Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 26

Guest: Shannon Lemanski Business Name: Aqua Ubique Website: https://aquaubique.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-lemanski/

Topics Covered

/ Turning Air into Water: The Aqua Ubique Story

Shannon introduces the core concept behind Aqua Ubique: a water cooler that doesn’t require plumbing or bottles, but instead generates clean, mineral-rich drinking water from air. He explains the proprietary filtration and mineralisation process, and how it delivers premium water without harmful chemicals or microplastics.

/ From Army Officer to Startup Founder

A deeply personal origin story traces back to Shannon’s time in the Australian Army. His experience managing drinking water logistics during overseas deployments — and witnessing local communities scavenging plastic bottles for clean water — planted the seeds for a socially driven enterprise.

/ Tackling Australia’s Hidden Water Crisis

Shannon sheds light on the staggering reality that over 8% of Australians, especially in remote or Indigenous communities, lack access to safe drinking water. He shares shocking examples from places like Cherbourg, where children drink cola instead of formula due to water mistrust.

/ Engineering with Empathy: The Product Design

The machines are designed to operate reliably in diverse Australian climates, from humid offices to drier regions like Bendigo. Shannon emphasises user-friendliness, minimal maintenance and data transparency as key differentiators from offshore alternatives.

/ A Social Enterprise Model That Scales

Aqua Ubique operates on a “buy five, give one” model: for every five office units sold, one machine is deployed to a remote community. This approach solves both a commercial and social problem, making every customer part of the impact story.

/ Positioning for Purpose and Profit

Shannon explains why social good isn’t enough — products must also be more affordable, more effective and deliver better value. His pricing model saves businesses money while cutting plastic waste and emissions.

/ Strategic Thinking: Military Roots, Business Execution

Using military planning tools like SMEAC and mission appreciation, Shannon approached the startup like a tactical operation. His first business plan was literally sketched using army formats to map competitors, allies and customer segments.

/ Winning Without Paid Marketing

Despite zero marketing spend, Shannon has achieved rapid sales growth through highly targeted outreach, local networking and word-of-mouth. He pinpoints small to mid-sized businesses with high bottled water usage and services them within 90 minutes to ensure quality support.

/ Offers So Good They Convert Themselves

Shannon describes the slam-dunk offer inspired by Alex Hormozi: 90-day risk-free trial, full refund plus $100 for wasted time. The results? Zero returns and sky-high conversion rates.

/ Leadership, Legacy and Staying Values-Driven

As a father and former officer, Shannon reflects on humility, servant leadership, and building a business that aligns with deeply held values. He rejects commodification in favour of relational business that customers are proud to support.

/ Vision for the Future

With strong early traction and national banks courting Aqua Ubique to support ESG goals, Shannon aims to scale nationwide, and ultimately, globally. His mission is clear: deliver 1 million litres of clean water into communities by 2030.

References

Alex Hormozi – How to Turn Trash into Cash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaiLcj6tzBQ

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council Water Crisis – https://nit.com.au/08-10-2024/14116/queesland-government-announce-26million-to-tackle-cherbourgs-long-running-water-crisis

Silicon Coast – Sunshine Coast innovation ecosystem https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/business/regional-innovation/the-ecosystem

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 25

Guest: Tom Isaacs Business Name: PRD Bendigo Website: https://www.prd.com.au/bendigo/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tom-isaacs-45b69397/

/ Building PRD Bendigo from the Ground Up Tom shares the journey of growing PRD Bendigo from zero market presence to one of the leading real estate agencies in the region. He reflects on the early days, unexpected opportunities, and how initial “dumb luck” evolved into strategic business decisions.

/ Reimagining Real Estate Business Models This episode unpacks how Tom departed from the traditional real estate model to build a fully resourced, department-led structure. From media to sales to admin, each arm of the business supports growth and enables team specialisation.

/ Creating Career Pathways and a Scalable Team Tom explains how PRD fosters long-term careers by developing internal pathways - from support roles to independent agents or management tracks. The team culture is built on clarity, mentorship and flexibility.

/ The Power of Culture Captains A standout initiative, “culture captains,” empowers team members to uphold values and call out misalignment, creating peer-led accountability. Tom discusses how this simple framework transformed team dynamics and strengthened internal cohesion.

