David Short went from running major operations in the liquor industry to backing himself and launching Shorty's Liquor—a boutique business that built a reputation serving some of Australia’s biggest corporates. In this episode, he takes us through the highs and lows of building Shorty's from scratch, the grind of sales and team building, and the bold expansion decisions that set him apart.

We dig into how COVID-19 forced a business rethink, what came next after a major acquisition, and why David’s now investing in the next wave of growth—including his take on AI’s role in business. It’s a candid, insightful chat with a straight-talker who’s lived the transition from corporate to entrepreneur and come out with hard-won lessons and a renewed vision.

Find David's website here: https://shortinc.com.au/

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When Joey Pepperoni and Marty McFly launched Pizza Bros in 2019, they saw a pizza scene obsessed with tradition—and asked: Where’s the rebel energy? Their answer? A mobile pizza truck that crashed festivals until COVID left them bankrupt, in debt, and delivering pizzas to survive.

I sat down with Joey and Marty (between oven rotations at The Imperial Hotel) to break down their phoenix-from-the-ashes comeback. We talk about their story, how getting expelled at 16 led Joey to a decade-long pizza apprenticeship, how Marty went from the fitness industry to joining his brother’s dream and why legally renaming themselves was the ultimate branding power move.

The bottom line? The Pizza Bros story isn’t just a pizza story—it’s a masterclass in grit. Listen. Order a pizza. Repeat.

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When Jason Titman took the helm of Swyftx in 2019, he saw a crypto industry riddled with complexity—and a glaring gap: Where was the customer-first mindset? His answer? An exchange that treats Web3 like any trusted service, not a Wild West gamble.

Jason and I sit down for a conversation as he breaks down the Swyftx difference, and why culture—not just code—is their competitive edge. We also discussed how they’re rewriting crypto’s risky reputation, with security as a selling point, the societal shift ahead… and why Australia shouldn’t just watch, but lead.

The bottom line? Swyftx isn’t just trading digital assets—it’s building the infrastructure for financial freedom. And for Jason, that starts with one radical idea: Trust shouldn’t be revolutionary.

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When they launched Bassike in 2006, Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan weren’t just starting a brand—they were solving a problem. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, sustainable wardrobe staples, they set out with a mission to build what didn’t exist. From day one, their vision was clear: organic cotton, Australian craftsmanship, and ethics woven into every decision. What began as a commitment to local makers and responsible materials has grown into a relentless pursuit of better—pushing boundaries in design, production, and transparency.

In our conversation, Deb opens up about the early hustle, the commitment to sourcing high-quality materials, and why Australian-made was always non-negotiable. She also shares how she navigated a co-founder’s departure while staying true to her mission — and outlines her plans to scale creatively and breathe new life into the brand.

Some brands chase trends. Bassike builds legacies. And for Deb, the next chapter is about proving ethical fashion can go bigger - without compromise.

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When she was a kid, Tracy Sheens—author, businesswoman, and AI commentator—was obsessed with how tech worked. Today, she’s still tearing systems apart… only now, it’s AI myths she’s dismantling to help businesses win.

In this episode, we discuss everything from automation myths to why AI won't steal your job - but not using it might put you behind. She reveals how businesses are winning with AI, the tools worth your time, and why technophobia is more dangerous than any algorithm.

The verdict? The future isn't about humans vs machines - it's about humans with machines.

Pre-order Tracy's new book here: https://www.qbd.com.au/ai-u/tracy-sheen/9781923225787/

Check our Tracy's digital guide here: https://thedigitalguide.com.au/

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Ivana Alfonso has worked many jobs since emigrating from Croatia at a young age. Coming out of the pandemic in 2020, Ivana's husband, a keen angler, found himself selling brag mats and making a considerable profit. Ivana and her husband saw potential, and a way to entertain themselves when self-isolation was the norm. They combined their respective knowledge and skills to create The Bragmat Bloke, a thriving company that offers customers customizable brag mat that reflect the best of design, craftsmanship and reflect a shared love of the outdoors. But with the Australian economy tightening, Ivana is feeling the strain like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.

My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.

That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it.

This is about real business owners, real struggles, and real conversations. Let’s get into it.

Check out more about The Bragmat Bloke here: https://thebragmatbloke.com.au/

If you want to be on Small Business Callout - Email: [email protected]

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When pregnancy left her craving coffee without the guilt, this mum turned her ‘what if?’ into Mumma’s Beans—a warm hug in a cup for thousands of health conscious Australians seeking a lower acidity lower caffeine brew that won't upset their gut or spark jitters and anxiety. Founded during a canceled wedding and fueled by love (and caffeine), they don't just stick to delicious low-acid brews, but also use their beans to craft coffee skincare, made from nothing but Australian sourced natural ingredients.  With the Australian economy tightening, Maika is feeling the strain like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.

My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.

That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it.

This is about real business owners, real struggles, and real conversations. Let’s get into it.

Check out more about Mumma's Beans Coffee here: www.mummasbeans.com.au

USE CODE 'MENTOR' for 15% OFF the Mumma's Beans range.

If you want to be on Small Business Callout - Email: [email protected]

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Offshore Boat Sales is a family-run business dedicated to crafting high-quality, custom boats—whether for serious anglers or weekend explorers—designed to suit every budget and lifestyle. With trusted brands such as Cutting Edge Marine Plate Alloy Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Garmin Electronics and All things Business through Cutting Edge Business Solutions. But with Australia's economy tightening, they are feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.

My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.

That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it.

This is about real business owners, real struggles, and real conversations. Let’s get into it.

Check out Offshore Boat Sales website here: https://www.offshoreboatsales.com.au/

If you want to be on Small Business Callout - Email: [email protected]

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Picture this: a waste management company that doesn’t just haul away your junk—it builds up its community. That’s 'Mildura Waste & Recycling', a 100% locally owned Mildura business with a passion for reliability, fairness, and sustainability run by Mark Forbes-Wilson. From sourcing Aussie-made bins to supporting local fundraisers, they’re all about keeping business—and waste—where it belongs: in trusted hands. But with Australia's economy tightening, he's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.

My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.

That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it.

This is about real business owners, real struggles, and real conversations. Let’s get into it.

Check out more about Mildura Waste & Recycling here: https://www.mwar.com.au

If you want to be on Small Business Callout - Email: [email protected]

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Lloyds Building and Constructions Pty Ltd is owned by Anthony Lloyd, a qualified carpenter with an ACT builder's license and over a decade of experience in both commercial and domestic construction. Since completing his apprenticeship in 2009, Anthony has built a strong reputation in Canberra's building industry. But with Australia's economy tightening, he's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.

My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.

That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it.

This is about real business owners, real struggles, and real conversations. Let’s get into it.

Check out Lloyd's Building and Construction website here: https://lloydsconstructions.com.au

If you want to be on Small Business Callout - Email: [email protected]

You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up

Join the Facebook Group.

Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.

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