🔥 THE LAUNCH SPOTLIGHT PODCAST 🔥

Eddie The Chef
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The Secret Sauce for Business Success!Get ready to feast on Australia's most delicious business podcast!  The Main Course: What's Cooking? This isn't your average business buffet - we're talking about a gourmet experience featuring Marketing Recipes' flagship podcast dedicated to showcasing innovative businesses and the brilliant minds behind breakthrough products and services. Each episode is like a master chef's tasting menu, carefully crafted with intimate conversations with visionary business owners, innovative marketers, and industry disruptors who are reshaping their sectors.What's on the Menu?🍽️ Startup Appetizers: Fresh new ventures with revolutionary ingredients🥘 Established Enterprise Entrees: Seasoned companies serving up pivot perfection🍰 Success Story Desserts: Sweet victories and lessons that leave you hungry for moreLaunch Spotlight is where exceptional Gippsland business owners and their innovative supporters come to feast on success!  With Eddie "The Chef" at the helm, armed with his 30-year cookbook of marketing mastery and small business passion, it's time to turn up the heat on your business journey and get a taste of what it means to be in the Marketing Recipes spotlight. Book your seat at the chef's table - where small business dreams are cooked to perfection! Reserve your table at Australia's most exclusive business dining experience with Chef Eddie!

  1. Chocolate, Debt, and Determination: The Dale Reynolds Journey

    4D AGO

    Chocolate, Debt, and Determination: The Dale Reynolds Journey

    Dale Reynolds' journey from $30 to becoming one of Australia's largest gluten-free chocolate manufacturers is a testament to resilience, innovation, and refusing to quit when most people would have walked away. At age 30, after his fiancée unexpectedly left him while they were running a café together, Dale found himself with just $30 and a dream. He discovered a 140-year-old truffle recipe in a family trunk from his great-great grandparents who had migrated from Scotland in 1882. Using his chef qualification and that $30, he bought chocolate and ingredients, made a small batch of handcrafted truffles, and sold them to one Lakes Entrance café in 2010. Within days, they sold out. Within three months, Dale expanded from one café to 60 across regional Victoria. His strategic brilliance was recognizing the gluten-free market 15 years before it became mainstream. He developed 26 varieties of handcrafted truffles and innovated from round to square shapes, creating custom moulds with engineers to dramatically increase production efficiency. At its peak, Dale's business reached 360 venues including Young and Jackson's, Caulfield Race Club, and Wild Oats in Sydney. He handcrafted 50,000 truffles monthly with 20 staff, personally visiting every venue and delivering all Melbourne orders in his 1995 Ford Fairmont to guarantee quality. Then disaster struck—multiple times. An industrial mixer incorporated too much air into his filling, causing mold. He recalled and replaced products at 150 venues at his own cost. In 2017, BWS ended their contract after seven years, eliminating 300 venues overnight. Dale refused to declare bankruptcy, instead working seven days a week for 12 months to honor every debt. "You can't walk away from your debts," he insists. "You have to be able to walk feeling comfortably that you've done the right thing." After surviving bushfires and relocating twice, COVID-19 forced him to close his Bairnsdale shop and move manufacturing to a shed. But Dale turned crisis into opportunity. After five years perfecting a gluten-free liquorice recipe with multiple flavour layers, he posted a video that went viral. Within one day, his Shopify website generated $25,000 in sales. He converted a caravan into packaging space to fulfill the overwhelming orders from across Australia. Today, Dale operates the magical Wonka Do Lounge in Lakes Entrance—an immersive chocolate experience featuring a working pianola, model train, vintage teaspoons, and hot chocolate served in antique cups. He's earned recognition as Best Candy Store in East Gippsland with 95% customer satisfaction and status as one of Australia's largest gluten-free manufacturers. His philosophy? "There's no such thing as can't. You just haven't looked at the other avenues yet." He emphasizes knowing your core business, creating memorable experiences, and never counting the hours when you love what you do. After 16 years of extraordinary challenges and triumphs, Dale continues innovating new products while planning to automate partially for an eventual sale in 10-12 years. His journey proves that with passion, persistence, and adaptability, it's possible to build something magical from almost nothing.