/ Investing in People and Personal Goals Rather than traditional KPIs, PRD’s leadership begins with personal aspirations. Whether it’s buying a home or starting a family, team reviews are structured around what matters most to each employee.

/ Embedding Community into the Business Model Tom shares the origin and structure of the PRD Community First Fund - a quarterly initiative where staff contributions are matched by the business to support underfunded community organisations. Past recipients include Sunshine Bendigo and Southern Cross Kids Camp.

/ Changing Public Perceptions of Real Estate Tom and host Caleb discuss the negative stereotypes around real estate agents and how PRD is helping shift that narrative through service-first mindsets, trust-building and long-term community commitment.

/ Leadership Lessons and Evolving Roles From hands-on sales to full-time leadership, Tom reflects on stepping out of the frontline, especially during COVID, and how that transition demanded new approaches to empathy, vision and business planning.

PRD Bendigo – https://www.prd.com.au/bendigo/ Sunshine Bendigo – https://www.sunshinebendigo.org.au Southern Cross Kids’ Camp – https://www.sckc.org.au Simon Sinek – https://simonsinek.com

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 24

Guest: Ben Amos Business Name: Innovate Media Websites: https://innovatemedia.com.au/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/beninnovate

/ From Videographer to Strategist Ben Amos shares his journey from traditional video production to becoming a pioneer in video strategy. He discusses the realisation that delivering high-quality videos without strategic input often fails to deliver real value to clients.

/ Why Video Needs Strategy Ben and host Caleb discuss the importance of video strategy in business - how it connects business goals with audience needs, customer journeys, and platform-specific execution. They break down what it means to move from “video for video’s sake” to intentional, goal-oriented video content.

/ Innovate Media and Regional Roots Ben gives an overview of his agency, Innovate Media, based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He talks about the unique opportunities and challenges of running a regional business and how regional agencies can still lead globally in innovation and thought leadership.

/ The Rise of the Video Strategist The role of a video strategist is dissected - part producer, part marketer. Ben emphasises the importance of helping clients choose the right video for the right audience at the right time and measuring results meaningfully.

/ Educating Through Content and Podcasting Ben reflects on launching the Engage Video Marketing Podcast as a way to “learn out loud.” Now with over 300 episodes, the podcast has grown into a platform that attracts clients, builds authority and deepens his industry relationships.

/ Launching an Online Brand and Book Beyond his agency, Ben talks about building a personal brand through content, courses, and coaching—culminating in the release of his book Engage. He outlines how this thought leadership initiative has fueled both personal and business growth.

/ Resilience and Revenue in a Challenging Year Ben explains how 2024 began with uncertainty but ended with Innovate Media’s strongest year in revenue. He attributes this success to long-term client relationships, consistent value-driven communication and strategic selling.

/ Business Lessons and Leadership Growth Ben shares key lessons from over 16 years in business, including learning to manage time and ideas, building protective routines around work-life balance and developing a mission-first mindset with clients and his team.

/ Lead with Value, Always The episode emphasises the power of leading with education, not sales. Ben advocates for a business approach rooted in generosity, strategic listening and building genuine trust - especially when selling creative or consulting services.

Engage the Book – https://engagevideomarketing.thrivecart.com/engage-book/ Engage Video Marketing Podcast – https://engagevideomarketing.com/podcast/ Riverside.fm – https://riverside.fm/ Smart Passive Income Podcast – https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/spi/ Loom – https://www.loom.com/

Guest: Julie Sheahan Business Name: 3D Physiotherapy Health Group Website: www.3dphysio.com.au/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julie-sheahan-5b90b3165/

/ The Philosophy Behind 3D Physiotherapy Julie Sheahan introduces the mission of 3D Physio, a practice grounded in the biopsychosocial model of care. She explains how their approach treats not just physical symptoms but the whole person—body, mind, and soul.

/ Evolving the Clinic Experience Julie outlines how the practice has expanded to include multiple locations, a purpose-built exercise studio, and integrated services like podiatry and naturopathy. The goal is to offer a holistic health hub that supports prevention and empowerment.

