Winners of the 40 Under 40 Award

Congratulation to WA's Top Young Acheivers.

First Amongst Equals

David Flanagan, Atlas Iron

Short-listed nominees for First Amongst Equals

Russell Collins, Neptune Marine

Richard Welsh, Complete Fire Design

Robert Spencer, Interzone Pty Ltd & Spinfast Pty Ltd

Other winners

ADRIAN ARUNDELL

IN his eight years with KPMG, Adrian Arundell has been involved in many multi-million dollar transactions, but he considers his most significant achievement project managing the $120 million sale of The Salvation Army's national aged care assets. The deal combined one of Mr Arundell's key social objectives of assisting a charitable organisation with a significantly complex, financially rewarding transaction that contributed to his advancement to partnership. Since his appointment as head of mergers and acquisitions (Perth) in March 2007, he has led several major transactions valued at more than $1 billion.

Personal/community

Mr Arundell was recently appointed to FINSIA's national Corporate Finance Advisory Group, which includes 20 senior bankers and lawyers from across the country. He is a strong supporter of The Salvation Army, Youth Focus, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Heart Foundation in WA.

Top tips

What would your dad have done?

The market can remain volatile longer than you can remain solvent (Keynes).

Impact on WA business

Creating a successful Perth mergers and acquisitions practice, realising value for WA entrepreneurs and supporting local business and community groups.

STEVE BIRD

STEVE Bird has been at the helm of Scaf-West for 16 years, during which it has become one of the state's leading suppliers of specialist scaffolding services to the resources, construction, engineering and commercial building maintenance sectors. It has branches in Perth, Geraldton, Muchea and Cataby. The company has invested in skills training and developing the technical capability of its design team and on-site scaffolders, who are called on to handle the most difficult and challenging projects in WA. Scaf-West has recorded average compound revenue growth of 20 per cent a year over the past five years and will generate revenue of about $4 million in 2008-09.

Personal/community

Mr Bird has written a comprehensive training manual for the scaffolding business, which is not regulated by a professional body or business group. Scaf-West also offers equipment and services to support not-for-profit organisations and has an ongoing commitment to employ young people with learning difficulties.

Top tip

What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

Impact on WA business

Has developed a comprehensive training manual that instructs scaffolders in the skills required to operate safely, efficiently and professionally.

BRIAN BRISCOE

AFTER arriving in Perth in August 2000 as an Irish backpacker (with no business network or capital), Brian Briscoe worked tirelessly to build contacts and develop his business. The years from 2000 to 2003 were tough for recruitment, with the introduction of the GST, the US recession and the Asian financial crisis, in addition to the competition from recruiters carrying a pedigree, background and network. But he soon started to win business in heavy industry. In 2001, the company wrote invoices for $130,000; this year it will turn over more than $2.5 million. BSC has built its reputation and business by partnering with SMEs in a wide range of industrial and commercial sectors.

Personal/community

Mr Briscoe has been involved in charities and community organisations since his teens, more recently Camp Quality, the Starlight Foundation and the Association for the Blind of WA.

Top tip

Your success in your career will be in direct proportion to what you do, after you do what you're expected to do.

Impact on WA business

BSC recently placed several senior positions at Murdoch University in future-focused areas. Many other WA organisations have benefited from BSC's approach to executive recruitment.

JOE CHINDARSI

JOE Chindarsi considers the design of a winter cottage for his grandfather in Bridgetown, which won widespread recognition and numerous awards, as his most significant achievement and the catalyst for setting up his own business in July 2006.

It was built as an owner-builder when Mr Chindarsi was a sole practitioner. Chindarsi Architects is now a multi-award winning company specialising in high-end residential, apartments, hospitality, commercial and industrial products with a 2007-08 turnover of $750,000.

Personal/community

Since 2005, Mr Chandarsi has donated time as an invited critic for Curtin and UWA Architect Design Unit reviews. The company provides paid work experience for Tafe and university students.He received the highest architectural award (commercial buildings) at the 2008 REIWA architectural awards.

Top tip

Stay true to your ideals and ideas, don't compromise for the sake of short-term gain.

Impact on WA business

A focus on environmentally sustainable responsive designs ensures the creation of space and buildings to serve the state's long-term needs in the new carbon constricted age.