    57 min
  2. Bloom Hearing - The Power of Locals Supporting Locals

    FEB 3

    Bloom Hearing - The Power of Locals Supporting Locals

    Eddie the Chef sits down with Davina Ross to explore how Bloom Hearing Specialists transformed from a small independent Bairnsdale clinic in 1997 into one of Australia's busiest hearing care providers—all while maintaining the personal, community-focused approach that makes regional businesses special. Locals Helping Locals In 2013, Bloom strategically acquired trusted independent clinics—including Bairnsdale—and enhanced them with global backing and cutting-edge technology without losing what made them special. As Davina puts it, it's never about the hearing aid. It's about the people. Their motto says it all: "People first, and the financial rewards are a result of this effort." Breaking the Stigma Davina candidly tackles the elephant in the room: people resisting hearing tests because they don't want to feel old. She's heard every objection. The conversation highlights how hearing loss creeps up gradually—the TV getting louder, saying "yes" without understanding, or withdrawing from social situations. Eddie even admits he probably needs a hearing test himself, which keeps things relatable and fun. The Technology Revolution Modern hearing aids are a far cry from the chunky, squealing devices of decades past. Davina walks Eddie through Bluetooth connectivity, overnight rechargeability, advanced noise reduction, geotagging (hearing aids that auto-switch settings when you arrive at your local café), remote telehealth adjustments, and even GPS tracking. A standout story involves a grandmother whose hearing aids automatically switch to the perfect program when she drives into the swimming centre car park for her grandkids' lessons. The Sound Experience Bloom's signature offering lets clients actually try amplification in simulated noisy environments before making any decisions. It removes the fear and mystery, letting people hear for themselves what modern hearing aids can do. Comprehensive Community Care Bloom goes well beyond fitting hearing aids—offering microsuction wax removal, home visits, nursing home services, satellite clinics in Lakes Entrance, on-site repairs, and government funding navigation. Many services come at no out-of-pocket cost. They also run a graduate program that brings young audiologists to regional locations, and many stay because they genuinely love working with regional communities. The Human Impact The interview keeps returning to what truly matters: people staying connected to their lives. Hearing loss leads to isolation, reduced safety, and loss of independence. Bloom's goal is enabling people to stay part of conversations, enjoy family gatherings, and live independently longer. This episode is essential for anyone over 60, families worried about loved ones, and regional business owners looking for a masterclass in community-first success. The tone is warm, humorous, and genuinely inspiring—it feels less like a business interview and more like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend. Contact: bloomhearing.com.au | Bairnsdale, VIC (also servicing Lakes Entrance and surrounding East Gippsland)

    48 min
  3. Evergrow Landscapes - Building Professional Standards in Regional Victoria

    JAN 19

    Evergrow Landscapes - Building Professional Standards in Regional Victoria

    In this compelling episode of Launch Spotlight, the business growth podcast illuminating entrepreneurial journeys across regional Australia, host Eddie sits down with Daniel Eastman, Director of Evergrow Landscapes, for an honest conversation about building a professional landscaping business in East Gippsland. Dan's story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to raising industry standards. After a decade working in Melbourne's landscaping industry, Dan and his wife—both Bairnsdale locals—moved home in 2022 following the birth of their second child. What he found missing in the regional landscaping scene became his business opportunity: professional accountability, proper building standards, and the peace of mind that comes with fixed contracts and warranties. As one of the rare registered builders operating in the landscape construction space in regional Victoria, Dan brought metropolitan professionalism to East Gippsland without losing the community values that make regional business special. Through Evergrow Landscapes, he offers clients something many local landscapers don't: fixed-price contracts, 10-year warranties on construction work, permit management, and the legal accountability that comes with being a registered building practitioner. But Dan's journey hasn't been without its trials. In this remarkably candid interview, he opens up about facing a perfect storm in 2024—a non-paying client, losing a key employee to injury, and his own mental health challenges. His honesty about asking for help, leaning on family support, and learning to run a business without sacrificing his wellbeing makes this episode essential listening for any entrepreneur navigating the pressures of business ownership. Throughout the conversation, Dan shares insights about: The importance of comprehensive contracts and professional relationships, even in close-knit regional communitiesHow membership in Landscape Victoria provides networking, mentorship, and access to industry-leading resourcesBalancing metropolitan standards with regional community valuesBuilding a sustainable business model that prioritizes family time and mental healthThe future of landscaping in regional areas facing development pressuresHis philosophy on hiring team members who think independently and problem-solveWhat sets this episode apart is Dan's genuine reflection on the lessons learned through hardship. From the naivety of his early subcontracting relationships to the systems he's now implementing for sustainable growth, listeners gain practical wisdom they can apply to their own business journeys. Dan's vision for the future focuses on consolidation rather than rapid expansion—building robust systems that allow his apprentice to step into supervisory roles while Dan transitions from full-time site work to strategic business management. It's a masterclass in intentional growth that puts quality of life alongside business success. For anyone in the trades, aspiring entrepreneurs, or business owners facing their own challenges, Dan's advice rings true: talk to everyone, seek professional help, get everything in writing, and never try to soldier through alone. The strength to ask for help isn't weakness—it's wisdom. Tune in to hear how one regional entrepreneur is proving that professional standards, community values, and family priorities can coexist in building a thriving trade business in East Gippsland. Connect with Evergrow Landscapes: Website: www.evergrowlandscapes.com.au Phone: 0449 253 693

