Meet our Members

Founding member

Jamal’s Story – Drawing on my years of experience, especially with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enables me to successfully match buyers with sellers to achieve the right outcome for all parties. I enjoy building new relationships and learning about my clients’ houses and what makes them special. My strong customer service and good communication skills ensure I always maintain a strong rapport with my clients. I believe in keeping everyone informed with the latest developments to guarantee maximum satisfaction for all parties.

Constantly seeking to add value for my clients, I utilise the extensive resources of Place, and the competitive advantage of the Place brand. Always keeping a finger on the pulse with market trends, I know how to position your property to gain the best possible market result. With the strong support of the Place team, I am able to help my clients achieve an excellent return for their properties.

Core services include: Marketing and selling land, houses, units and town houses.

Founding member

Ricardo’s Story – After starting early in my career as an employee of one of Australia’s largest energy providers, I moved to Japan and started working for the Japanese Government. After a number of invaluable years, I was headhunted by a Tokyo based American/Japanese firm which led me to consulting with a handful of government departments such as Education and Training, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Japan Self Defence Force, and private companies such as ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Fujitsu.

On my return to Australia, I worked effectively and successfully as an IT recruiter representing one of the largest IT consulting firms in Australia. After numerous successes, I became even more intrigued in the psychology behind the recruitment of successful people. Having already obtained a Bachelor of Languages and Applied Linguistics and a Graduate Diploma in Training, I have continued to acquire qualifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, solution selling and extended my study to include Emotional Intelligence.

With my vast experience in psychological based coaching and training, I have developed a unique coaching process, delivering outstanding results.

Core services include: Coaching, Training & Consulting.

Founding member

Adriana’s Story – My role is to help you tell your story and grow your business. I’ll work with you to determine your unique selling points, develop a tailored strategy and implement cost effective marketing activities to build your brand both online and offline. After 20 years working both inhouse and as an external marketing consultant for government and private companies, as well as public relations consultancies in Brisbane and Sydney, I took a leap of faith and started up my own business. In 2013, I founded BacktoBasics Communication Services to help businesses develop solid foundations to build their business brand, and access affordable strategic marketing advice. With a bank of knowledge spanning diverse industries including property, technology, finance, insurance, retail, health, and tourism, I have a good handle on issues and effective strategies to reach and engage audiences in these areas. Happy to discuss your marketing needs with a FREE consultation.

Core services include: development of marketing plans, social media management, traditional media campaigns and copywriting for websites, newsletters and brochures.

Founding member

Mark’s Story – After moving on from Telstra, I focused my energies into helping clients manage their data. IT Managed Services forms an essential part of ensuring business practices are compliant and efficient to maximise performance.

Working for Centra Networks, I have developed a deeper understanding of the operational challenges facing organisations. Through technology, I can help business owners and manager achieve significant cost savings and reduce resources and time. Working with my technology team of experienced and accredited IT providers, we’re helping to make a difference. Together, we can improve productivity, and reduce your downtime.

If you’re seeking help with data security, working remotely, workflow management, or developing a cohesive enterprise IT infrastructure, let’s chat.

Founding member

Andrew’s Story – In 2001 I bought in to a Print Franchise Network. It was here that I developed a range of skills around pre-press, digital and offset print, online print management, and more importantly; customer service.

I founded Appello Media in 2012 with a desire to apply my experience in the corporate and franchise sectors to delivering tailored print marketing solutions for our customers. Appello Media offers a comprehensive range of printed products including business stationery, marketing collateral and signage. With access to manufacturing hubs in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, we supply a diverse range of clients with high quality, competitively priced printing, delivered Australia wide.

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Alvin’s Story – I started my career in management consulting before starting my own financial planning business. In 2013 I moved into mortgage broking after seeing a need for correctly structured lending in my own clients.

I have always been a problem solver and enjoy thinking out of the box to come up with clever finance solutions for my clients.

I am also passionate about helping those in need and in particular helping children in the third world get access to clean water.   After every loan settlement my business makes a donation through World Vision Australia supporting the installation of toilets and digging fresh water bores in third world countries.

Core services include: home loans and investment property loans, refinancing and SMSF lending.

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Robert’s Story – Do you spend a vast amount of time working in your business only to discover that you now have to worry about keeping your Xero file up to date or even worse, realising that you have missed an important lodgement deadline. Wouldn’t it be nice to finish work at 5pm and head home to the family without having to worry about lodging your BAS on time, or finding funds for a large unexpected tax bill. This is where I can help!

My clients range from the single business owner trying to do everything on their own, right through to company directors managing a large team of staff and a multi million dollar business.

I love seeing business owners grow and thrive through every stage of business. So whether you are a startup business and need help setting up or a mature business that has outgrown your current accountant’s capabilities, we’d be happy to explore working with you.