MARIE CLOUGHLEY

IN the 18 months up to December 2004, Marie Cloughley looked for a business concept, researched the liquor market and prepared a liquor store licence application for WA's first dedicated cleanskin wine outlet, WA Cleanskin Cellars @ Subi. But securing the licence was difficult, due to objections from the two major supermarket chains. But after a five-day court hearing, a day under cross-examination, more than 100 witnesses and heavy legal expenses, the licence was eventually granted. Moves to open new stores in Claremont and Victoria Park were again opposed by a big market player. The Claremont store was given the go ahead on appeal, but the Vic Park application was declined after Liquorland moved its store to the same centre. Despite this setback, Ms Cloughley's company is on target for a turnover of $4.5 million in 2008-09.

Personal/community

In 2007-08, donated more than $22,000 to charities etc and in the first half of 2008-09 donated $11,000. The company also sponsors events and causes.

Top tips

Ensure you career is something you enjoy doing.

In every triumph, there is a lot of "try".

Impact on WA business

Wineries yield higher prices when dealing with WA Cleanskin Cellars and consumers receive top wines at excellent prices.

SCOTT CRIDDLE

UNDER Scott Criddle's leadership, Decmil has grown from a staff of 10 and a turnover of $5 million in 2002 to a business employing more than 300 and revenue of $235 million. When he became managing director in December 2002, Decmil was targeting projects in the $2 million to $10 million range, but Mr Criddle immediately sought resources sector contracts upwards of $50 million. He formed joint ventures for larger projects and employed key senior people. By 2004, Decmil had won a $20 million contract with Rio Tinto, and from 2004 to 2008 it won contracts with Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Fortescue Metals Group, and Woodside. In 2008, Decmil won a $200 million contract with Woodside for the Pluto LNG project.

Personal/community

Decmil aims to invest in activities and events that support the development of healthy, secure and vibrant communities and so is involved in a number of community activities, including the City to Surf, Rottnest Channel Swim and the WA Cancer Council.

Top tip

Where there's a will, there's a way - and there is always a way.

Impact on WA business

Decmil has a 30-year history of delivering engineering and contracting services to support the development of the state's resources companies. In 2008, it imported transportation units from China to overcome domestic supply shortages.

PAUL DAFF

ALTHOUGH Paul Daff has headed Skywest for the past two years, he considers his earlier work with Qantas as his greatest achievement to date. In 2003, Qantas decided to expand its Jetstar brand and create a stand-alone pan-Asia operation based in Singapore. Mr Daff was one of three managers selected in early 2004 to establish the airline from the ground up, including hiring and training local staff, selection of destinations, building of systems, securing aircraft etc - all in nine months.

Services started to Hong Kong and Bangkok, and over the following 12 months Mr Daff oversaw the expansion to 15 destinations. He also was instrumental in the acquisition of Singapore's other low-cost carrier, Valuair, and its merger with Jetstar Asia. His biggest disappointment, when at Skywest, was withdrawing services from Kalgoorlie and Melbourne earlier this year, due to rising fuel prices.

Personal/community

Skywest plays an active role in regional communities and spends over $800,000 annually on community projects.

Top tip

Focus on the cash flow - extremely valuable in current economic times.

Impact on WA business

Skywest provides a reliable, safe and affordable regional service for WA business, including charter operations for major resources companies. It employs almost 1000 people, directly or indirectly.

DAVID DAVIES

DAVID Davies has realised his dream of producing and distributing quality bottled water in WA. The Waterboys was founded in partnership in Geraldton in 1994 with two divisions, water treatment and retail/home supply. Mr Davies became sole owner in 1995.

In 2000, he sold the water treatment division and secured business partners to set up a production facility in Perth. With experience as a plumber and with filtration improvements, he daily oversees maintenance, scheduling, quality control auditing and certification.TWB is now the leading WA-owned distributer of bottled water in the state, with a turnover of $1.6 million.

Personal/community

Mr Davies, a former Apprentice of the Year in Geraldton, was the youngest member inducted into Rotary in WA (aged 23), has won two Midwest CCI service awards, been a regional Young Australian of the Year twice, and was a regional winner of a Telstra Small Business Award (Midwest). He is also a sponsor of nine major community events.

Top tip

Believe in yourself and success will follow.

Impact on WA business

TWB assists in providing employment for many ancillary suppliers and customers, with the flow-on effect bringing revenue streams back into the local economy.

ANDRIES PJ (DICKIE) DIQUE

DICKIE Dique has been general manager of Decmil for more than four years, during which time the company has achieved outstanding growth, from a staff of 20 and turnover under $10 million to a 350-strong workforce and forecast turnover of $235 million in 2008-09.

Mr Dique attributes much of this success to building the company's personnel capability, ensuring it had the systems and processes to manage major contracts, being involved in every project and every aspect of the business, and having contact with staff at all levels. His focus is on harnessing the energy of people and giving directions to achieve more as a team.

