Where are they now? Our business award winners
Discover the evolution and contributions of Townsville’s award-winning businesses as past winners of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Business Awards share their inspiring stories of growth and success
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Townsville Chamber of Commerce has long celebrated the outstanding achievements of local businesses through its prestigious awards program.
With the Chamber’s Raising Regions Conference and Business Awards to be held August 8-9, and with applications closing on July 22, NQ Weekend reconnects with past winners to explore the inspiring journeys and current endeavours of these exceptional professionals.
“Where are they Now?” takes you on a fascinating voyage through the careers and growth of Townsville’s award-winning businesses, revealing the lasting impact of their recognition and the continuous contributions they make to our vibrant economic landscape.
Townsville Chamber of Commerce CEO Heidi Turner said the Business Awards had a rich history.
“Many local people are achieving amazing things without taking the time to celebrate their success,” Heidi told NQ Weekend.
“Our business awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the achievements, and to gain inspiration from their stories of resilience, innovation, and success.
“Since 1998, the Townsville Chamber Business Awards have been shining a light on the remarkable achievements of our business community and this year for the first time we will combining it with our first Raising Regions Conference a transdisciplinary conference with inspiring speakers showcasing regional innovation, activating opportunities and empowering a future workforce.”
For more information, to nominate, apply and book please visit townsvillechamber.com.au
Glen Richards
Young BusinessPerson Award 2000
Glen is the founding Managing Director of Greencross and was a co-founder and Director of Mammoth Pet Holdings Pty Ltd (Petbarn) before it merged with Greencross. He is Chairman and one of the founding shareholders of Healthia and Chairman and shareholder of People Infrastructure. He is also chairman and shareholder of Naturo Technologies and a non-executive director and shareholder of De Motu Cordis and Adventure Holdings Australia. Glen was a resident panellist and investor on Channel 10’s Shark Tank Series.
Can you share your experience of winning the Townsville Chamber of Commerce business award? How did it feel to receive such recognition
Participating in business awards like the Townsville Chamber of Commerce awards is a very useful process to go through that forces one to reflect on our business journey, on the challenges and opportunities, the failures and successes that most of us go the rough as we evolve our businesses and compete in the business market place. Business awards are important as a forum to share our stories and perhaps inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and business owners.
What impact did winning the award have on your business, both in the short term and long term?
It was at the time, a good opportunity to reflect on what I was doing well and what I was doing badly and it helped assist my thinking about perhaps where my fledgling Townsville based veterinary group could evolve.
Reflecting on your journey since the award, what advice would you give to current and future nominees and winners of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards?
Surround yourself with a great team and seek out mentorsand peer mentors that can help derisk your journey and assist with helping solve the many problems and roadblocks that you are going to face. Stay humble and respectful of how hard it is to be a business owner, no matter how successful you think you are.
Looking back, what particular moment or decision post Townsville Chamber of Commerce award are you most proud of, and why?
The epiphany that the only way to achieve success in business is to find people that are much smarter than you and inspire them to get involved with your vision for the future of the business you are trying to evolve. Great businesses only evolve on the back of great teams. The role of the business leader is to inspire and create a high performance, team focused culture.
Can you share any lessons or insights from your journey that might be valuable for aspiring entrepreneurs in Townsville?
Lift your line of sight, challenge yourself and your team, plan where you are going and regularly review and reset your business (every 90 days) based on the feedback from your customers and employees, and the changes and trends that are taking place in your external and internal environment. You aim to stay relevant, ALWAYS, to your team and your customers.
Jeff Reibel
Young Corporate Employee 2009
CEO of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys and a Director of the Cowboys Community Foundation. When I received the award of young corporate employee in 2009 I was the Business Development Manager of the Cowboys.
Can you share your experience of winning the Townsville Chamber of Commerce business award? How did it feel to receive such recognition?
It was a little while ago now, I was quite proud in receiving the award, I found the process enjoyable but challenging and it certainly assisted in my career journey and aspirations.
What impact did winning the award have on your business, both in the short term and long term?
More of an impact on my career, it provided another step in my career aspirations.
Reflecting on your journey since the award, what advice would you give to current and future nominees and winners of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards?
To make the time, enjoy the process and be like a sponge in taking in the knowledge, lessons and outcomes.
Have you maintained a relationship with the Townsville Chamber of Commerce or other award winners? How has this network influenced your business?