    46 min
  4. Two Times Miles Franklin Nominated Author Gillian Wells

    JAN 4

    Two Times Miles Franklin Nominated Author Gillian Wells

    About the Guest Gillian Wells is an accomplished English author who has made Victoria, Australia her home for the past 31 years. Living with her beloved cattle dog Jess, Gillian has established herself as a distinctive voice in Australian literature, particularly known for her compelling stories set in the outback. Gillian's path to becoming an author is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Though she dreamed of writing since childhood—boldly telling her father as a teenager that she would become an author—life intervened, and that dream was put on hold. It wasn't until after her children had grown and she found herself with more time that she finally sat down to write. Her writing career began with children's books inspired by her grandchildren: the Bub and Tub series (volumes 1 and 2) and Boots and Scoots—stories she originally told to her grandchildren before committing them to paper. From there, she transitioned to adult fiction, and in just ten years has written an impressive 20 books (with more in the pipeline). Gillian's work has received significant recognition in the Australian literary community. Her novel Alone was nominated for the prestigious 2021 Miles Franklin Award, followed by her sequel Consequences earning a nomination for the 2022 Miles Franklin Award. When asked about these nominations, Gillian was characteristically humble, admitting she was "completely blown away" and initially wondered if it was a mistake. She expressed being thrilled simply to be nominated alongside renowned writers like Tim Winton, never expecting to win but honored to be part of that conversation. Gillian's rich life experience deeply informs her writing. Before becoming an author, she worked as a milliner, trained horses, performed as a concerto singer, and farmed in England. This diverse background, combined with decades of observation and her fascination with people and relationships, gives her work an authenticity that resonates with readers. Despite being English, Gillian has captured the Australian outback with such accuracy that during her book tour for Alone through Queensland libraries, every reader told her she had "nailed it"—a compliment she treasures. She feels genuinely at home in the outback and in wild, isolated places, which comes through powerfully in her writing. Advice to Aspiring Writers When asked about her advice for new writers, Gillian keeps it simple: "If there's a story within you, then you need to sit down and write it." She encourages practicing and drafting until it's right, emphasizing that writing must come from within—from the heart. As she puts it, "practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you'll get." For more information about Gillian Wells and her complete catalogue of books, visit https://gillianwellsauthor.com.au/ Listen to the full inaugural episode of Launch Spotlight Podcast to hear Gillian's warm, engaging conversation with host Eddie about her journey, her craft, and the stories that drive her to keep writing.

    31 min
  5. Jessica Cane knew from primary school she wanted to be an accountant.

    12/17/2025

    Jessica Cane knew from primary school she wanted to be an accountant.

    Jessica Cane knew from primary school she wanted to be an accountant. She studied full-time at Deakin University while working full-time at a local practice, demonstrating remarkable drive and ambition. However, her first role at a traditional accounting firm nearly ended her career before it began. As a young woman seeking career progression, she found herself in an environment where advancement seemed impossible. Discouraged, she told her parents she was considering leaving accounting altogether. Her mother's advice changed everything: try six other places first. Within days, Jessica had a new job at a modern, people-focused practice. This was "modern accounting" - strategic thinking, forward planning, and genuine client connection. After just eighteen months, the partners offered to sell the practice to just two staff members. At only 26 years old, Jessica was one of them. Despite the daunting debt and responsibility, she took the leap. Fifteen years later, Accounting Solutions Victoria thrives on Jessica's unwavering focus on people and culture. Her philosophy is simple: you can teach technical skills, but you cannot change someone's attitude. The practice operates on making complex financial matters simple, ensuring every client understands their situation completely. As an SMSF specialist, Jessica navigates Centrelink and aged care complexities, holding clients' retirement dreams in her hands. The practice has grown entirely through word-of-mouth referrals, serving clients across Australia including Queensland, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. Jessica maintains a strong preference for face-to-face meetings, believing personal connection is irreplaceable. She and her team actively support local sports clubs and schools, embodying her belief that in small regional communities, everyone needs to do their bit. Jessica is honest about the challenges - the early years were brutal, filled with long hours and constant worry. Her survival strategies include reframing her mindset (from "I have to" to "I GET to"), finding trusted mentors, and sleeping on difficult decisions. Her family remains her biggest support network. Staffing remains the biggest regional challenge, especially after the local RMIT accounting program closed. Jessica addresses this by hiring young people and supporting them through their studies while they work, creating deeply invested team members. Despite challenges, she loves the regional lifestyle - stunning natural beauty, close-knit community connections, and genuine client relationships. Her advice to aspiring business owners: "You are more capable and stronger than you think, and you can handle anything that's thrown your way." Find somebody you can trust to talk through challenges - verbalizing problems provides relief and clarity. Today, Accounting Solutions Victoria stands as testament to what's possible when you combine professional expertise with genuine human connection, prioritize people over profits, and stay deeply rooted in community. Contact: accountingsolutionsvictoria.com.au | McLeod Street, Bairnsdale | Contact Susan for community support inquiries

