Top power couples of Mount Gambier dominating the local business scene
They met on a Contiki half way round the world but it was binge-watching reality television that inspired their next move. Meet Mount Gambier’s power couples in business.
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It was a dreary Easter weekend binge-watching Escape to the Chateau that inspired an American and a Queenslander to create an accommodation and wedding venue near Mount Gambier.
Rachel Gerds, 37, and Daniel Billingsley, 31, have a reality TV series that follows a British couple’s journey to revive an abandoned French chateau to thank for their business Mountain Path Meadows.
The couple met on a Contiki tour in Scandinavia; Ms Gerds, originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, had just been made redundant from her job in Chicago, and Mr Billingsley, originally from Ipswich was working in real estate in Brisbane.
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It didn’t take long after meeting for the duo to start dreaming of building a business, family and life together, and after that Easter weekend in 2019, the pair had their sights set on moving to, and establishing an accommodation business in, a unique natural haven.
In 2020 they purchased a 5ha property at the base of Mount Schank – a 100m-high dormant volcano – and got to work.
“We fell in love with the property right away; it had the bones of everything we wanted it to be,” Mr Billingsley said.
“It was very raw, we spent the first 18 months clearing what needed to be cleared, fencing, and fixing up the cottage.”
The Meadows, as Ms Gerds and Mr Billingsley named the property, also came with a historic stone cottage they are in the process of restoring and renovating with the goal of offering it to guests on Airbnb.
After the groundwork was done, the two got into contact with a builder in Ballarat who specialises in crafting geodesic timber glamping domes.
Now the property includes two-of-a-kind glamping domes – inspired by the show – and hosts “sustainably-minded elopements” and micro-weddings for up to 80 guests.
They rustic wedding venue includes simple-yet-beautiful benches and arches all crafted by Mr Billingsley himself using reclaimed materials from the cottage and fallen branches from gums.
“We got married (at the venue) ourselves so we can testify that it’s an incredible experience for outdoorsy people like us,” Ms Gerds said.
After the couple’s own wedding, the big day of Talyssia Moretti and Shujaat Esufali’s ran a close second.
“This was special as it was the wedding of our first wedding client. This couple booked their date with us when all we really had was a paddock and a dream,” Ms Gerds said.
Ms Gerds and Mr Billingsley agree “it’s been a magical three and a half years” creating and running Mountain Path Meadows together – despite the challenges, they wouldn’t change what they do for the world.
“There’s been times we’ve wanted to throw in the towel, sometimes it feels like you’re moving at a snail’s pace,” he said.
“At the end of the day though, we’re so lucky we get to spend our days building a business that combines all the best things in life: nature, togetherness, slowing down and enjoying each other’s company and getting to share these things with others,” she said.
The couple who own and operate Mountain Path Meadows are not the region’s only power couples in business.
The city of Mount Gambier has no shortage of businesses, but it’s the ones run by dedicated dynamic duos that give it some of its most charming attractions and services.
From unique accommodation and event venues, iconic restaurants and organically grown and produced goods, these hard-working couples and their businesses are standouts in the local community.
Here are eight more of the top power couples shaping the business scene in Mount Gambier.
Melissa and James Stephenson | The Old Mount Gambier Gaol
Thirteen years ago, Melissa and James Stephenson were living on the Gold Coast, contemplating whether they should make the move back to their hometown of Mount Gambier before they extended their family.
One night, James received a phone call from a friend that told him The Old Gaol in Mount Gambier was up for lease.
“We brainstormed all night about what we could potentially do to create a viable income source from within the ex-prison.“ Melissa said.
“The next day we submitted our proposal, and the rest is history.”
Over the past 13 years, Melissa and James have worked hard to turn their home – the 158-year-old decommissioned prison – into a truly unique accommodation and event venue.
The two both work in every part of the business.
“Some days we clean, some days we host international musicians, some days we are busy gardening and some days we do tours through the Gaol.”
“Our mission has always been to recycle this once decrepit, institutional building into a warm and welcoming business and lifestyle for our family.
“Our friends, family and accountant all thought we were crazy, we had a bold vision and 13 years later can say we have stayed true to it.”
Abbey Marston-Kleemann & Steve Kleemann | Odd Socks SA Laundromat & Stable Construction
If you ask someone in Mount Gambier to name a power couple among the local business scene, there’s a high chance husband and wife duo Abbey Marston-Kleemann, 37, and Steve Kleemann, 43, will be one of the first couples mentioned.
The two run a laundromat called Odd Socks SA and their own building business called Stable Construction.
There are currently four Odd Socks SA sites across the South-East with stores located in Montebello Shopping Complex and Compton St in the Mount, Young St, Penola, and Kentish Pl, Millicent, with the duo planning to expand to surrounding regions.