Personal/community

Mr Dique is involved in a number of community activities, including the Active Foundation's City to Surf, Movember, Anaconda Adventure Race and the Rottnest Channel Swim. He also serves on the board of Braemar Presbyterian Church, which provides aged care to the community.

Top tip

Do it well, do it once.

Impact on WA business

Decmil has a 30-year history of delivering engineering and contracting services to support the development of the state's resources companies. In 2008, it imported transportation units from China to overcome domestic supply shortages.

STEPHEN EASTERBROOK

STEPHEN Easterbrook had spent many years working in the Pilbara mining and construction industry when he decided to set up Pilbara Access Management Solutions WA, in partnership, in April 2007. Since then, it has grown to an estimated annual turnover of $10.8 million. The company was based in Newman to work at Rio Tinto's nearby Yandicoogina iron ore mine and then secured a three-year contact with Rio Tinto as a preferred supplier, providing the incentive to expand to other Pilbara mine sites. Ten sites are now being serviced, plus project work for other contractors. To help meet a growing demand, an office was set up in Karratha to support the South Perth head office.

Personal/community

With its operations in remote Pilbara communities, the company has used its expertise to provide grandstand seating and stages at many local events, at no cost, as well as supporting the RFDS, SES and local sporting clubs and individuals.

Top tip

Positivity yields ambition, ambition yields determination, and determination yields success.

Impact on WA business

The company's commitment to safety has provided a safer working environment in an industry where constantly working at heights is normal. This has benefited employees, clients and outside contractors.

DAVID EGERTON-WARBURTON

DAVID Egerton-Warburton, with his wife/joint managing director Natalie, has grown Agrimaster into a million dollar business with 10 staff plus sub-contractors.

Agrimaster came into being in 2002 with the merger of New Dew P/L (bought in 1991) with software development company Korellup Software, owned by Mr Egerton-Warburton's father, Kent. The new company enabled the delivery of an end-to-end service to clients, which subsequently made Agrimaster one of the largest rural software and training companies in Australia. Annual turnover is now about $2 million.

Personal/community

Agrimaster is a strong support of volunteer and not-for-profit groups formed by farming communities, such as landcare and farm improvement groups, sporting clubs, local fire brigades and community employment programs. It also provides free financial software, training, support and updates to the rural counselling network.

Top tip

Do the ordinary things extraordinarily well.

Impact on WA business

Mr Egerton-Warburton believes the tools and support provided by Agrimaster enables ordinary people to run extraordinary businesses, helping them to be informed of their business position, create good business practices, simplify business management and make good decisions.

KEVIN HEWITT

SINCE arriving in Perth from the UK about five years ago with little more than a laptop and a passion to build a business, Kevin Hewitt has developed Capitalis into a global organisation, working with some of the world's most successful companies, including Microsoft.

Capitalis claims to have "put the science back into marketing" and has developed a strong reputation for the quality and effectiveness of its work. This has led to the company's involvement in some exciting initiatives, including helping Microsoft on a number of fronts.

Personal/community

Mr Hewitt believes his reach and impact can help those in different parts of the world affected by a range of issues. In 2008, he led and encouraged others to be involved with the carbon neutral initiative, Friends of St Lucia Orphanage, UWA Business School, Movember, Fight for Sight, and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Top tip

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the continuing on in spite of it.

Impact on WA business

Capitalis aims to showcase WA as a state that supports and encourages entrepreneurial endeavours.

JOHN INDRIZZI

WHEN John Indrizzi bought Essex Maintenance in 2002, it was a small commercial building maintenance company with two personnel and an annual turnover of $272,000. Now, halfway through 2008-09, it has contracts valued at $8 million.

In the early years the business dealt with overflowing gutters and downpipes and resultant collapsed ceilings during winter, which led to the creation of the 'ceilings and linings division'. The company became Essex Industries by the end of 2004 and within six months the new ceilings division's turnover was almost the same as the parent company's annual turnover. In January 2006, the company relocated to Welshpool and within 12 months turnover exceeded $3 million.

Personal/community

Essex annually donates to a major charity or institution, such as Volunteer Sea Rescue, RFDS and Telethon.

Top tip

There is no standard recipe for success in business. It is all a calculated risk. If you can face the worst that can happen, then go for it.

Impact on WA business

Essex gives opportunities to people who would normally have difficulties getting into the workforce, and the bulk of its materials are made or sourced within WA. In 2008, it achieved a five-star rating ensuring all materials and waste is recycled.