We continue to be a member of the Chamber and support their important advocacy function for our city, region and its businesses.
Can you share any lessons or insights from your journey that might be valuable for aspiring entrepreneurs in Townsville?
There are always different stages, different realisations, and happenings in your career journey, its important to understand when they are happening and no matter how you go about, find your path, be open to advise but just as importantly be open to who you are and what your style is.
Once you are comfortable with who you are you then go on and be the leader and be the person you want to be.
Isabelle Yates
Young Corporate Employee 2010
After spending 12 wonderful years in Townsville, I moved to the Gold Coast in 2021 with my wife and child. I continue to work with the Queensland Airports Limited Group, which owns and operates the Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa, and Longreach Airports.
Since winning the award in 2010, I’ve held various roles in business development, terminal operations, and the commercial sectors. In my current role as General Manager Commercial, I oversee all non-aeronautical revenue streams across QAL’s four airports, driving commercial growth and enhancing the passenger experience.
Can you share your experience of winning the Townsville Chamber of Commerce business award?How did it feel to receive such recognition?
Winning the Townsville Chamber of Commerce business award was an incredibly humble experience. It was immensely gratifying to see the hard work and dedication of both myself and the entire Townsville Airport community recognised.
The award not only validated our collective efforts but also inspired us to continue striving for excellence. It reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact in the Townsville region, recognising the airport as a business isa key driver for social and economic growth, connecting the region to the rest of Australia and the world.
What impact did winning the award have on your business, both in the short term and long term?
Townsville Airport plays a vital role in the local economy, generating over 1400 jobs and contributing $400 million to the Townsville economy, based on 2022 figures. The airport strong community connections ensure that it remains a crucial driver of social and economic growth for the Townsville North Queensland region.
In the short term, the award enhanced our reputation, leading to increased trust and stronger relationships, particularly with local businesses. In the long term, the award has given us greater visibility and credibility, enhancing our social license to operate.
Reflecting on your journey since the award, what advice would you give to current and future nominees and winners of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards?
If you are considering nominating, take Nike’s advice and ‘Just Do It’. Regardless of the outcome, the process offers a valuable learning experience and gives you the opportunity to reflect on your personal and organisational achievements. It’s an important part of celebrating your successes.
If you are fortunate enough to win, firstly celebrate with your team, it’s a collective effort and everyone across your organisation plays an important part in the success. Leverage the credibility and visibility that the award brings to foster stronger relationships and explore new business opportunities.
Stay true to your values, and let this recognition drive you to make an even greater impact in your community and industry.
Looking back, what particular moment or decision post-Townsville Chamber of Commerce award are you most proud of, and why?
If I had to highlight one moment, it would be how my team and the broader Townsville Airport community handled the 2019 floods. We worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure the safety of our guests and airport team, successfully reopening the terminal in less than 24 hours. I even opened my home to a stranded passenger, someone I continue to keep in touch with today. The airport terminal remained open overnight and acted as pop-up temporary accommodation, providing food and supplies to passengers. On a community level, team members volunteered for the broader clean-up effort. The spirit of the Townsville Airport community truly shone through during this challenging time.
Have you maintained a relationship with the Townsville Chamber of Commerce or other award winners? How has this network influenced your business?
Despite moving away from Townsville, I still have strong ties to the region both personally and professionally and continue to maintain a strong relationship with the Townsville Chamber of Commerce and other award winners. This network has been incredibly beneficial, providing
opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and support. Engaging with like-minded
professionals and businesses has enriched our strategic approach, opening doors to innovative ideas and partnerships that have propelled our growth.
Can you share any lessons or insights from your journey that might be valuable for aspiring entrepreneurs in Townsville?
One key lesson from my journey is the importance of resilience and adaptability. The challenges posed by COVID-19 underscored this, as the airport faced immense hardships during that time. However, it strengthened our team's ability to handle any future challenges that come our way. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and being able to pivot and respond to change is crucial. Additionally, never underestimate the power of building strong relationships. Networking and collaborating with others in your industry can open numerous opportunities for growth and learning. Lastly, always stay committed to your core values and mission. Authenticity and integrity are invaluable in building a sustainable and respected business. For aspiring entrepreneurs in Townsville, I encourage you to embrace challenges, seek out mentors, and remain dedicated to continuous improvement.