“Our mission with Odd Socks SA is to provide the best machines, the cleanest site and the greatest service possible,” Abbey said.
In addition to Odd Socks SA Laundromat, the pair also run their own building business called Stable Construction, which specialises in steel construction.
Steve is a builder and boiler maker, possessing a vast knowledge of steel construction techniques, specialising in sheds, pergolas, fencing, decking and numerous other products.
The business is a Stratco Outback Dealer – allowing them access to top-quality products, and Stable Construction strives to provide 100 per cent customer satisfaction.
“Both Steve and I come from hard-working families who owned businesses,” Abbey said.
“We wanted our children to be able to see how you have to work hard to get where you want to be.
“We also love a challenge: there were many people who didn’t believe that we were capable of accomplishing what we’ve done – for Steve and I together nothing is impossible; we’re a team that can’t be broken.
“So many people say that we’re ‘lucky’, but in truth luck has nothing to do with it – we’ve accomplished what we have by sheer hard work and determination.
“It is definitely not something for the faint-hearted but I wouldn’t change our journey for the world.”
Dave and Heidi Boyd | Confido Coonawarra
When David and Heidi Boyd, age 56 and 53, purchased a farm property in Coonawarra, it was never their intention to start a business – they just wanted to live a healthier lifestyle.
One day they decided to have a go at making a batch of olive oil for themselves and fell in love with the process and the result.
They shared their little concoction with some family and friends and soon after Confido Coonawarra was born – a horticultural business that specialises in extra virgin olive oil products and lemon products for consumption and cosmetic use.
Majority of the ingredients are grown and processed by David and Heidi on their farm who then make all the products on-site to sell from both their home and at local markets and retailers.
The duo are committed to minimal human intervention in the growth of all their products and sourcing additional ingredients and packaging from fellow local businesses.
“Our mission is to provide affordable high-quality products with a focus on health and wellbeing,” the couple said.
“We are both directors and managers of the business, Dave is currently employed full-time elsewhere and works on the farm part-time, and I am now working on the farm full-time.” Dave’s focus is on equipment, harvesting and farm duties and mine is on production, sales and marketing.
For both Heidi and Dave, the most rewarding part of their journey so far has been receiving “wonderful” feedback from customers and sharing the internal and external health benefits of their natural products with members of the surrounding community.
Nick and Kylee Katris | Thyme at The Lakes
Husband and wife Kylee and Nick Katris, 41 and 47, have been dominating the Mount Gambier hospitality scene for almost two decades.
The pair owned and ran the Mount Gambier staple Vanilla Bean Cafe for 13 years before they decided it was “thyme” for a change and ventured into the restaurant scene, opening Thyme at The Lakes in September 2016.
For the past seven years, the couple operated their restaurant from one of the highest points in Mount Gambier, offering guests with unprecedented views across the city as well as unprecedentedly delicious food – specifically their desserts the duo say they’re best known for.
Certified chef Nick runs the kitchen while Kylee manages front of house.
“My whole life I always wanted to be a waitress and work in the hospitality industry,” Kylee said.
“Running your own restaurant gives you the freedom to do what you want,” Nick added.
“As a chef, recreating meals off the same menu over and over again can get a little boring so we’re constantly changing our menu up to add some variety for both our chefs and customers.”
In addition to running the restaurant, both Nick and Kylee teach at a local school, Nick offering cooking lessons and Kylee teaching students about business management.
“It’s a tough time in the hospitality industry, there’s not a lot of people passionate about joining or staying in it which is shame because when done right it can be a lot of fun,” Kylee.
“It’s a fun thing to do, trying to get kids excited about food and hospitality and maybe consider it as a career one day,” Nick said.
The two agree that the best part about what they do is the friendships they get to form with their staff and customers.
“We’re just incredibly thankful for our community and the people who follow us,” Kylee said.
Jodi Manifold and David Weaver | Above Beyond J & D Support Services
Jodi Manifold, 36, and David Weaver, 49, may have only just joined the Mount Gambier business scene in June 2023, but their business Above & Beyond J & D Support Services has already had a significant, if not life-changing, impact for their clients in Mount Gambier.
“Having both worked in the disability industry for over 15 years, and with a lifetime of experience with family members having disabilities, we saw a need for quality support care in the Limestone Coast,” Jodi said.
“We could see a rise in the number of independent disability workers who wanted to enter the industry but did not want to deal with the administration side.
“Above & Beyond take care of all the administration and conversing with clients, support co-ordinators and families, meaning our contractors can focus solely on their clients needs.”
Jodi, David and their employees strive to provide a high level of quality support for people with disabilities, not only in Mount Gambier but throughout the whole Limestone Coast region.
“We have a team of personally selected independent contractors who we pair with our clients, based on compatibility around their required needs, personalities and interests,” Jodi said.
