Shepparton’s top businessmen: Peter Cardamone, Azem Elmaz, Ryan O’Connor, Jim Andreadis
They are the inspiring men quietly changing the lives of their customers, teams and families. Here are Shepparton’s top businessmen. See the list.
Goulburn Valley
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From retail workers, real estate agents, business owners and entrepreneurs, the Goulburn Vally is home to many inspiring businessmen who spend their time giving back to the community they love.
Here’s a list of the top businessmen in the region as nominated by our readers.
Paul Jerome
At Talisman Menswear there is nothing Paul Jerome enjoys more than “changing how a fella looks”.
He said a lot of men lacked confidence but it was his mission to change that.
“I try and nurture them to jazz things up so they feel comfortable, yet look great,” he said.
“Guys locally come in all different shapes and sizes and I really take delight in helping them find the right clothing to suit them.”
Paul said every day was a new challenge.
He said it was a privilege to help other men in need.
“I have pretty much been involved with clothing and footwear in one way or another both locally and in Bendigo since leaving school,” Paul said.
“I have been fortunate to have been involved in many special occasions over this time, and have built I hope a reputation well earned.
“The GV offers so much diversity, and it’s great to embrace that, and work with people to help their wants and desires.”
Josh Sleeth
With 25 years experience in the butcher industry, Josh Sleeth is one of the region’s up and coming businessmen.
At 15, he told his father he wanted to be a butcher before he started an apprenticeship in Undera.
Eventually he took over Market Meats which has been in his family for about 10 years.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without my parents‘ support,” he said.
“I’ve been in the Shepparton area my whole life and it’s great I’ve been able to establish my own business here.
“I love interactions with all of our customers, it is one of the best parts of the job. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Adam Gactum
Adam Gactum’s world revolves around sport.
It’s what he does for a job but also something he does in his spare time.
Mr Gactum established Skillzone Sports when he moved to Australia to play soccer for the Goulburn Valley Suns.
Since then, he has seen the business grow into a multi-sport coaching platform which services regional Victoria and parts of country NSW.
“The business was born about nine years ago and has continued to grow ever since,” he said.
“We do a range of clinics with local schools and birthday parties as well. I thought it was a good opportunity to start something different.
“I played in the UK for a few clubs as well which has given me the opportunity to pass on my own knowledge through some private lessons.”
Brad Wootton
Brad Wootton has a special connection to Brad’s Magic Meats and not just because he owns it.
Mr Wootton first started working at the business in 2005 in a journey which saw him become a manager and part-owner before he officially took over.
And he’s loved every minute of it.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said.
“I’m fortunate enough to work with a great product and have fantastic customers who support us daily. We’ve got a fantastic team here on site.
“Growing up on a farm, being a butcher was something I always wanted to do and I’m glad I went down that path.”
Troy Tremellen
If there was one way for Troy Tremellen to sum up what he loves about his work, it’s helping people.
The former bank manager is one of the well-known faces of the Goulburn Valley.
He runs the Alpine Edge outdoor store, VIPT Health and Fitness Studio and also runs online nutrition classes.
“We combined Alpine Edge and the fitness studio into one facility earlier this year,” he said.
“In terms of Alpine Edge we thought there was a gap in the market in Shepparton and thought it would be a great place for outdoor lovers to come.
“Both of those businesses have got great support from the community and we wouldn’t be here without them today.”
Mr Tremellen also gives back to the community having raised more than $100,000 for different charities.
“The more you give, the more you get back,” he said.
Peter Cardamone
Peter Cardamone loves the Goulburn Valley — you can hear it in his voice.
And it’s one of the reasons his business Peter Cardamone Real Estate has been so successful.
But Mr Cardamone prefers to direct his attention to others.
“We’re blessed to have great support from the community because we couldn’t do it without them,” he said.
“I’ve got a terrific team who I work with every day. They are like family to me.
“I pride myself on the work we do and the connections we have with our customers. It’s always my goal to get to know someone when I’m working with them.”