Ben Woodford - Young Businessperson 2010
My wife Glenda and I established our business, BNG Sports. We started importing and wholesaling world renowned brands throughout Australia. A few years later we opened our bicycle retail store in Railway Estate. I also completed my trade certificate in Bicycle Mechanics. Our store is now located in the Hyde Park Centre, and this year we are celebrating 20 years of business. We love to give back to the community. Every year we are major sponsors for the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride - raising much needed funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Can you share your experience of winning the Townsville Chamber of Commerce business award? How did it feel to receive such recognition?
To be honest, I was shocked, I was part of a high-calibre group of finalists, and to be chosen as the award recipient was a little surreal at the time. I knew I had a good team around me and the support of my beautiful wife and family. I am very grateful for the recognition.
What impact did winning the award have on your business, both in the short term and long term?
The Chamber of Commerce is one of the oldest institutions in Townsville, and a renowned
organisation for supporting the business community. It was an honour to be recognised by the
Townsville Chamber of Commerce. Receiving the many accolades from our customers and
industry partners over the years that followed was a positive experience for our business. It has now been 14 years since receiving the award and our business continues to prosper.
Reflecting on your journey since the award, what advice would you give to current and future nominees and winners of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards?
As an entrepreneur, being in business has its many rewards like choosing your own destiny. A
large part of a successful business is focusing on your own journey and being surrounded by a
supportive team. Be an early adaptor to industry changes and don’t be afraid to adopt new
technologies to help systemise your business, this can bring you great rewards to both revenue
and time. One of the most important things in business is knowing your target market- and
always remember cash flow is king.
Looking back, what particular moment or decision post-Townsville Chamber of Commerce award are you most proud of, and why?
When you are young in business you want to be the business. You have the passion, the drive and the determination to succeed. As the years go on, you learn that a successful businessperson is one that has created a solid team who can be the business, while you can spend more time building relationships, working on the business and having life choices.
Have you maintained a relationship with the Townsville Chamber of Commerce or other award winners? How has this network influenced your business?
I always stay informed of the latest updates through the Townsville Chamber of Commerce social media pages. I have also enjoyed watching the success of other award winners and finalists doing business in our local community.
Can you share any lessons or insights from your journey that might be valuable for aspiring entrepreneurs in Townsville?
There are a whole range of factors that contribute to a successful business. Remember to always have clarity in your decision making. Make sure you know your WHY. Every business is unique, and every entrepreneur is unique so stay focused on YOUR journey. Stay resilient, know your industry inside out, and don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. Always surround yourself with your biggest supporters.
Luke Guazzo - Young Employee Award in 2014.
I the owner, director of Coffee Presto a coffee roastery, syrup manufacturer and also sit on Finance Committees for Townsville Enterprise and Co-Operative Research Centre for Developing northern Australia, while also mentoring two CEO’s.
Can you share your experience of winning the Townsville Chamber of Commerce
business award? How did it feel to receive such recognition? I was humbled to receive such
an award and to this day do not know who nominated me. There were numerous other high
quality candidates for the award so I was very appreciative of receiving it. It was a great
night surrounded by my support network being my wife, my parents, Lancini Colleagues and
my mentor.
Reflecting on your journey since the award, what advice would you give to current and
future nominees and winners of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards?
It is nice to stop and reflect on your achievements. It is also worth while challenging yourself, particularly if others believe in you (have nominated you)
Looking back, what particular moment or decision post-Townsville Chamber of
Commerce award are you most proud of, and why?
There have been numerous key decisions since receiving the award, but most recently having the guts to establish my own business from a coffee cart and home garage probably ranks the highest.
Have you maintained a relationship with the Townsville Chamber of Commerce or other
award winners? How has this network influenced your business?
Not particularly at the time, but most recently I have re-established my relationship with Chamber as a support for my small start-up business and the Chamber’s current fantastic advocacy.
Can you share any lessons or insights from your journey that might be valuable for
aspiring entrepreneurs in Townsville?
Maintain a strong support network and give to them as often as you can as you are never quite sure when you may need to lean on them. Be selective with how you spend your time and who you spend it with. Surround yourself with inspirational people and remember to take time out occasionally. Believe in yourself.
Marcel Mcleod - Young Business Person Award 2005
In 2017 my family and I moved from Townsville to Tasmania and re-established my steel fabrication business Totalfab in Hobart. My first project was constructing a playground at MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art.