“David and I share the leadership roles, administration duties and both also work in the field with clients, as our love for the industry is what initially led us to starting Above & Beyond.
“We hope to grow our business, so we can provide support to many more people and their families.”
Jessie and Cody | Bloom Espresso Eatery
Jessie Pratt and Cody Jackson, both 24, were both only 21 when they decided to open their own cafe and coffee shop – Bloom Eatery and Espresso Bar – on Mount Gambier’s main street.
“Our mission has always been just to provide somewhere with fast, fresh and healthy options for breakfast and lunch,” Jessie said.
While many businesses were closing their doors during 2020, Jessie and Cody felt the urge for a “change up”.
“The shop came up for sale and we’d both worked hospo our whole lives so we decided to give it a go,” Jessie said.
During Bloom’s short life, the girls and their team have already achieved many impressive feats, catering more than 50 functions and events, completely overhauling their menu, expanding their daily coffee delivery run and started click-and-collect and delivery services.
They also started stocking gorgeous floral arrangements and posies, worked three years of Christmases, Easters and holiday periods, served more than 10,000 customers, made more than 31,000 coffees and survived three Covid lockdowns.
“The most rewarding part of owning the cafe has been the relationships we have built over the last few years,” Jessie said.
“Not only have we made great friends in some of our customers, but we have felt so incredibly lucky to have received the support we’ve had from our families and close friends throughout this adventure, we would be nothing without the people we have around us.”
On March 13, 2024, the girls shared to Bloom’s Instagram page that they have decided to take up an offer to sell the business to another Mount Gambier hospitality power couple Aaron and Tia from Kahma Coffee and Donuts, but promise the community “this is not a goodbye, just a see you round”.
Mark and Casey Allen | Projects by Sonic Vision & Pot My Vibe
Husband and wife Mark and Casey Allen, 45 and 42, are another dynamic Mount Gambier duo running not one but two businesses in which they are both sole traders.
Mark runs Project by Sonic Vision, a business specialising in TV and home theatre installations to help people “bring their home to life”.
“Mark has 20 years of experience in the audio visual industry and is known for his fussiness and finesse,” Casey said.
“He is a can-do kind or guy and is alway happy to give most things ago.”
Meanwhile, Casey runs a plant-stylist business called Pot My Vibe where she uses her stylish green-thumb to provide clients with beautifully styled potted plants for all their gift giving and interior decorating needs.
Casey welcomes her clients to visit her studio, which is open by appointment, but is also happy to pop a designer pot in the car and go to her client’s house for a consult of how she can incorporate locally-sourced beautiful, healthy potted plants into their decor.
Both Mark and Casey were motivated to start their respective businesses after recognising gaps in the local market.
“Being locals we are very passionate about the importance of supporting locally owned businesses but also understand that we need a variety of different businesses in order to do so,” Casey said.
“We hope that we can help our community in some way by sourcing premium products and services locally to help Mount Gambier be a more desirable place to live.”
Taryn and Lachy Mutton | Little Rippa Brewing Co
Like other couples on the list, Lachy and Taryn Mutton are no strangers to the Mount Gambier business scene, previously running the locally treasured Sorrentos Cafe for more than 20 years.
“After running a successful cafe for over 20 years and travelling and working around Australia in a motorhome in our early 20s, we decided to take the leap and turn Lachy’s beer-making hobby into our next venture,” Taryn said.
“The Little Rippa Brewing company is a small-batch brewery, taphouse and woodfire restaurant located on the outskirts of Mount Gambier.
“We cater for groups of all sizes and offer a range of our handcrafted beers, local wines, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, barista made coffee and more.”
Lachy works as the head brewer throughout the week, spending many hours brewing and packaging, then on the weekends dons his chef’s apron and leads the company’s young kitchen team in producing quality dishes made from fresh local produce from SA and the Limestone Coast.
Meanwhile, Taryn leads the front-of-house team and tries to fit in tending to the veggie patch to supply the kitchen, as well as producing the venue’s ever-changing wine and cocktail list.
‘We have always enjoyed travelling and visiting unique venues, breweries, wineries etc and when Covid hit we decided to bring all our ideas to life and build our own venue on our property, somewhere we would like to visit, somewhere that appeals to all ages and has customers wanting to come back, also something different for tourists to visit while in the area,” the duo said.
‘We are lucky Lachy is such a planner, this along with Taryn’s creative flair enabled us to plan and build our shed using local trades and it all came together very well, we haven’t really encountered too many problems on the way.
“We are relishing in our new venture and really enjoy working together on our dream, we love seeing customers faces when they enter Little Rippa for the first time!
“Lachy still enjoys the brewery process, and we are hoping to add spirits to our range in the near future.”
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