Network Success: Northside Notables

What do a saxophone, a startup, and smart automation have in common? Jordan Bailey.

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, we sit down with Jordan Bailey, founder of BizAutomate, whose mission is to help business owners take back their most valuable resource: time.

After years of climbing the corporate ladder at ANZ, Jordan made a bold leap into business ownership, blending his love of tech and problem-solving with a passion for serving people. From AI voice agents that sound startlingly human to automating entire service pipelines, Jordan explains how he's helping mortgage brokers, tradies and service-based businesses eliminate stress and save hours every week.

You’ll hear:

• How AI is revolutionising customer service (and why it’s not as scary as it sounds)
• His transition from muso to founder
• Why he credits BNI with launching his business
• Practical tips for businesses exploring AI or considering a move out of corporate life

Check out Biz Automate: https://bizautomate.com.au/

In this episode of Network Success: Northside Notables, we speak with David Maugeri, founder of Westflow Plumbing Services, about building a business that goes well beyond clearing blocked drains.

From almost pursuing an accounting degree to becoming a local go-to for residential plumbing, David shares the story behind launching his own business, navigating a partnership, and now running Westflow solo. He opens up about the realities of growing a trade business - quoting, social media, long hours, and what he’s learned about client service and building trust.

In this chat, David shares:

• What really makes a trade business profitable
• How stepping outside your comfort zone (in business and on camera) pays off
• His process for quoting and winning jobs in a competitive market
• How BNI referrals and local reputation drive his growth
• The podcast and association that have supported his business evolution

Whether you’re a tradie thinking about going out on your own, or a business owner looking to boost visibility and referrals, this episode delivers practical insights and wisdom for all business owners.

📍 Learn more at: westflowplumbinggroup.com.au

Curious to learn more about BNI in Melbourne's North West? Learn more here: https://bnimn.com.au/en-AU/index

In this inspiring episode of Network Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas sits down with Priyanka Baruah, founder of Cocoa Oven, to uncover the creative, courageous story behind her thriving cake design studio.

A trained architect turned cake artist, Priyanka shares how her love for design, food, and structure fused into a bold career pivot. She talks about launching Cocoa Oven just months before COVID hit, navigating uncertainty as a migrant entrepreneur, and transforming her side passion into a full-time creative business.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Priyanka blends artistic flair with business systems
• Why networking outside your comfort zone builds resilience and opportunity
• Her approach to social media that builds trust and drives bookings
• The value of understanding your numbers—even as a creative
• Why workshops and custom cakes have become the two pillars of her success

If you’re a creative thinking about starting your own business—or already running one and trying to scale—Priyanka’s journey offers practical insight and plenty of inspiration.

📍Learn more about her work at cocoaoven.com.au

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

What began as a one-man travel agency in 1997 has grown into a go-to specialist for complex, long-haul holidays—and even medical evacuations. In this episode of Network Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas chats with Andy Allen, founder of Travel Connections, about the art—and business—of turning dream itineraries into seamless reality.

Andy explains:

• Why he draws a seven-hour “long-haul arc” around Melbourne and focuses on everything beyond it
• How a passion for puzzles lets his team stitch together castles in Scotland, coast-to-coast UK walks and Alaskan rail trips in one flawless booking
• Real-world rescues: rerouting clients after sudden airline cuts and arranging $90 k stretcher evacuations that save lives and budgets
• Cash-is-king lessons from COVID and election-year slowdowns—and how six months’ operating funds protect any small business
• The referral power of BNI, where 25 % of Travel Connections’ annual revenue now originates

Whether you’re planning Europe, Japan or the Inside Passage—or simply want rock-solid business advice—Andy’s stories prove that expertise and preparedness never go out of style.

Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite player.

When Kaan Ristic opened Ristic Real Estate in 2003, the “office” was his parents’ lounge room. Two decades on, the Epping agency sports a 14-strong team, a bold magenta brand and a reputation for communication that outshines bigger rivals.

In this episode of Network Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas digs into Kaan’s journey from family start-up to local market leader. He explains:

• How clear company values—united leadership, family, fun and growth—keep culture intact as headcount climbs
• Why he chose magenta branding to stand out and appeal to the real decision-makers: women home-buyers
• The cash-reserve rule that helped his business survive market shocks—from GFCs to COVID shutdowns
• A record auction that smashed reserve by $306k and swapped a feared curse for tears of joy
• What serving as BNI Business Elite President taught him about public speaking, referral strategy and leading with process

Kaan also shares practical tips for nurturing clients through volatile markets, motivating staff and spotting agents who actually answer calls. Whether you’re growing a family business or tackling your first property sale, this conversation delivers hard-won insight and plenty of heart.

Stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite app.

In this episode of Network Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas welcomes Hamish Jones, founder of Best Business Deals, a Moonee Valley–based telecommunications provider helping small businesses get the right phone systems, NBN and mobile plans—then leverage automation and AI for a competitive edge.

With two decades in tech, Hamish explains why “better technology makes better businesses,” but only when it fits real-world workflows. He shares:

• How AI tools like ChatGPT, automated CRMs and workflow integrations now shape every decision in his own company
• Simple, low-cost automations any SME can adopt this week to save hours and lift service levels
• Lessons from 15 years in BNI—including why accountability, follow-up and quality relationships still trump million-dollar ad budgets
• Tips for choosing a telecom partner who’ll call you back (and keep pace with rapid industry change)
• The family trip that proved remote work is easy when your tech stack is right

Packed with actionable insights on upgrading systems, nurturing networks and keeping customers first, this episode is essential listening for owners who want technology to drive—not drain—growth.

Stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite app and connect with Hamish on LinkedIn.

Season 2 of Network Success: Northside Notables launches with Merly Dizon, Principal of Inno Meros Accounting, a boutique firm helping Melbourne SMEs turn financial clarity into confident growth.

Drawing on 18 years across audit, tax and credit management, Merly explains why accounting should deliver more than compliance—it should give owners the data and guidance to sleep easy and scale sustainably. She outlines:

• The “tender-loving-care” service philosophy that sets Innomeros apart
• Red-flag signs you’ve outgrown your current accountant—and what great advice looks like
• A real-world rescue of a family retail business that went from cash-flow crisis to Christmas sales success
• Practical steps to keep accurate records, forecast cash and avoid common SME missteps
• Her journey as a female founder in a traditionally male field, and how BNI’s givers-gain mindset accelerated her firm’s rise

Whether you’re launching a start-up or steering an established company through choppy markets, this conversation delivers actionable finance insights you can implement today.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite app—search “Network Success: Northside Notables.”

Learn more about Merly’s work at innomerosaccounting.com.au.
 
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In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, Lisa Thomas interviews Tricia Ong, founder of Mintrix Business Advisory. Tricia combines her decade-long experience in senior management with her passion for helping small businesses thrive. She specialises in providing hands-on, practical business strategies that drive growth, improve efficiency, and eliminate waste.

Tricia shares:

• How she started Mintrix Business Advisory to empower small business owners.
• The importance of tailored strategies for businesses in retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, and trades.
• Key lessons from her journey, including the critical role of planning and mental resilience.
• How joining BNI helped her build strong professional networks and achieve unexpected growth.

Whether you’re a small business owner looking for actionable advice or an aspiring entrepreneur seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights to help you overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

🔗 Learn more about Mintrix Business Advisory: https://mintrix.com.au

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas chats with Jasmiit Singh, a property and financial strategist who’s helping Australians achieve financial independence through smart property investment.

Jasmiit shares his personal journey from growing up in a property-focused family to becoming semi-retired at 33. He discusses the importance of structure, strategy, and having the right team when building wealth through property. You’ll hear about:

• Why he believes financial literacy is critical for personal growth and security.
• Real-life success stories, including how he helped a single mum secure a million-dollar gain by making the right decisions.

Whether you’re starting your property investment journey or looking for ways to grow your portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable insights and motivation.

🔗 Learn more about Jasmiit’s work: https://jasmiitsingh.com.au

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas sits down with Marissa Mascaro, owner of The Candy Buffet Company. With over 14 years in the business, Marissa has turned her passion for creating memorable candy experiences into a thriving, nationwide service, specialising in corporate events, weddings, and everything in between.

Marissa shares her journey from employee to business owner, revealing how she transformed The Candy Buffet Company by focusing on corporate clients and delivering Instagram-worthy, customisable candy buffets. From working on iconic installations like the Pink concert tours to unique donut walls for brands like Google, Marissa explains what it takes to bring a touch of sweetness to any event.

She also discusses her experience with BNI and offers practical advice for other business owners on testing new ideas, staying open to opportunities, and choosing the right people to work with.

🔗 Learn more about The Candy Buffet Company: https://thecandybuffetcompany.com.au

Listen now on your favourite platform:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com