GARY JONES

AS a design engineer, Gary Jones was solely responsible for planning Woodside's first deepwater exploration well in more than 1,500m of water off the WA coast. It incorporated a number of concepts that enabled Woodside to enter the deepwater drilling arena as an industry leader. The design halved drilling time compared to its competitors, yielding significant cost savings. This gave birth to Woodside's slim deepwater well design that facilitated low-cost deepwater exploration. Other exploration companies in Australian waters are now adopting the design.

Personal/community

Mr Jones' exploration achievements have been recognised by his peers and he has had work published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He has received Woodside sponsorship to complete a masters degree in business administration at UWA. He is a member of the Australian Drillsafe Committee, made up of industry leaders.

Top tip

There's no such thing as a career path. It's crazy paving and you have to lay it yourself.

Impact on WA business

The economic benefits to WA through the implementation of a $1.1 billion project include thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Also, without innovation, "small oil" deposits are often left undeveloped, deepening Australia's net reliance on imports.

DANIEL KALMS

IN October 2007, Daniel Kalms was appointed to lead the onshore expansion project for the Pluto LNG Train 2. In fact, at the time he was the entire Pluto Train 2 development team, facing a January deadline to present a range of options to management concerning project development.

He assembled a core team and the deadline was met, the concept receiving Woodside executive committee endorsement and 'project' status.

Mr Kalms was given a world record benchmark schedule to develop the project's "basis of design" and with an enlarged team of up to 80 professionals in offices in Kuala Lumpur, Paris and London, the basis of design was delivered in a condensed timeframe and under budget. Woodside is now tendering the project for engineering design and execution.

Personal/community

Mr Kalms has been recognised by Woodside as a future leader and acts as a mentor for junior staff.

Top tip

Don't be afraid to challenge the pros, even in their own backyard (Colin Powell)

Impact on WA business

The Pluto LNG project is a major employment and economic contributor to the WA economy and Pluto 2 will continue Woodside's investment in the state.

MICHAEL LAWSON

HAVING founded Northerly Group in July 2002, Michael Lawson's big break came in 2006 in a phone call from Amana Living (formerly Anglican Homes Inc), which wanted to implement a strategic facilities plan. He suggested a total project solution that included program management of the capital works program, project and design management of each facility and the physical delivery of the project as the builder.

A maximum guaranteed price was proposed for each project, allowing Amana to benefit from any upside achieved through cost savings and strategic procurement opportunities.

The company is on-track to achieve its forecast turnover of $30 million in 2008-09.

Personal/community

In 2006, Northerly won a HIA custom-built home of the year category and this year, Mr Lawson was re-elected for a third term as president of the Institute of Building, WA Chapter. He is also an active member with the Centre for Cerebral Palsy. Northerly also provides financial support to a number of organisations.

Top tip

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.

Impact on WA business

Mr Lawson believes Northerly's business style provides a level of professionalism unparalleled within its market sector.

MICHAEL LIBRIZZI

MICHAEL Librizzi was recently appointed to head a company with 280 personnel and on target for turnover of $110 million this financial year. In 2007-08, when he was general manager business development, the company achieved its target of a 78 per cent increase in revenue. Since becoming general manager, Mr Librizzi has introduced a training division servicing internal and external customers, a tyre division and an underground services division to capitalise on proposed infrastructure spending. Mr Librizzi recently relocated to Geraldton to ensure the smooth transition of an acquisition into the group. 

Personal/community

Carr Civil won the medium sized business category at the 2008 WA Telstra Business Awards. Mr Librizzi is executive officer of the Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, executive officer Geraldton Regional Cricket Board and a coach and selector of Geraldton Junior Cricket Country Week teams.

Top tips

With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance all things are attainable (Thomas Foxwell).

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm (Winston Churchill).

Impact on WA business

His business relationships have allowed indigenous contractor Brida Contracting to undertake earthworks on the Rio Tinto Power Station project in Karratha and pre-cast concrete companies to supply products to Apache Energy's Devil Creek project.

TODD MAIRS

HAVING identified what he believed was a gap in the consulting market - a service to blue-chip clients seeking strategic business counsel from an independent management company - Todd Mairs set up Churchill Capital Consulting with a partner in 2003. The company ethos is to challenge the status quo and apply conventional thinking, and to create innovative solutions and perform to a higher level. 

Churchill Capital now has a staff of 15 and a forecast turnover of $3 million in 2008-09. An east coast expansion is likely to occur this year.

Personal/community

Mr Mairs has spent considerable time leading underprivileged youth as part of a southern suburbs youth group. In 2006-07, he was chairman of a registered charity helping the community offset carbon emissions through tree plantings. More than 50,000 trees were planted throughout WA. He also regularly assists community organisations on a pro-bono basis.

