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

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas interviews Matthew Galea, founder of Content Hype, a Melbourne-based content marketing agency. Matt shares his journey from sports journalism to launching his own agency and explains why podcasting has become a game-changer for businesses looking to boost their marketing efforts.

Matt provides practical tips on content creation, repurposing long-form content, and the importance of “failing fast” to improve your digital marketing strategy. He also discusses how businesses can utilise video and podcasting to stay top-of-mind with potential clients and how his Content Hype Studio in Moonee Ponds offers the perfect space for content creation.

Tune in for insights on how to make content marketing more sustainable and tips for leveraging podcasts and video content to grow your brand.

🔗 Learn more about Content Hype: https://contenthype.com.au

Listen now on your favourite platform:

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

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas interviews Maria Di Pietro, the passionate founder of Jump on Board Travel. With over 24 years of experience in the travel industry, Maria shares her incredible journey, from navigating global crises to helping clients create unforgettable travel experiences.

Maria discusses the importance of using a travel agent in today’s digital age and how she offers clients a personalised, tailored service that goes beyond booking a flight. She also reflects on the lessons learned during the pandemic and offers her top travel tips for a smooth and stress-free journey.

Whether you're a seasoned traveller or planning your next big adventure, this episode is packed with insights and stories from one of Melbourne's most trusted travel advisors.

🔗 Learn more about Jump on Board Travel: https://www.jumponboardtravel.com

In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, Lisa Thomas sits down with Tristan Bennett-Ackland, co-founder of Forefront IT, to discuss the evolving role of IT in small to medium-sized businesses. Tristan shares how Forefront IT is providing bespoke, personalised IT services to industries like legal, medical, finance, and real estate, all while ensuring businesses remain secure and compliant in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Tristan, known as the "tech translator," talks about how Forefront IT helps businesses not only solve their IT problems but build long-term partnerships that drive growth. He also touches on his experience working alongside his husband and how their passion project has grown over the past year.

Whether you're looking for practical IT advice, tips on building a strong business partnership, or just insights into cyber security, this episode is packed with useful information for business owners and entrepreneurs alike.

🔗 Learn more about Forefront IT: https://www.forefrontit.com.au

In Episode 3 of "Networking Success: Northside Notables," host Lisa Thomas sits down with Warren Parker, the seasoned accountant and founder of HeadStart Tax & Accounting. With over 16 years of experience and a passion for helping small businesses thrive, Warren shares invaluable insights into the world of accounting, tax planning, and financial advisory.

Warren discusses the importance of building a solid financial foundation, the critical role of tax planning in business growth, and why having a trusted team of professionals is essential for success. He also shares his journey in BNI and how it has contributed to his personal and professional development.

Whether you're a small business owner looking to improve your financial management or simply interested in hearing from one of the top performers in BNI Melbourne's North, this episode is packed with practical advice and tips.

🔗 Learn more about Warren and HeadStart Tax & Accounting: https://www.hstas.com.au/

In Episode 2 of "Networking Success: Northside Notables," host Lisa Thomas sits down with Phoebe Preuss from Living KoKo, a social enterprise based in Ravenhall, Melbourne. Phoebe shares her incredible journey from Samoa to Australia, carrying forward her family's legacy in the cacao industry. Learn how Living KoKo collaborates with over 400 domestic plot farmers, predominantly women, in the Pacific Islands to bring delicious and ethically sourced cacao products to Melbourne.

Phoebe discusses the challenges and triumphs of running a zero-waste, solar-powered chocolate business and the significance of maintaining strong connections with her suppliers. She also shares insights on how BNI Better Together has supported her business growth and personal development.

Discover the innovative FEM Wellness Collection subscription box and how it aims to support women through their menstrual cycles with the highest plant-based form of iron and magnesium. Phoebe also offers valuable tips on marketing strategy and the importance of showing up consistently in your business.

Tune in to hear Phoebe’s inspiring story and gain practical advice for entrepreneurs and business owners alike.

🔗 Learn more about Living KoKo: www.livingkoko.com

In our debut episode of "Networking Success: Northside Notables," host Lisa Thomas sits down with Hasi Mutluel from Mortgage Choice. Recently recognized as a top performer in BNI Melbourne's West and awarded the National Director of the Year, Hasi shares his inspiring journey from local government work to becoming a successful mortgage broker.

Hasi discusses the pivotal moments that led him to mortgage broking, the influence of family and mentors, and the rewarding experience of helping clients achieve their dreams of homeownership. Focusing on first-time homebuyers, Hasi highlights the importance of having a support network, planning, and trusting the process.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the mortgage industry, including tips on how to save money with a home loan health check, the benefits of working with a mortgage broker, and the power of networking within BNI.

Join us for an engaging conversation filled with practical advice, success stories, and Hasi’s unique perspective on building a successful business through dedication and community support.