/ Rethinking Traditional Physiotherapy Rather than relying on ongoing appointments, Julie and her team focus on education and self-management. They help clients understand the root cause of injuries, develop personalized strength programs, and shift toward long-term, preventative care.

/ Combatting the Reactive Healthcare Model Julie challenges the conventional, reactive model of healthcare and instead promotes a culture of proactive well-being. She emphasizes the need to shift both public perception and healthcare practices to support prevention over treatment.

/ Strength and Aging Well Julie shares how 3D Physio runs programs like Strong for Life, GLA:D, and Onero to support older adults with strength, balance, and mobility. Clients in their 70s and 80s are performing exercises like deadlifts and lunges, redefining what’s possible as we age.

/ The Impact of Food and Inflammation on Health While not a nutritionist herself, Julie discusses how diet—particularly industrialized, boxed foods—can lead to chronic inflammation and poor musculoskeletal health. She stresses the importance of whole, nutrient-dense foods to support healing and performance.

/ Building a Mission-Driven Team Julie reflects on creating a culture where every team member is aligned with a shared “why.” From regular alignment days to hiring based on values, she’s focused on creating an environment where purpose drives performance.

/ Business Growth, Awards, and Leadership Julie shares the story of starting 3D Physio in 2018 and gradually growing the team and services. She discusses winning multiple Bendigo Business Excellence Awards, including the Regional Women’s Award, and how mentorship and strategic hiring have supported her leadership journey.

/ Managing Change Without Burning Out the Team Recognizing the challenges of being an ideas-driven entrepreneur, Julie brought in a change consultant to help structure and pace innovation. She explains how this improved internal communication, stabilized the team, and allowed them to implement new systems more effectively.

GLA:D Program – https://gladaustralia.com.au/ Radical Candor (book) – https://www.radicalcandor.com/ Biopsychosocial Model of Care – https://www.physio-pedia.com/Biopsychosocial_Model Bendigo Business Excellence Awards – https://bbea.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 22

Guest: Kyle Racki Business Name: Proposify Website: https://www.proposify.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleracki

Kyle Racki shares how he transitioned from a freelance designer and agency owner to the founder of Proposify. He talks about the early frustrations of creating proposals manually and how that led him to develop a SaaS solution that streamlines and improves the proposal process for businesses.

Proposify started as a small, bootstrapped venture and has since grown into a 65-person company. Kyle discusses the early growth phase, the impact of adding features like e-signatures and proposal templates, and how they found their product-market fit.

Scaling too quickly brought unexpected challenges. Kyle shares insights on why adding more people doesn’t always lead to greater efficiency, how too many management layers slowed decision-making, and why they ultimately scaled back from 110 employees.

As the company grew, Kyle realized the importance of fostering a strong company culture. He explains how he introduced “Radical Candor” as a core value, encouraging open, honest feedback while maintaining a positive workplace environment.

Kyle reflects on the personal and professional development required to lead a growing company. From learning to have tough conversations to seeking mentorship and business coaching, he shares how continual self-improvement has played a critical role in Proposify’s success.

Rather than focusing solely on high-level strategy, Kyle emphasizes the importance of staying involved in the day-to-day realities of the business. He explains how engaging with customers, keeping an eye on competitors, and understanding industry trends help shape the company’s direction.

Proposify simplifies the proposal process, making it easy for businesses to create, send, and track professional proposals. Kyle highlights key benefits, such as real-time updates, integrated e-signatures, and data tracking—giving sales teams the tools they need to close deals faster and stand out from the competition.

While personal branding can be valuable, Kyle believes the best companies focus on building great products rather than making their CEOs famous. He shares examples of companies that have succeeded without high-profile founders and discusses what really matters when scaling a SaaS business.

Proposify – https://www.proposify.com

Radical Candor by Kim Scott – https://www.radicalcandor.com/

Zapier – https://zapier.com/

Loom – https://www.loom.com/

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 21

Guest: Kira Hyde Business Name: The KH Studio Website: https://www.thekhstudio.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirahyde/

Topics Covered

/ The Journey of The KH Studio

Kira Hyde shares how she founded The KH Studio, a boutique brand design and marketing agency based in Bendigo. She explains how the business has evolved from a solo operation focused on branding and website design into a full-service marketing agency that now offers SEO, Google Ads, social media management, and marketing strategy.