Top tip

Whether you think you can or think you can't, chances are you're right (Henry Ford).

Impact on WA business

Churchill provides advice to WA's leading organisations and is often engaged in resolving complex issues. Mr Mairs sees his role as counselling CEOs on thinking through issues, identifying options and how best to implement the solutions.

STUART MCNAUGHTON

STUART McNaughton has overseen the growth of his company from conception four years ago into a $2 million enterprise. He has been hands-on in all aspects, from HR to safety, contracts, business development, deadlines and costings. 

Up to 50 tradespeople are employed, depending on the number and scope of projects. The company has been developing a niche market building sustainable housing solutions and on recent overseas trips, Mr McNaughton looked at timber-framed lightweight construction and factory-built frames that could be wired and piped before being transferred to the site, reducing construction time and cost.

Personal/community

The company has assisted Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce develop business and fundraising in the area, has helped create solutions for housing shortages in the wine region and for hospitality staff, and has sponsored several charity golf days.

Top tip

Do it right the first time, because money is irrelevant when you haven't spent your time wisely.

Impact on WA business

The company creates jobs in the construction industry in the South West as a locally owned and operated business and addresses a gap in the market for environmentally friendly housing. Research shows that over 80 per cent of buyers prefer homes with energy-efficient features.

COLM O'BRIEN

SINCE becoming CEO in October 2005, Colm O'Brien has overseen a four-fold increase in turnover, from $7 million to $30 million. During the same period, normalised profit jumped from $500,000 to $6.1 million. Having spent many years working with blue-chip global companies, Mr O'Brien was in unchartered waters when he took over Aspermont. He started by convincing the board to invest all its profits for the year into transforming the business from a small local publisher into a global company. It was an opportunity to use core skills learned in consulting and applying them directly to line management. The company now has a market valuation of $60 million, compared with $16 million in 2005.

Personal/community

Mr O'Brien was appointed CEO of an ASX-listed company at 33. He has been a blood donor for many years and regularly organises trips for others in business to donate.

Top tip

Treat others slightly better than you would like to be treated yourself.

Impact on WA business

Aspermont has large supplier contracts with local printers and service providers and is one of the largest employers of journalists in WA. Its products focus on the large mining, oil and gas and construction industries - a constant promotion of WA with large knock-on effects.

JARRAD O'ROURKE

JARRAD O'Rourke is the youngest male yet to become a licensed WA real estate agent, at just 19. He started studying for his Advanced Certificate in Business (Real Estate) a year after leaving school at 16, in 1990. In 2006-07, he was placed third in sales out of RIEWA's 3,500 agents and improved to second last financial year.

However, he had a somewhat difficult start to his career, joining the company in 1989 as a junior when the real estate and business sectors were hit hard as Australia headed for recession.

Personal/community

In 1995, at 21, he became president of North Beach Football Club, with 200 members, heavy in debt and on the brink of folding. Running the club as a small business, he turned it around financially over the following 10 years and it is now a successful club, on and off the field. O'Rourke Realty also sponsors eight other sporting clubs and four charities.

Top tips

Work smarter, not harder.

Work less, holiday more.

Impact on WA business

O'Rourke Realty has helped hundreds of WA residents secure their families' futures and the company is now considered among the foremost real estate investment firms in WA.

ROBERT OLDE

ROBERT Olde's entrepreneurial skills were instrumental in a successful reverse takeover bid in 2007 that enabled Questus to list on the ASX. He identified a listed company on the verge of liquidation and, after careful consideration, entered into discussions. 

This company had a $10 million debt to HSBC and its 470 shareholders stood to experience losses and ultimate liquidation of assets. Mr Olde secured a positive outcome for all stakeholders.

Questus' forecast turnover for 2008-09 is $5 million.

Personal/community

Mr Olde sits on the national executive committee of the Australian Direct Property Investment Association, the peak industry body representing the $32 billion direct property investment industry. He is also active in competitive sport, mainly yachting and golf,

Top tip

As you sow, so shall you reap.

Impact on WA business

Questus is focused on the WA property sector and the objective of its land development fund is to secure and develop subdivision projects. It also seeks to secure portions of subdivision projects for housing for middle income earners being squeezed out of the property market.