    50 min
  6. Ian's story is one of passion, perseverance, and...much more

    12/15/2025

    Ian's story is one of passion, perseverance, and...much more

    Ian Pearson - Pier 70 Bar and Restaurant In this episode of Launch Spotlight, host Eddie the Chef sits down with Ian Pearson, co-owner and driving force behind Pier 70 Bar and Restaurant, one of Paynesville's most beloved waterfront dining destinations. From Europe to East Gippsland Ian's hospitality journey spans continents—from kitchens in the UK, France, Greece, and Italy to Melbourne's vibrant café culture in the 1990s, before settling in the Gippsland Lakes region. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and creating authentic experiences in a stunning lakeside setting. Surviving and Thriving Through Adversity Pier 70's journey hasn't been easy. Opening just before the devastating 2019-20 bushfires, followed immediately by COVID-19, Ian and his business partners George and Rod faced extraordinary challenges. Yet through community support, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to quality, they've built a thriving restaurant that's become a regional icon. The Philosophy: Simple, Seasonal, European Ian brings a distinctly European approach to dining: exceptional local ingredients, simply prepared, in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. "What grows together goes together" isn't just a saying—it's the foundation of Pier 70's menu, which celebrates Gippsland's incredible produce from suppliers like Forge Creek Lamb and local seafood. Hospitality First "I want them to feel welcome. That's it—hospitality," Ian emphasizes. This philosophy permeates everything at Pier 70, from the moment guests arrive on the Esplanade to their last sip of expertly crafted cocktails while watching boats drift past. Building a Team, Creating Careers One of Ian's proudest achievements is nurturing young local talent. Staff members often start at 14 or 15 and grow with the business, many returning even after moving on. This stability and culture of development has created a team that embodies Pier 70's values. Staying in Your Lane Ian's advice to aspiring restaurateurs? "Stay in your lane." Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, Pier 70 focuses on what they do exceptionally well: quality seasonal dining, stunning location, genuine hospitality, and creating memorable experiences—whether it's an intimate dinner, waterside cocktails, or a special celebration. Looking Ahead While maintaining their core identity, Ian sees opportunities in expanding functions and events, particularly during quieter seasons, and potentially taking their catering expertise to new venues across the region. The Pier 70 Experience Located at 70 The Esplanade in Paynesville, Pier 70 offers fresh Gippsland produce, an extensive wine list featuring local and international selections, innovative cocktails by award-worthy mixologist Matt, and arguably one of Victoria's best restaurant locations overlooking the water. Visit: pier70.com.au | Book: Online or call for reservations

    53 min
  7. From Derelict Milk Bar to Gippsland's Most Talked-About Dining Destination

    12/10/2025

    From Derelict Milk Bar to Gippsland's Most Talked-About Dining Destination

    In this episode, host Eddie the Chef sits down with Chef Josh Thomas, the creative force behind East Handy Store—an intimate 20-seat degustation experience housed in a beautifully restored 1923 Art Deco milk bar in East Bairnsdale. Josh's culinary journey reads like an adventure novel. As a teenager, he was dragged through France on cheese-making tours by his uncle, pioneering Australian cheesemaker Richard Thomas. He worked as a private butler in Irish stately homes, trained alongside legendary chefs from Movida and Key in Dinner Plain, and threw acclaimed Spanish-style feasts at his family's Tambo Upper property before discovering the abandoned corner store that would become his life's work. Where others saw only possum droppings and banana-shaped walls, Josh saw potential. Despite 14 months of VCAT delays and multiple financial setbacks, he transformed what locals called "the Bronx of Bairnsdale" into a destination where diners gather around a courtyard fire before moving inside for a chef-curated journey through East Gippsland's finest produce—all prepared using traditional fermentation techniques including house-made sourdough, cultured butter, and cured meats. Josh shares the philosophy behind his "fine dining meets fun dining" approach, why he chose a neighbourhood with a rough reputation, and how creating emotional connections matters more than any menu. With reviews comparing East Handy Store to Melbourne's best, this is the story of vision, community, and the belief that a corner store can once again become the beating heart of a neighbourhood. Book your experience: easthandystore.com | bookings@easthandystore.com