/ A Strategy-Driven Approach to Branding and Marketing

Kira discusses how The KH Studio differentiates itself in the competitive marketing industry by offering strategy-first, integrated digital solutions. She highlights the importance of blending branding, creativity, and technology to deliver bold, high-impact results for businesses across various industries.

/ Scaling a Business to Meet Client Needs

The KH Studio has grown by carefully listening to client needs and expanding its service offerings accordingly. Kira explains the journey from a freelancer to a business leader, the challenges of scaling a boutique agency, and how her team has developed long-term client partnerships.

/ Business Growth and Lessons in Leadership

Kira shares key insights from her entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of hiring employees vs. contractors, maintaining company culture, and creating a sustainable business model. She also talks about the importance of business mentorship, the impact of working with a board of advisors, and the personal growth required to lead a creative business.

/ Award-Winning Excellence

The KH Studio was recently recognised at the 2024 Bendigo Excellence Awards, winning the Professional Services Firm of the Year. Kira reflects on what this award means for her business and the importance of elevating creative professionals in the regional business landscape.

/ The Role of Processes and Systems in Business Success

Kira explains how implementing structured processes and automation has allowed The KH Studio to deliver high-quality results while remaining boutique. She shares insights on how they use client portals, time tracking, and streamlined workflows to enhance efficiency and improve the client experience.

/ Building a Team That Works for Your Business Model

Unlike traditional agencies, The KH Studio operates with a hybrid team structure, consisting of core team members and specialised contractors. Kira explains why this model provides flexibility, scalability, and top-tier expertise, allowing them to compete with larger agencies while maintaining a personalised, boutique approach.

/ The Entrepreneurial Journey & Work-Life Balance

Starting her business at just 20 years old, Kira has had a unique entrepreneurial journey—including traveling through Europe while running her business remotely. She shares lessons on balancing work and life, staying motivated as a business owner, and the importance of trusting your own instincts when making business decisions.

References

The KH Studio - https://www.thekhstudio.co/ Bendigo Excellence Awards - https://bbea.com.au/award-categories/ Tools & Systems Mentioned: CRM software, Slack, Google Ads, SEO tools, client portals

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 20

Guest: Joe Ciancio Business Name: Maxsum Consulting Website: www.maxsum.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ciancio-gaicd-76a95a1a/

Topics Covered

/ Introduction to Maxsum Consulting

Joe Ciancio, founder and Managing Director of Maxsum Consulting, shares the story of how the business evolved from a small IT solutions provider to a consulting firm focused on business strategy, technology integration, and digital transformation. He explains how rebranding from “Maxsum Solutions” to “Maxsum Consulting” reflects their shift from IT services to strategic business enablement.

/ Moving Beyond Commoditised IT Services

Joe discusses how technology is often seen as a necessary but low-value utility, like electricity, rather than a strategic asset. He emphasises the importance of aligning technology with business goals to drive efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage.

/ Strategic IT Partnerships vs. Transactional IT Services

Maxsum Consulting prioritises working with businesses that view IT as a strategic enabler rather than just a cost. Joe explains how they engage with organisation’s that seek long-term IT partnerships, focusing on business outcomes rather than low-cost, one-off solutions.

/ The Power of Data and AI in Business Growth

Joe highlights how data is the most valuable asset for modern businesses, comparing its impact to that of oil in the industrial era. He discusses how AI tools are now accessible to small and medium-sized businesses but require proper implementation and data security measures to be effective.

/ Security Challenges in the Age of AI

With AI-driven tools like Microsoft Copilot making data more accessible, Joe stresses the importance of securing internal information. He shares insights on how businesses must carefully manage access to sensitive data to avoid unintentional breaches and misinformation caused by AI "hallucinations."

/ Change Management and Digital Transformation

Technology alone does not drive change—people do. Joe discusses the critical role of change management in IT implementations, citing examples of businesses that failed to adopt new technology due to poor training and communication. He shares best practices for successfully integrating new systems into an organisations workflow.