PANKAJ OSWAL

BURRUP Fertilisers, formed in 2000, is a private company and part of The Oswal Group. It operates a $700 million ammonia plant with a capacity of nearly 850,000 tonnes a year - the largest in the world - on 77 hectares on the Burrup Peninsula. A big setback last year was the Varanus Gas explosion, which seriously disrupted production. Prior to setting up Burrup Fertilisers, Mr Oswal was involved in three major Oswal Group chemical plants in India with a total capital value of more than $A2 billion.

Personal/community

The Burrup project created 1,100 jobs during construction and now employs nearly 100 production personnel. Locally recruited staff are trained to operate the plant in a $1 million purpose-built training simulator, one of only two in the world. With wife Radhika, Mr Oswal is also setting up Otarian, a new worldwide chain of vegetarian fast-food restaurants. The first six open in London and New York this year.

Top tip

Have commitment and determination for what you do.

Impact on WA business

Capital investment of $700 million and investment of $1 billion for natural gas supply for 25 years. The company supports local and regional business activity at an estimated $30 million a year and state business activity at $20 million a year.

JOHN PALERMO

THREE years after buying an existing business, John Palermo and his partner have expanded from a suburban operation to a boutique advisory practice, opening a new city office, increasing staff from the initial six to 16 and forecasting a turnover of $2 million in the current financial year.

Mr Palermo was involved in the sale of a significant Australian-based business (with offices in Australia, the Middle East and Russia) to a South African company. The company's clients include major oil companies in the Middle East, Asia and Australia, to which the practice provides fleet monitoring systems and behavioural-based training systems.

Personal/community

Mr Palermo is a member of the Regional Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and in 2006 received the National President's Prize for his contribution to the industry and community. His community involvement includes the Simon Lee Foundation, WA Ballet and WASO.

Top tips

Reputation and integrity take a lifetime to build; guard them with your life.

Learn to delegate responsibility. People will step up to the challenge if you let them.

Impact on WA business

Mr Palermo's business and community activities allow him to positively promote WA and his involvement in the National Trust is specifically directed at the built and natural environment.

BRONWEN PARSONS

IN the three-and-a-half years Bronwen Parsons has been general manager, Addwealth's revenue has increased by 135 per cent and funds under administration have doubled. The procedures developed and introduced during this period reduced the need for additional staff by ensuring technology was used to maximum effect. This, in turn, positively affected the bottom line. Addwealth now has a turnover of $2.5 million and has $300 million of funds under management on a daily basis. 

Personal/community

In 2006, Ms Parsons won the Telstra WA Young Business Woman of the Year award. She is also a founding member of the invitation-only Business Women for Women Committee and is a committee member of the UWA Centenary Trust for Women, formed to raise $1 million by 2011 (UWA centenary year) to assist women in financial difficulties to study at UWA.

Top tips

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence therefore is not an act but a habit (Aristotle).

Always start in the manner in which you intend to continue.

Impact on WA business

Addworth provides strategic financial planning advice to a number of high net-worth individuals, enabling many to strategically structure their personal and business affairs to maximise tax efficiencies and better enabling them to grow their personal wealth.

KYLIE RADFORD

SINCE founding Morrison six years ago with husband, Richard Poulson, Kylie Radford has seen the company win a string of awards, grow to 80 staff and reach an annual turnover of $12 million. 

Morrison comprises six retail stores and a wholesale business that supplies its women's clothing range to 150 boutiques throughout Australia and overseas. Morrison started with little capital from the sale of personal possessions and no borrowed money. It completed its first financial year with a profit of $47,000 from a turnover of just under $500,000.

The most significant risk was establishing the first store in Fremantle, which had a lease five times greater than their rented property. But the $500-a-day estimate was quickly doubled and today the group has an annual turnover of $12 million.

Personal/community

Ms Radford has won many business awards, including Fremantle Retail Business of the Year in 2003-04-05, the 2007 WA Fashion Designer of the Year, the 2008 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the 2008 Australian Fashion Retailer of the Year Award (chains under 20 stores). She has also been involved in several community and charitable activities.

Top tip

If you have a good idea and a structured plan, have a crack.

GEOFF REISER

MEETING an aggressive first-year profit budget by over 20 per cent while facing significant challenges gave Geoff Reiser a great deal of satisfaction. During this time, the company also bedded down a new $800,000 partnership client.

Mr Reiser joined Synovate as head of business consulting in January 2006 and became managing director 12 months later. Tackling challenges in his first year of leadership was particularly meaningful, because for the first time he put into practice with complete ownership the principles and ideas that were his stock in trade for the consulting side of his role. Today the company has a forecasted turnover of $10 million.