    53 min
  8. From Bank Manager to Business Builder: Jamie Savory's Regional Finance Revolution

    12/08/2025

    From Bank Manager to Business Builder: Jamie Savory's Regional Finance Revolution

    In this captivating episode of Launch Spotlight, host Eddie the Chef sits down with Jamie Savory, the dynamic founder of Gippsland Financial Solutions, to explore an entrepreneurial journey that's redefining what's possible in regional Australian finance. What began as a modest dream of working three days a week has evolved into one of Victoria's fastest-growing mortgage broking firms, now employing 16 professionals and challenging the notion that meaningful careers require metropolitan life. After 11 years with Commonwealth Bank, Jamie faced a breaking point in 2014. The banking industry was shifting toward impersonal digital service, pushing customers to ATMs and online platforms for life-changing financial decisions. Regional clients wanted face-to-face interaction—they wanted someone they could trust. When she quit on Thursday, the bank simply said to drop off her keys Friday. No thanks, no acknowledgment. The abruptness validated what she knew: it was time to build something different. Jamie's initial vision was refreshingly modest—help some clients, contribute to household income. But life had other plans. She fell pregnant, had her third baby three months premature, and found herself bringing him in a car capsule to client meetings. That three-day-a-week dream lasted six months. The volume of clients following her from Commonwealth Bank was overwhelming, and within a year she was working full-time with three young children. Her biggest lesson? "If I had my time again, I would have put staff on sooner." Operating in regional Victoria presents unique advantages. Since COVID, 26 branches have closed across Gippsland, leaving a void Gippsland Financial Solutions fills perfectly. "We still see 65% of our clients face-to-face," Jamie emphasizes—a statistic that distinguishes her business in an increasingly digital world. The remaining 35% get personalized phone service from real humans in Bairnsdale, Traralgon, or Warragul—never an overseas call center. Perhaps most distinctive is Jamie's commitment to creating career opportunities for women in regional areas. Of 16 employees, 15 are women—including brokers, support staff, and her husband who quit his chef career to support the business. "I'm super passionate about giving working mums the opportunity to have a career in a regional location," she states. She provides flexibility mothers need—working from home when kids are sick, adjusting for school commitments, understanding that family doesn't disappear during business hours. This attracts skepticism. "I always get, 'Have you ever tried to employ men?'" she says, frustrated by the double standard. But her philosophy isn't about exclusion—it's about breaking the myth that ambitious women must leave Gippsland to build substantial careers. Jamie's expansion strategy defies convention—she doesn't select locations first. "It's all about finding the right people," she emphasizes. When she finds brokers with the right work ethic and shared values, she builds around them. A fourth office is opening because someone reached out wanting to join the team. Looking ahead, Jamie envisions expanding toward a one-stop property transaction shop. But her deeper legacy transcends metrics: "I just hope I can provide financial freedom for all my staff to be a mum plus work, have career and social connections in a regional area." Her journey proves you don't need Melbourne to build substantial careers. Regional Australia offers abundant opportunity for those serving communities with excellence, empathy, and unwavering commitment to people.  Visit www.gippsfinance.com.au to experience the difference—real humans ready to help navigate your financial future with integrity, expertise, and genuine care.

    50 min
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About

The Secret Sauce for Business Success!Get ready to feast on Australia's most delicious business podcast!  The Main Course: What's Cooking? This isn't your average business buffet - we're talking about a gourmet experience featuring Marketing Recipes' flagship podcast dedicated to showcasing innovative businesses and the brilliant minds behind breakthrough products and services. Each episode is like a master chef's tasting menu, carefully crafted with intimate conversations with visionary business owners, innovative marketers, and industry disruptors who are reshaping their sectors.What's on the Menu?🍽️ Startup Appetizers: Fresh new ventures with revolutionary ingredients🥘 Established Enterprise Entrees: Seasoned companies serving up pivot perfection🍰 Success Story Desserts: Sweet victories and lessons that leave you hungry for moreLaunch Spotlight is where exceptional Gippsland business owners and their innovative supporters come to feast on success!  With Eddie "The Chef" at the helm, armed with his 30-year cookbook of marketing mastery and small business passion, it's time to turn up the heat on your business journey and get a taste of what it means to be in the Marketing Recipes spotlight. Book your seat at the chef's table - where small business dreams are cooked to perfection! Reserve your table at Australia's most exclusive business dining experience with Chef Eddie!

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