Core services include: business accounting, tax planning, BAS statement. I also prepare strategies to reduce your tax and where possible, take advantage of any available government assistance packages.

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Felipe’s Story – With a Latin (Brasil) family oriented background, I decided to come to Australia to live a better life in a first-world country. After three years of living here, I found myself asking this question: why do I feel like a teenager in a thirty three year old man’s body? Why don’t I feel confident in the man I have become? That motivated me to start my research through books, men’s groups, retreats and therapy which led me to dream of what I now am – a qualified life coach, with a specialisation in Trauma Therapy (TRTP) for Men to Live an Authentic Life™ – life from the inside out.

I acquired my wisdom and deep knowledge through a Master’s in Psychotherapy & Counselling, a degree in Journalism, an MBA in Marketing of Services and real world experience in the fields of mental and emotional development.

Counselling Men Project was born from a question I asked myself: what would I do if I didn’t have to work anymore? The answer was CMP: a NFP with the major purpose to lead men from a dark pit to a much brighter, vibrant and energetic life – a life worth living.

In a challenging world, I believe the right to a dignified life is worth protecting and fighting for. I am on a mission to help the helpless live well and regain the joy of life.

Core services include: Qualified Therapy for Men. Specifically matters relating to Homelessness, Violence & Suicide Prevention.

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Matt’s Story – I have been running my own construction company in NZ and now in Australia for the last 30 years and this has allowed me to develop the broad range of skills required to keep a small business flourishing and satisfied clients. I have worked in New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Sydney and now for the last 13 years have been a QBCC licenced builder in Brisbane enjoying the awesome Queensland lifestyle.

I have delivered difficult projects on time and within budget under difficult conditions, as is the nature of the industry I work in. I have decided to invest in a Jim’s franchise business as I believe the model provides the best opportunity for me to use my expertise in a professional capacity with a reputable trading name and support team behind me.

In my spare time I enjoy endurance events and have completed many triathlons including the Iron Man Australia in Port Macquarie twice.

Core services include: Building Inspections (general – Presale,) Timber Pest Inspections, Asbestos Inspections, Owner Builder Warranty, Pool Inspections, Dilapidation Reports, Depreciation Schedules, New Construction (Renovations & New Builds,) Mould, Insurance, Strata Reports.

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Keith’s Story – Through my journey of mentoring over a thousand small businesses from start-up to profitability, I realised that our commitment and success hinges not on the size of the businesses we serve, but on the smart solutions we provide. It’s not about being small or large, but about making intelligent decisions and adopting effective strategies.

 At Just Smart Business, I believe that success is achieved through goal achievement. My team and I help you create winning strategies so you can succeed in business.

 Using the Just Smart Business system enables you to create, refine and achieve your strategic purpose, set clear goals, and to implement actionable steps to achieve your “Big Goal”.

Our approach includes:

• Collaborative sessions to define your strategic direction, clarifying purpose, setting goals, and outlining actionable steps.
• A process tailored to your needs through consultation, workshops and guided self-help aimed at guiding you through the process of building your winning strategy, ensuring clarity and alignment with your aspirations, purpose, and direction.
• Accountability partnerships to provide ongoing support and guidance, keeping you focused and motivated on your journey to achieve success.

With our expertise and personalised support, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate the path to success, turning your business aspirations into reality.

Core services include: Business Strategy, Business Advisory.

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Valerie’s Story – Spending almost my entire working life in finance related roles, I began with aspirations to become an Accountant, however this was not my calling and from here I’ve worked for one of the big 4 banks, one of the largest Australian Industry Super funds, a well known Australian investment company and you will now find me running my own Financial Advice business, Advice Wise Aust. Throughout this journey I have acquired extensive experience, I have also attained a Certificate in Accounting, Diploma & Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, accreditations for SMSFs and Aged Care, Certificate in Finance and Mortgage Broking and am completing a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.

Core services include: Guiding you to achieve your financial goals through strategies around wealth creation/investments, superannuation, retirement planning, cashflow/debt management, tax planning, personal insurances and an array of other related strategy areas aligned to your financial journey.

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Josh’s Story – I have had a lifelong passion for videography which led me into a sales and then management role with DJI. I soon realised that I could combine my love for videography and sales by offering video marketing services. This is where I founded m|u media with my longtime friend Connor Martinuzzo.

Core services include: Videography.

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Lindsay’s Story – My love for Arts and Maths led me to study Architecture at the University of Chile, and run my first Architecture Studio in Santiago for over 5 years before emigrating to Australia in 2011.

After 4 years working in different Architecture Offices in Brisbane, I decided it was time to start my own studio and do things differently, from a personal and empathetic approach.

In addition to Architecture, I have also worked in Real Estate and for a Volume Builder in Brisbane, which has given me a unique understanding of people’s needs, the property market and financial investment.