Can you share your experience of winning the Townsville Chamber of Commerce
business award? How did it feel to receive such recognition?
Winning the TCC business award was gratifying, however the nomination and interview process was probably the most rewarding component. This gave me the opportunity to delve deep into my own business, looking at it from a different perspective and understanding. It brought to the surface everything we were doing well, and helped to identify the areas we could make improvements. The process provided clarity and confirmation, while winning the award provided certainty and verification that we were pointed in the right direction which gave me confidence.
What impact did winning the award have on your business, both in the short term
and long term?
Initially, I thought winning would be an opportunity to leverage the exposure, however after some reflection the biggest impact we found was exposure to our own business and the opportunities that lay ahead. It gave us the determination and drive to forge forward, to improve and grow the business.
Reflecting on your journey since the award, what advice would you give to current
and future nominees and winners of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Business
Awards?
Receiving the accolades and recognition was humbling, very rewarding and gratifying, a moment to celebrate the hard work and sacrifice you have dedicated to your passion. However, winning is grasping all the lessons from participating, the process, the people and the networks that you can establish along the way.
Looking back, what particular moment or decision post-Townsville Chamber of
Commerce award are you most proud of, and why?
At the time of the award, I was in the process of implementing a system or practice
known as Lean Manufacturing into my business. Most of what I was learning or
exposed too was from courses and content provided through QMI Solutions, which
provided great foundational tools to start the Lean Manufacturing journey, but it
was a challenge to implement and sustain. I decided to take a study tour to Japan in 2008 which gave me first hand exposure to the Japanese practice of Kaizen, the art of continuous improvement. Kaizen is the core discipline required in Lean manufacturing, and exposure to this discipline and seeing what this practice looked like gave me the ability to better communicate Lean manufacturing to my team. 7 days touring factories in Japan changed the way we did business, and this is what helped us get through the impact of the Global Financial Crisis.
Have you maintained a relationship with the Townsville Chamber of Commerce or
other award winners? How has this network influenced your business?
After the awards I maintained my membership of the Chamber, which included serving on the board as a vice president. Winning the award gave me the opportunity to connect with people and businesses. The networking was instrumental in developing my own business and friendships.
Can you share any lessons or insights from your journey that might be valuable for
aspiring entrepreneurs in Townsville.
Master your craft, become the best at what you do. The key to success is to focus, stay in your lane and avoid the distractions that take your eye off your game. However, be prepared to pivot in another direction when things change.
James Wallace – Young Corporate Employee 2018
Over the past 12 years, I’ve worked at Invicta, Victoria, Macknade and Pioneer mills in a range of different production and operational roles. I have also achieved my CPEng and RPEQ engineering certifications and completed an MBA (Finance).
In my current role as Group Manager Operations (Sugar), I am accountable for the operations of seven of Wilmar’s sugar factories – from Macknade Mill in the Herbert region south to Proserpine Mill in the Whitsundays.
Can you share your experience of winning the Townsville Chamber of Commerce business award? How did it feel to receive such recognition?
Being part of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce business awards was a humbling experience. Working through the application process and the various selection steps created an opportunity for me to stop and reflect on what I had accomplished in my career up to that point in time. Like most of us, I was caught in the day-to-day churn of doing business and this opportunity enabled me to not only acknowledge the wins, but re-focus on what I wanted to achieve in my career moving forward.
Being named ‘Young Employee of the Year’ in 2018 was an incredible honour, and it opened a lot of opportunities for me in the local business community.
What impact did winning the award have on your business, both in the short term and long term?
Winning this award provided lot of positive exposure for the sugar industry and for our business. This industry provides a vast range of career opportunities for people living in our milling communities.
For engineers, the sugar manufacturing process is both interesting and challenging. It gives you the opportunity to put your university leanings into action and make improvements that ultimately help our local communities.
One of the most important impacts of winning the award for Wilmar Sugar and Renewables in 2018 was that we saw an increase in the number of young people who were interested in what we do – particularly in the graduate engineer space. Post 2018, our business saw an increase in the number of local engineering graduates wanting to join our organisation which was great to see.
Reflecting on your journey since the award, what advice would you give to current and future nominees and winners of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards?
The best piece of advice I could give is to appreciate what you have and live in the moment. Don’t wait for something to happen or think someone will make it happen for you. You never know what conversation, what little piece of work or what opportunity will come knocking. Always do your best and appreciate what you have and enjoy the journey!