Personal/community

While at BankWest as head of public strategy, Mr Reiser received the 2005 Banking Product of the Year award (personal investor) and the 2005 Campaign Effectiveness award. At Synovate, he has a number of relationships with community and cultural organisations, including Perth Zoo and the Barking Gecko Theatre Company. He also has a structured program of corporate giving, focusing on a single charity every year.

Top tip

Be yourself more - with skill (Rob Goffee).

Impact on WA business

Helping business clients make better decisions based on the right evidence and analysis and then helping them to execute.

MICHELLE RHODES

MICHELLE Rhodes established Peak Environmental Services in 1999-2000; It provides a bulk water and supply delivery service from Gingin for use as bottled water by brands including Cadbury Schweppes (Cool Ridge). It has 2 staff and a turnover of $ 1 Million. 360 Environmental was established by three directors in 2004 and is on track to top turnover of $5 million this financial year. The pinnacle of Ms Rhodes' career to date was being project environmental manager for the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant. She is currently completing a PhD thesis in freshwater ecology at UWA.

Personal/community

Ms Rhodes was a category winner in the 2006 Telstra Business Woman of the Year Awards. 360 Environment has helped raise3d funds for breast cancer and participated in the Corporate Clean - Up Australia campaign.

Top tips

The answer to any questions you have in life can be found in nature, if you are prepared to look, if you think you know everything, you are destined for mediocrity.

Impact on WA business

By working with clients, we can ensure sustainable concepts are the corner stone of the design and operational phases of our projects.

GEOEGE REBELLO

SOUTH Africa migrant George Rebelo believes his most significant business achievement was turning around two underperforming IGA stores, at Merriwa and Quinns Rock, to achieve top 10 status within the group in three successive years. These stores now have a combined annual turnover of $34 million, attributed largely to a philosophy of outstanding customer service, concierge-style. This involved developing a training program for a staff of 70. 

Personal/community

A personal objective is to employ locally and particularly those who are not normally given a fair go because of race or disability. Also sponsors many staff interests and memberships within the community and supports many local organisations.

Top tips

Empower those around you and you too will be raised up.

Calculated risk is the road to reward.

Impact on WA business

A career goal is the overall development of WA and the businesses that encompass it. Assisted in creating an in-house radio station for all IGA stores in Australia to provide information and to help build camaraderie. It uses local radio stations to bring advertising to potential IGA customers. This has helped bring IGA stores together and streamline price production.

LEANNE ROWLEY

LEANNE Rowley was invited to become a shareholder of the company and a member of the management team at 25, three years after she joined Sovereign Bridge Capital in 2001. The company then had five staff and was running at a loss, due primarily to a member of the management team being off work for 12 months through illness.

Since she became a shareholder in 2004, revenue has risen from $500,000 to a projected $2.1 million in 2008. There are now 14 staff members. Ms Rowley's contribution was directly related to streamlining internal systems, staff development and training and recruiting the right people.

Personal/community

The company and staff are focused on supporting community events and charitable organisations, including the not-for-profit Taxpayers' Association of Australia and pro-bono clients. Charities are supported through either fund-raising or direct donations.

Top tips

You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

If you are going to do a job, do it well.

Impact on WA business

The company offers a 24-hour service to clients and access to advice at any time for emergencies. To this end, senior staff members have remote access to the server from home.

MARK SLATTER

A DIFFICULT decision to break away from secure employment and assured promotional opportunities to set up a new business in the competitive construction industry has paid off for Mark Slatter. Established in 2004, Niche Constructions today has 28 staff, a forecasted turnover of $45m in 2008/9 year and is growing at an annual rate of 65 per cent. It now enjoys a strong brand presence in the WA building market and provides services to some of Australia's leading corporations.

Personal/community

Niche Constructions has won four Master Builder Association Excellence in Construction Awards, in 2006 (two), 2007 and 2008. It is a major sponsor of Peel Thunder and is managing the construction of a charity home to raise funds for the club. Mr Slatter has been involved in some elite sports and as captain and team leader has gained great insight into the importance of leadership and harnessing team spirit and commitment.

Top tips

Success is a journey, not a destination.

Lead without title (Robin Sharma).

Impact on WA busines

Niche Constructions strives to deliver on time and within budget and to develop strong relationships with clients. It has been recognised by industry peers through prestigious MBA awards.

MARK STEWART

MARK Stewart decided at an early age he didn't want to work for wages; he wanted to run his own business. It all started as a 13-year-old when, with just a lawnmower, he set up a business. Ten years later, in 1995, he established Classic Contractors with only a $3,000 credit card limit. Today that company has a staff of 25 and a budgeted turnover in the current financial year of $4.5 million.