Core services include: Designing Residential Developments (Townhouses, Duplexes, Rooming Accommodation), Commercial Projects (Shopping Villages, Retail, Supermarkets, Restaurants, Professional Practices), Childcare Centres and New Homes. We are passionate about listening to our clients’ ideas and visions, and working together to materialise them into beautiful, on budget, on time projects.

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Grace’s story – I proudly acquired the majority of my degrees in China, focusing on finance, accounting, economics, and management. My academic background equipped me with a solid foundation in the financial aspects of real estate, while my innate passion for connection with people led me to discover my ideal career path.

In 2018, I took a significant step forward by founding my own real estate business. This venture has allowed me to blend my educational expertise with my love for customer interaction, creating an environment where both my clients and I can thrive.

As I continue to evolve in my profession, I remain dedicated to forging meaningful, long-term relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring that every interaction is fair and straightforward. I believe that success in property management comes not just from transactions, but from building a community of trust and support.

Core services include: Real Estate Property Management.

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Michelle’s Story – I founded Ebonia Buyers Agent with the goal of providing ethical, client-focused property advocacy that puts the buyer’s needs first. After purchasing my first property at 18, I developed a passion for real estate and a strong belief that property is a powerful vehicle for building generational wealth. With years of hands-on experience and a growing portfolio, I now help my clients avoid costly mistakes, find off-market deals, and make informed decisions through every stage of the buying process.

Core services include: Buyers Agency services for residential and investment properties. Off-market property sourcing. Negotiation and due diligence support. Property strategy and portfolio planning.

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Julie’s Story – In my interaction with clients I spend as much time as possible to understand what they want, to listen to their ideas or the photos of jewellery they present so I can interpret their needs in the best possible way. They are entrusting me to create the design that suits their personal style and I want to get that right. Jewellery making needs constant attention to detail and I am fastidious about that from the start.

After the consultation I will submit a technical drawing that shows the piece from different angles with the exact measurements and offer a quote for the cost. Any consultation, appraisal or quote is free of charge. With my knowledge as a gemmologist I am able to advise the best gemstones for a piece and source them from the appropriate wholesalers. Coloured gemstones and Opals from Western Queensland are my favourites.

I also recreate jewellery using my client’s gemstones as well as the gold from the jewellery they no longer wear. Transforming the old into a new piece is an exciting option for clients.

Repairs are always part of a jeweller’s criteria and one that I also offer.

Core services include: Jewellery making, design & repairs.

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Eugene’s Story – After a decade of legal practice (with some strategic sanity breaks throughout), I decided to start a local law firm focused on delivering exceptional service and expertise whilst offering unrivalled value. And so, in early 2025, McAuley Law was born.

Unlike our competitors we operate mostly on fixed fees. This ensures our clients always know what they are charged. We don’t compromise on service or expertise … Throughout my career, I have experienced moderate success and the recognition of my peers. I am a one time winner and three time finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 under 30 awards.

With the help of my network of referrers and clients, I hope to build a highly successful law firm and make the name ‘McAuley’ synonymous with high quality, expedient and affordable legal services.

If you don’t have a lawyer, or your present lawyer sucks, call McAuley Law with a few hundred bucks.

Core services include: Commercial Law relating to business startups, structure, employment agreements, contracts. 

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Anita’s Story – About twenty years ago, I lost everything in a failed business venture. It was a harsh lesson in what happens when you’re running without a roadmap. Since then, I’ve helped countless businesses avoid that pain and regain their time and freedom—building practical, no-nonsense systems and governance frameworks tailored to how they operate. It’s not about theory—it’s about execution.

Five years ago, while serving on a board in a highly regulated environment, we were sued by a senior executive we’d exited—despite doing everything by the book. That experience showed me how broken traditional governance can be: rigid, bureaucratic, and disconnected from real business.

That was the tipping point. Today, I help businesses grow in a more predictable, less painful way—with systems that drive performance, create trust and don’t get in the way.

Core services include: My services range from hands-on advisory and diagnostic reviews to tools, templates and reporting systems that help owners lead with confidence and build businesses that thrive—even without them.

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Ben’s Story – 

Backed by Coverforce—one of Australia’s largest and most respected insurance brokerages—I have access to a broad network of insurers, specialist products, and expert resources. This support enables me to confidently manage diverse portfolios, from SME business packages to personal lines and rural insurance. I pride myself on being thorough, responsive, and transparent in every client interaction.

I believe that trust is earned through action. If I don’t have an immediate answer to a client’s question, I make it my priority to investigate and provide clear, informed guidance. My approach is proactive and solutions-focused, ensuring clients feel supported not just at policy inception, but throughout the life of their cover—especially when it matters most during claims.

Core services include: Business Insurance – Personal Insurance – Rural & Specialty Insurance – Claims & Advisory Services.