferrets Business Podcast11:32 Journey to Success and Courage22:52 Athlete Injuries and High Performance Sports29:44 The Origin of the Name iFix43:24 Holistic Approach to Wellness and Recovery53:01 Small Business Benefits & Growth58:45 Journey of Self-Satisfaction and ContributionPodcast Reference:Linkedin: Michelle Watson
  • 26. Taming the Pharmacy: Sam Appleford

    01:04:46||Season 2, Ep. 26
    Step into a knowledgeable yet enjoyable podcast experience with our guest, Sam Appleford, the astute owner of a pharmacy group spanning across Tauranga, New Zealand. Join us as Sam provides a measured and insightful tour of the intriguing world of retail —a must-listen for those with a keen interest in unraveling the stories concealed behind the counter.Meet Sam Appleford, a pharmacy expert, as he skillfully directs his compelling story amid the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical world. From navigating the challenges of the global financial crisis to harmonizing the operations of multiple pharmacies, Sam's journey unfolds as a tale marked by resilience and entrepreneurial finesse.Don't overlook the chance to acquire valuable insights into the intricate workings of the retail realm in a fun and informative setting.Ready for your dose of knowledge? Press that Download button now and gain access to the pharmacy's most valuable secrets, presented with a touch of provincial charm! 🎙️💊.....................Taming the Ferrets is produced by ThePodHub.com (previously known as WTF! Productions) and presented by Tony Snow and Emil Verster, both serial entrepreneurs, open to learning, fun and informal, with a dash of high energy. Discover Tony’s profile here and Emil’s profile hereInterested in starting your own podcast? It's easier than you think. Find out more at www.thepodhub.com....................Get on the 'Gram! Follow Taming the Ferrets hereIf you prefer Facebook find us hereHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Highlights:( 07:54) Sam's age and initial motivations for choosing Pharmacy( 19:57 ) Transitioning from Pharmacist to Business Owner(21:48 ) Challenges and benefits of scaling the pharmacy business(22:14 ) The importance of standards and scalability(23:14) The challenges of acquiring and opening pharmacies (25:50) The marketing regulations for pharmacies, particularly in New Zealand.(34:12) The complexities of marketing healthcare services and the difficulty of making crucial information stick with potential customers.(37:23) Purchasing additional pharmacies, highlighting the process of acquiring businesses through a blind tender and the unique opportunities when owners retire.(38:48) Sam's diverse challenges include managing a booming housing market, becoming a parent, and acquiring more pharmacies, emphasizing the steep learning curve.(42:41) How scale impacts pharmacy operations and management structures.(44:19) The labor challenge in finding qualified pharmacists and the changing demographics in the industry.(48:04) The rise of retail crime and the challenges in dealing with it draw parallels with global retail giants.(51:35) Identifying and managing stress in the demanding field of pharmacy.Podcast Reference:Linkedin: Sam Appleford 
  • 25. Taming the Investigations: Nick Kerr

    01:02:43||Season 2, Ep. 25
    In a society where trust matters most, Nick Kerr's company, International Private Investigations (IPI), shines as a reliable source, fixing issues that regular methods might miss.This episode is for those eager to unlock the crucial life lessons of empathy, conflict resolution, and risk management.Nick Kerr -  a dynamic private investigator and entrepreneur, has forged an impressive path in the world of investigation with the creation of his brainchild. His insights into the investigation world provide not just a glimpse but a front-row seat to the highs, lows, and the relentless pursuit of truth.Join Nick's entrepreneurial spirit in the intriguing world of repossession, investigations, and dispute mediation.Ready to dive into the heart of investigations? Listen now for an eye-opening experience with Nick Kerr!.....................Taming the Ferrets is produced by ThePodHub.com (previously known as WTF! Productions) and presented by Tony Snow and Emil Verster, both serial entrepreneurs, open to learning, fun and informal, with high energy. Discover Tony’s profile here and Emil’s profile hereInterested in starting your own podcast? It's easier than you think. Find out more at www.thepodhub.com....................Get on the 'Gram! Follow Taming the Ferrets hereIf you prefer Facebook find us hereHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Highlights:(06:19) Saving a child from a dangerous situation(20:18) Nick’s clientele includes finance companies and banks(23:31 ) The analogy of buying a used car and the importance of CarJam.com(24:22) Cautionary tales about buying heavily discounted cars on Facebook Marketplace(25:00) The journey of acquiring clients, seeking the toughest cases(27:28) Dispelling misconceptions about repo agents and their methods(28:58) The rigorous licensing process for becoming a repossession agent(30:19) Intelligence and conflict resolution in serving bankruptcy notices(31:01 ) The significance of mindset and ethics in the repossession industry(32:31) Setting the right tone during confrontations(33:26 ) Managing energy between different jobs(34:24) Putting people first in business practices(50:43) The importance of learning from experience(52:10) Nick's daily routine and habits for success(54:28) Dealing with difficult situations and managing impostor syndrome(57:38) The challenges of health & safety Podcast Reference:CARJAM “ The Five Minute Car Check”International Private Investigations (IPI) ( for Nick’s Company)Nick Kerr (Nick’s LinkedIn)