/ Serving Diverse Industries Across Victoria

Maxsum Consulting operates across multiple industries, including professional services, local government, manufacturing, mining, and non-profit sectors. Joe explains how their approach is tailored to the unique needs of each industry, particularly in high-compliance fields like aged care and disability services.

/ Business Growth and Organisational Culture

Joe reflects on how Maxsum Consulting’s internal growth journey has been shaped by clearly defined cultural values. He shares how their company’s mission—"Enable Opportunity and Realise Potential"—guides both their client engagements and internal team development.

/ Personal Growth and Leadership Lessons

Transitioning from a hands-on IT technician to a business leader required Joe to develop new skills in delegation, trust, and strategic decision-making. He shares key lessons in leadership, including the importance of empowering teams, maintaining work-life balance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

References

Maxsum Consulting - https://www.maxsum.com/ Microsoft Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/FvkUQRLGyjJpcsXcKq7hm ISO Certifications - https://www.iso.org/home.html

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 19

Guest: Lisa Renato

Business Name: Lifeline Loddon Mallee

Website: www.lifelinelm.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisamrenato

Topics Covered

/ Introduction to Lifeline Loddon Mallee:

Lisa Renato introduces Lifeline’s mission, explaining its critical role in providing crisis support and suicide prevention services. She shares how the organisation serves regional communities and why local awareness is essential.

/ Lifeline’s Local and National Impact:

Lifeline operates 24/7 crisis support services through call centres in Bendigo and Mildura, staffed by nearly 100 volunteers. While most people recognise Lifeline’s national hotline (13 11 14), many are unaware of the regional centres that answer these calls. In addition to crisis support, Lifeline delivers mental health first aid, suicide prevention training, and domestic violence awareness programs.

/ The Scale of the Crisis in Australia:

Lifeline Australia answers approximately 1.3 million crisis calls annually, with 2% classified as imminent suicide risk. Financial stress, loneliness, and economic challenges are driving an increase in calls. Locally, the Loddon Mallee call centres answered 22,000 calls last year, reflecting the high demand for support in the region.

/ Volunteerism and Community Engagement:

Volunteers at Lifeline not only contribute their time but also gain valuable skills in crisis intervention, active listening, and mental health awareness. These skills often extend into their personal and professional lives, allowing them to support friends, family, and colleagues in distress. Since COVID, recruiting and retaining volunteers has become more challenging, making community engagement and flexibility crucial in maintaining a strong team.

/ Leadership in a Non-Profit Environment:

Transitioning from the corporate world to non-profit leadership required Lisa to rethink traditional business strategies. Instead of focusing on sales and profits, her leadership now centres on volunteer engagement, trust, and accountability. She shares how she moved away from micromanagement and embraced outcome-based leadership to create a culture where volunteers and staff feel valued and motivated.

/ Fundraising and Sustainability:

With 75% of its annual funding needing to be raised independently, Lifeline Loddon Mallee relies on a mix of revenue streams. The organisation operates a thrift store as a social enterprise, providing affordable goods while generating income to support crisis services. Additionally, they offer mental health first aid training to businesses and community groups. The Hello for Hope campaign unites local businesses and individuals in fundraising efforts, demonstrating the power of community-driven support.

/ Suicide Prevention and Regional Challenges:

In 2022, Australia recorded 3,249 deaths by suicide—nearly double the national road toll. Men account for 75% of suicides, with rising rates among men over 65. Lisa highlights the need for targeted community initiatives that encourage early intervention and support. By increasing awareness and equipping people with the skills to recognise distress, Lifeline is working towards its vision of a suicide-free Australia.

/ Personal Growth and Lessons in Leadership:

Lisa reflects on her leadership journey, emphasising the importance of delegation, trust, and flexibility. She has learned to create an environment where team members take ownership and feel safe to contribute ideas and take risks. By fostering a culture of psychological safety, Lifeline Loddon Mallee encourages innovation and adaptability in its mission to support those in crisis.

References

• Lifeline Australia: www.lifeline.org.au
• Lifeline Loddon Mallee: www.lifelinelm.com
• Crisis Support Hotline: 13 11 14 (Available 24/7)
• Mental Health First Aid Training: www.lifelinelm.com/start-training