Mr Cardamone said he was proud to have a strong connection with community clubs in the area and charity programs.
Ryan O’Connor
Ryan O’Connor is a prime example of how quickly things move in the business industry.
After buying Shepparton Real Estate in March 2019, Mr O’Connor has since purchased two other businesses and merged them into his own.
And already it has seen a strong growth in the sales and rental market.
“One of the keys has been getting our name out there a lot more,” Mr O’Connor said.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to inherit a terrific team who have a great work ethic and are really helping us to improve every day.
“I was previously working for my family business after having a three-year stint in real estate between 2010 and 2012. It’s been nice to come back into the field.
“I love being able to work with different people in the community because finding or selling your home is a very personal experience.”
Chris Buzza
As the owner of Mooroopna’s Bill and Beats, Chris Buzza enjoys nothing more than making people happy — through coffee and food.
The cafe opened its doors about five years ago helping the qualified chef of 17 years achieve a lifetime dream.
“I always wanted to open my own venue,” he said.
“We’re very lucky to have great support from the local community. We try to keep our products locally sourced and use coffee beans from Mansfield.
“I think one of the best parts about what we do is that there is something on offer for everyone.
“I just love cooking for people.”
Azem Elmaz
Azem Elmaz is one of the most recognisable people in Shepparton and not just because of his business at Lutfiyes Shish Kebab.
Mr Elmaz has a rich history of giving back to the community and helping those in need through his charity People Supporting People.
His business has been in the same place for 31 years and he loves chatting with his customers.
“I came to Australia 37 years ago with nothing and this wonderful country has given me everything,” he said.
“I work hard but I appreciate every piece of support I get from the community. I love how people here are.
“I’m very fortunate to live here.”
Marc Quarrell
From little things, big things grow — just ask Marc Quarrell.
Along with his wife Bri, the couple have seen their business Quarrell Civil Construction grow into what it is today.
“We started 10 years ago with a bobcat and a small excavator,” Mr Quarrell said.
“It all started off with residential jobs and it eventually evolved into commercial projects which is something I always had an interest in.
“Growing up as a kid I lived on a farm and was always playing in the dirt.
“We’re very fortunate to work on some good projects. Our team has certainly worked hard to help us get to where we are today.”
The company also has a strong connection to the community with Mr Quarrell sponsoring the Nathalia and Tallygaroopna football netball clubs.
Tim, David and Clayton Sessions
Sessions Builders is a major part of the Goulburn Valley community and it’s all because of hard work.
Founded by Tim Sessions more than three decades ago, David and Clayton eventually joined the company.
The family enjoys employing local people to build local projects.
“We try and keep everything as local as possible,” Clayton said.
“It’s important to support people in our area because they do so much for us. We’ve got a team of 27 and they do a wonderful job which has helped us get to where we are today.
“Our goal is to do something different to the opposition.”
Sessions Builders also have a strong connection to the community sponsoring a large number of sport clubs and charity organisations.
They even built a home for a Goulburn Valley Health raffle several years ago.
Jim Andreadis
Jim Andreadis is a businessman and philanthropist.
Starting with Europe Deli and Cafe on Fryers St, he eventually established SPC Ardmona Factory Sales, which attracted national attention.
He was a co-starter of the Shepparton Motor Museum, is a founding member of the Committee for Greater Shepparton and has been heavily involved in community fundraisers.
Peter Copulos
Peter Copulos is heavily invested in the Goulburn Valley,
He migrated to Australia as an eight-year-old from Macedonia, and worked on his family orchard and then as an apprentice carpenter and joiner, before getting into property development as a young adult.
In what became the Copulos Group, Mr Copulos developed an extensive food retailing, manufacturing, mining and property development portfolio in Shepparton and beyond, including the $16 million Riverside Plaza development in Kialla.
He and his wife Maria have donated to projects through the Peter and Maria Copulos Foundation, including $300,000 to the Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre at Goulburn Valley Health and $1 million to the new Shepparton Art Museum development.
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