Our next category this evening is the Owner Manager of the Year sponsored by Australia Post.
The Owner Manager of the Year identifies managers who have made a significant contribution to the growth of their own business, or co-founded an enterprise with a business partner.
The Institute defines owner managers as community minded leaders with a high level of business acumen combined with an extraordinary level of self-discipline.
Presenting the Award this evening is Helen Brodie, State Commercial Manager for Australia Post.
The 2007 State Finalists for the Owner Manager of the Year are:
Jennifer Hutson
Managing Director, Wellington Capital Limited
representing Brisbane
Jennifer has built what is now a leading institution within in the Queensland finance scene. As the managing director she has placed a strong emphasis on maintaining a flexible, family friendly work environment. She encourages commitment and vision and inspires staff to believe anything and everything is possible. In light of this, she takes pride in implementing strategies that are designed to accommodate staff needs and reward hard work and passion. Jennifer is recognised for her entrepreneurship and initiative, and creating an organisation where people feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Renae Kunda
Director, CYMCA Pty Ltd
representing Cairns
Renae has developed a unique work culture at CYMCA, believing in maintaining personal relationships with colleagues. This in turn has served her well with dedicated, productive relationships and ongoing commitment to the success of her business. Renae exhibits an undying passion toward her job. In doing so she has succeeded in a niche industry and is setting the standard. She has grown her business with eco-certification, and is set to revolutionise the industry.
Sandy Turner
Owner/Manager, Mopheadz Hair & The Haircutters
representing Gladstone
Sandy has developed her business by developing her staff. She believes that teamwork is the key to a successful business, and that management is about everyone moving forward together. She maintains this ethos through all aspects of her business by implementing a framework for full service, increasing the skills of her workers and keeping them abreast of new trends, products and knowledge. She has introduced innovative ways to differentiate her company in what is a large, competitive industry.
Kathryn Frolley
Owner/Operator, Jolt Health Bar
representing Mackay
Having a business that promotes good health and vitality, Kathryn ensures a positive team vibe so that it permeates through the service provided by her staff. She conducts regular sessions to uphold customer service standards, and ensures that all staff are trained in all areas to maximize efficiency in the workplace. Kathryn’s research and product development has seen her fulfill the needs of her customers successfully. Her method of management has enabled her to sustain her business by delivering a service and experience as an extension of the product.
Ross Mylrea
Managing Director, A Man's Toyshop
representing Rockhampton
Having been in business for over 30 years, Ross continues to take an enthusiastic approach to business. He recognises the need to move with the times, and as a result has taken on new developments in his business to maintain an aggressive and competitive stance in the market place. Recently he has introduced a website and online sales. He believes in working closely with his senior management team and delegates decision making. He emphasises the faith he has in all members of his organisation.
Keith Neuendorf
Owner/Managing Director, The Neuendorf Group
representing the Sunshine Coast
While Keith owns and operates a number of businesses within the Neuendorf Group, he believes in having a hands-on approach to all aspects. He has a strong knowledge of all business activity, an experienced in-house team and external consultants to keep him ahead of the game. Ken focuses on retention strategies to maintain business success. He also instills confidence and pride in his team members so they are inclined to care about what they are doing, and treat his business as it is their own. He believes personally and professionally satisfied staff is the key to success.
Julie Kerin
Managing Director, HB Recruitment and HB Training
representing Toowoomba
Julie has called on her extensive experience in the training and recruitment industry to successfully manage her business. She plans to use this knowledge and expertise to develop her team into the most respected leading recruitment and training agency in the region. She drives her staff to provide a holistic service so that the organisation can be considered a ‘one stop shop’ for training, recruitment and human resource management needs. The judges believe Julie demonstrates excellence in industry level engagement through her involvement in professional associations and networks.
Ken Bellamy
Managing Director, VRM Group
representing Townsville
Celebrating its 10th year in operation, Ken operates a regionally based bio-tech business that offers natural based environmental products and services. Ken and his team at VRM Group have created a niche against competition from some of the world’s largest companies, in what is a growing market sector. His company now employs 16 people, and supports a network of distributors across Australia and Europe. Ken prompts his staff to be innovative in creating products and services that are environmentally helpful, readily available and commercially viable.
And the winner is...
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