But it wasn't all profit growth. Due to poor business practices by other parties, the company lost $50,000 on a large painting project. It served as a lesson in how to manage large-scale projects effectively and resulted in the introduction of strict monitoring systems, which are still in place today.

Personal/community

Mr Stewart is treasurer of East Fremantle Baptist Church, a board member of East Fremantle Football Club and has appeared in a WA Technical Training Authority information video aimed at providing motivation for young aspiring tradespeople.

Top tip

A business is judged by the solutions it delivers, not the problems it faces.

Impact on WA business

Classic Contractors takes a proactive role in the future development and welfare of employees and their families, which are considered essential for WA's continued growth.

ANGIE TAYLOR

ANGIE Taylor set up Element (WA) in early 2005, with brother Scott Taylor, to provide a "culinary experience".

The first retail store was opened in September of that year. During the business's first nine months Ms Taylor also studied for a PhD and worked as a research assistant with the Department of Paediatrics.

The business has grown from four employees to 20 and had a turnover of about $2 million in 2007-08. She lists as her most significant business achievements her PhD studies into an allergy prevention program for high-risk infants and the founding of Element and three successful interlinked businesses (fine wine and gourmet, wholesale and kitchen store retail).

Personal/community

This year, Element is working with Appealathon aiming to raise $50,000 for WA children by donating $50 per case of specific wines sold. During her PhD studies, Ms Taylor was involved in the collection and processing of cord blood to help children at high risk of developing allergies. Has also worked with the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.

Top tip

Surround yourself with the best possible people you can.

Impact on WA business

Likes to support smaller companies which often don't get a chance in larger venues; also help out smaller businesses.

SCOTT THORNETT

SCOTT Thornett opted out of a moderately successful business partnership to start up Global Transport Logistics in October 1999; and it turned out to be his most significant business achievement. It was a traumatic start, however, with finance tied up in the partnership until financial settlement, his wife eight months pregnant and heavy borrowings on a new home. Limited bank finance was also a problem, as was the competition - mostly multinational and national companies. But with loyal support from his wife and brother, first-hand knowledge of how custom brokerage firms operated, and hard work, the calculated risk succeeded. Turnover in 2008-09 is estimated at $19.6 million and profits have soared from $60,000 in 2000 to about $1 million in 2007-08.

Personal/community

In 2004, the company won the commerce and industry category in the Fremantle First Business Awards. It supports local sporting clubs and the Lupus Group of WA and the Leukaemia Foundation.

Top tips

The harder you work the luckier you get.

You get what you settle for.

Impact on WA business

Global Transport Logistics successfully argued and won on appeal a court case against the Australian Custom Service, with industry changing results.

VANESSA VAN DER SWAAGH

BOOM times in the mining industry influenced Vanessa van der Swaagh to return from an assignment in Papua New Guinea to rejoin Professional Placements in December 2006, after 14 months away. The business had failed to flourish, so she accepted the challenge of turning the business around inside 18 months. 

Three months later, she accepted a major consulting contract that would help the business develop rapidly. With the departure of the managing director, Ms van der Swaagh worked up to 90 hours a week for nine months on the project and managing the company. She also focused more on warehouse and transport businesses. The company has since grown to a turnover of $2.8 million.

Personal/community

Won 2008 WA Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year award. Before moving to Perth, was heavily involved in the SDES, being the local unit manager in Norseman.

Top tip

It's possible to be successful, yet maintain high ethical standards.

Impact on WA business

As managing director, Ms van der Swaagh has moved the focus towards providing more cost-effective and long-term solutions for businesses rather than just looking for permanent placements. Now works in partnership with business on how to attract and retain employees.

ADAM ZORZI

ADAM Zorzi's decision to leave the family business, Zorzi Builders, to enter the property development market was a hard one, but it paid off. He raised capital to acquire an interest in API in October 2006, and then led its expansion from property investment into the property development sector.

During this time the company's turnover has doubled ($50 million in 2008) and its net profit has trebled. It has acquired three significant development projects with end values of more than $450 million and has asset funds under management of $400 million.

Personal/community

As owners and developers of the Arcus Quarter at UWA, API is working with UWA to establish a foundation to subsidise the cost of rental accommodation for post-graduate students, and visiting and UWA academics. Mr Zorzi also supports Princess Margaret Hospital and Toybox International.

Top tip

Leave a little bit on the negotiating table for the other person.

Impact on WA business

API provides opportunities for direct property ownership in strategic investment and development assets for people who have limited property knowledge. It now has a substantial base of prominent WA business people and high net-worth families who rely on the company for exposure to the property sector.