Taming The Ferrets

Having come from a highly successful career in leading Management, Sales and Marketing roles across companies, including Hill Laboratories, Bowel Cancer NZ and Fonterra, Megan is now enjoying the autonomy and independence of working in the residential property market. Megan drives on 3 points:Count on her to get it doneMaking like easierWill see it throughWe discuss the transition from corporate world to Real Estate, what the jump looked like, how her family drove and supported her decision (or not) and what philanthropy looks like for Megan.Listen to this to understand the transition from employment to self employed, community support, the highs and lows that tenacity and resilience can bring, and how to work with a family and 2 dogs!  Megan tames many ferrets and is a great to hear how she does it!

Steve Moulden constantly states it is a privilege and the right choice of living and raising a family in one of the most beautiful countries in the World, and in the “epicenter" of it all….. Hamilton…. (he also loves to debate this one!) For the past few decades Steve and his team has provided servicing and a range of Photocopier equipment to Hamilton businesses. During that time, they have been privileged enough to have won Australasian Dealer of the year for four years  Part of that success is driven in the team of good people who know how to work hard and have fun. TGHe other key element is that Steve loves the the industry and wants to attract people that also have a passion to nourish it and if you give outstanding service and know your product or service better than anyone else then you give yourself a better chance of succeeding. Find out more in this podcast, more about copier world, mistakes and success of multiple location ownership and partnership as well as running a commercial business and a family! 

Pienaar Piso is a prominent businessman and entrepreneur based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Originally from South Africa, he emigrated as a teenager and built his foundation through hard work alongside his father, who has been a constant mentor and guiding influence in his journey. In this podcast, Pienaar explains why New Zealanders that grow up and are educated here, have such an unfair advantage, and how he still managed to ‘win’.Pienaar founded Vision Complete Earthworks (VCE) in 2007, a company that has since become a major player in the Waikato civil construction industry. It has grown from a single truck and digger to a fleet of over 40 machines. The company specialize in large-scale subdivisions and residential earthworks, completing hundreds of house pads annually. Impacting and creating the landscape of Hamilton. His “side project” is converting the tallest building in the CBD into the Pullman Hotel and is a strong advocate for council responsibility on infrastructure.Pienaar is known in the community as a mentor and motivational speaker and is passionate about the Waikato region and his Christian faith.We deep dive into family dynamics, mentorship, resilience, stress management and you don't have to be nasty to be kind! 

Steve Fallon is an online marketing guru. Serving many businesses over the years and adding to top and bottom lines.  With a history in medical sales and marketing, he has taken the “Prognosis without Diagnosis is Malpractice” philosophy to the online marketing world With a focus on improving productivity through technology and really looking at the data and what drives sales through marketing, Steve has learnt and developed technology to help the "everyday business person” to achieve great things and to have a life outside of work and business.  Analysis, Adaption, Application and Adaption make Steve and his team help small businesses clear their thinking and let technology do some the heavy lifting. Find out what productivity means to Steve, how we can improve it and how anyone can learn new things, form anywhere in the world!

Vanessa dives into what HCBA and a BID means for the development of the city. She also mentions more than once that Hamilton is New Zealand's fastest growing city and puts some of her theories on why this is to the test!  Leading the organization that is responsible for the resurgence of the CBD, we discuss that being "JOAT" helps more than being a "GOAT"!  Vanessa explains from her background in PR and Marketing as well as motherhood and wrestling with businesses, retailers and council on a daily basis - she understands that no one buys bad vibes, and is dedicated to make Hamilton a good vibe place to live, work and play. Find out what drives Vanessa, what keeps her up at night and what helps you come to the CBD each day! 

A dairy farm in Taranaki served as the back drop for growing up for this now retired Police officer.  After working on the land in horticulture agriculture and working trip to the UK including the Rugby World cup and many market garden roles as well as hospitality.  Paul joined the police force after his wife phoned the recruitment office for him and he then served as an officer in Hamilton for more than 15 years. The toils and tribulations of working on the front line eventually took its toll and needing a mental break and seeing the youth within the ‘system’ being disadvantaged, Paul decided to do something about it… Here 2 Care exists to provide a safe place for young people to complete community service hours by contributing towards a community garden and family support center. Aroha (love), Tautoko (support) and Manaaki (care) are the values Paul speaks about and aligns with the community needs and the commitment to serve truthfully and honestly in all that he and the organization does.  Taming the different personalities, demographics and communities, Paul has various coping mechanisms he has had to develop and we deep dive into some of these as well as what drives him… and why in Hamilton!

Jujhar is accomplished entrepreneur, chairman, advisory board member, Justice of the peace, event organizer and community leader.  Since arriving in New Zealand, has built thriving businesses such as JSR refrigeration and air conditioning as well as leading Zephyr Pure air ventilation , JSR management, the Hillcrest spinal Centre and recently the Diwali festival.  With expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, Jujhar holds multiple qualifications including engineering and being a certified assessor and governance member. Beyond his collection of ferrets (business) he is a dedicated community advocate, serving in leadership roles within I AM HE(R) charitable trust, the Indian cultural society Waikato and the NZ Central Indian association. His contributions have earned him accolades and awards including the recipient of the Hamilton Civic Award in 2023.   As a chair of the ethnic Business network and organizations such as NZ Business Connect, Jujhar is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and driving business growth.  A great introduction and start to Taming the Ferrets - Hamilton!

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 story 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