Looking back, what particular moment or decision post-Townsville Chamber of Commerce award are you most proud of, and why?
What I am most proud of since winning the award in 2018 is being able to mentor young local engineers in our organisation. I have been fortunate enough to have some great local engineers in my team and being able to provide advice and be a role model for them has been amazing. Some of these engineers are now the Operations Managers of their own factories and are inspiring the next generation coming through.
Our local industries rely on the passion and experience we have. Being able to share this within Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and in our local communities has been the biggest reward.
Have you maintained a relationship with the Townsville Chamber of Commerce or other award winners? How has this network influenced your business?
From the awards process back in 2018 I have maintained networks and friendships with many of the other nominees and Chamber members. Some of these people have moved away now but we stay in touch and help each other with different leanings and experiences as needed.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables is an active member of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce,
participating in many of the events being held (the Chamber Coffee catch-ups are always a favourite).
Can you share any lessons or insights from your journey that might be valuable for aspiring entrepreneurs in Townsville?
For me two things come to mind: 1. Ask questions – Use those around you who have experience and knowledge. The old saying ‘there is no dumb question’ is true. People appreciate when you ask for their input or insight and this helps to build relationships and respect. 2. Make no assumptions – Don’t assume you have the answer or know everything, engage with stakeholders, consult with others and the result will be far better than if you did it on your own.
KYLIE MCCRAE Young Business Person Award 2001
I am currently working within my own Real Estate office based in Bowen which is where I am originally from. I have a team of 7 people and I am the office principal. I have been selling real estate in Bowen for over 20 years now and opened my own office 6 years ago.
Can you share your experience of winning the Townsville Chamber of Commerce business award? How did it feel to receive such recognition?
I was very young when I won this award and was working in a Jetski & Motorcycle business with my husband. It was such an honour to be recognised among a number of other very high calibre nominees. We were a small business in Townsville at the time and after
receiving this reward our business continued to grow and establish a wonderful and loyal
local clientele. We continued in that business until 2004 when we sold the business and
relocated back to Bowen where we are originally from and I started my Real Estate career
that I am still in today. I have now also brought my husband into this industry and business
with me.
What impact did winning the award have on your business, both in the short
term and long term?
The immediate impact was a recognition from my peers, also a recognition of our business
within the Townsville business community. At the time our business was very unique and this
award brought a lot of eyes onto our business. We also were very fortunate to receive an
advertising package as a prize and this really helped boost our profile in the region. It was
very humbling to win and drove me to achieve more than I ever thought possible. My humble
beginnings have made me the person I am today. Working in Townsville I met some
wonderful people, many of who we are still in touch with today. The longer you work; the
more amazing people you meet and may of those have touched my life and taught me many
life lessons.
Reflecting on your journey since the award, what advice would you give to current and future nominees and winners of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards?
Always strive to achieve the perceived impossible. There will always be people who tell you
that you can’t or won’t succeed. I always took this as a challenge and made an extra effort to
prove them wrong.
Looking back, what particular moment or decision post-Townsville Chamber of
Commerce award are you most proud of, and why?
I feel as though I have had many moments where I have been incredibly proud of what I
have achieved. I have always found myself working in very male dominated industries at
quite a young age. This has always made things very hard for me; I have had to work twice
as hard to prove myself so I really feel proud every day that I am now a leader in my field
and have the recognition on a daily basis through my loyal clientele. I have had many
setbacks in my life and a very good friend once said to me ‘you just keep getting back up’
and that is a life motto I live by.
Have you maintained a relationship with the Townsville Chamber of
Commerce or other award winners? How has this network influenced your
business?
I haven’t as we have relocated to Bowen where I have been involved with Bowen Tourism
and also Bowen Collinsville Enterprise and have sat on the board for both organisations. I
am currently the deputy chairperson on the board of Bowen Collinsville Enterprise.
Can you share any lessons or insights from your journey that might be
valuable for aspiring entrepreneurs in Townsville?
Never give up
RSL to dig deep for Veterans’ Health Week
The RSL have planned out a packed slate of activities and opportunities for veterans and their families ahead of Veterans’ Health Week.
Farewell Frank: Wife’s tribute to miner ‘loved by everyone’
The heartbroken wife of a miner killed in a tragic workplace death at a Qld mine has paid tribute to an amazing man who was ‘loved by everyone’. Read her moving words.