Shows
Engineering SuccessPushing Limits Without Compromising Safety: Tim Cartledge, Cartledge Mining and GeotechnicsWhat does it take to keep a mine operating safely when the ground is unpredictable, and getting it wrong can shut down the entire operation?
Tim Cartledge is the founder of Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics, a principal geotechnical engineer with decades of experience solving the mining industry's toughest stability challenges. After working with major consultancies including Coffey Geotechnics and GHD, he established his own specialist consultancy in 2015, supporting some of Queensland's most challenging coal mines.
In this conversation, Tim explains how mining geotechnical work differs from civil engineering, shifting from rigid standards to a focus on geo...
2026-01-2839 min
Engineering SuccessMerging Firms to Multiply Impact: Moussa Youssef, Vanguard Consulting EngineersWhat happens when an engineer gets fed up watching projects fail because no one coordinates properly? Moussa Youssef started BMY Engineering in 2018 after years of witnessing costly mistakes that could have been prevented. Six years later, he made a bold move—merging with Prime Engineering to create Vanguard Consulting Engineers, a 24-person multidisciplinary firm with a reputation for never missing deadlines.
In this conversation, Moussa shares the reality behind that merger: the first six months of chaos when communication broke down, how three partners learned to run decisions through one funnel instead of three, and why writing down...
2025-11-2541 min
Engineering SuccessFrom Solo Founder to 23 Staff: Scaling a Fire Compliance Business: Aleks Culic, Projex FireWhat does it take to start a business at 20, in the middle of a pandemic, and turn it into one of Australia’s leading fire compliance companies?
Aleks Culic is the founder of Projects Fire, a passive fire compliance company he launched in 2020 while most of his peers were still at university. By spotting a gap in the market and backing himself, Aleks built a business that now employs over 20 people and delivers complex fire safety solutions across the country. Known for his strong technical capability and commitment to doing things right, he has earned a reputation fo...
2025-10-2334 min
Engineering SuccessNext Generation Thinking and the Future of Structural Engineering: Andrew Gall, ArgallAndrew Gall walked away from a secure engineering career to challenge the industry’s biggest perception problem: that engineers are box-ticking cost centres rather than creative partners in design.
Andrew is the founding director of ARGALL, a structural and civil consultancy based in Melbourne, with over 15 years of technical expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset. He has positioned ARGALL as the partner of choice for progressive architects, developers, and councils across Australia. The firm is recognised for its next-generation thinking, combining sustainability, creativity, and operational maturity to deliver award-winning projects.
If you’re an engineering leader look...
2025-09-3041 min
Engineering SuccessYou Can't Design a Solution to a Problem You Don't Understand: Ray Keefe, Successful EndeavoursRay Keefe discovered that being a brilliant engineer wasn't enough when his business coach challenged him: "Are you any good? I don't believe your answer - prove it." This brutal honesty launched a transformation that saw his electronics manufacturing consultancy win over 60 awards and challenge how Australian businesses think about local manufacturing.
Ray confronts uncomfortable truths about Australian business culture. Learning that Australia ranks dead last globally for business collaboration (181st out of 181 countries), he built Successful Endeavours on partnership and collaboration in an industry known for keeping trade secrets.
His pricing philosophy provides a ma...
2025-08-2643 min
Engineering SuccessWorking On, Not In the Business: Adam Hull, HullconWhat if the secret to growing an engineering business isn't just about technical excellence, but about completely redefining how designers and contractors work together?
Adam Hull, Managing Director of Hullcon, discovered this revolutionary approach when he recognised the massive waste created by the traditional "us versus them" mentality plaguing the construction industry.
After a decade at major consultancies and two years in government, Adam witnessed how poor communication was costing projects millions.
His solution? Start an engineering consultancy that operates like a trusted partner rather than a typical service provider. The results speak for...
2025-07-2936 min
Engineering SuccessWaste is unnecessary, unintelligent, unsustainable, and uncommercial: Josh Robinson, JR HammerJosh Robinson, founder of JR Hammer, is a story that turns everything you thought you knew about recycling upside down.
When China slammed its doors shut to the world's recyclables in 2018, Australia's scrap industry panicked. Hundreds of tons of copper cables suddenly had nowhere to go. Most saw disaster. Josh saw opportunity.
"Working in sustainability, if you're shipping things offshore just to ship them back again, you're defeating the purpose," Josh told me, with the clarity of someone who's found his mission.
His ability to create value from what others threw away fascinated...
2025-04-2336 min
Engineering SuccessThe Power of Saying No: Derya Horasan, Scientific Fire ServicesWhat does it take to move to a new city with zero connections, build a thriving engineering consultancy, and eventually become a company director? In this compelling episode, Derya Horasan shares how he transformed Scientific Fire Services' Sydney office from a two-person operation to a respected team of nine professionals.
Rather than pursuing traditional networking, Derya built relationships with peers at his level who grew alongside him in their careers. His philosophy that "you're only as good as your last report" created a reputation that attracted clients without aggressive marketing.
When you listen, you...
2025-03-2537 min
Catching Up With CUB#242 Rick Merten - Mastering Growth from the Inside OutDaniel catches up with Rick Merten, Managing Director of InsideOut Group, a strategy-led B2B marketing consultancy with a unique approach - embedding fractional marketers inside businesses to drive growth from within. Originally founded in 2001 as an early digital start-up called Permission, InsideOut Group has evolved into a powerhouse for businesses looking to scale effectively. Daniel and Rick discuss how to position your business in the minds of customers, the power of scaling through niching, and how to embed your values within your team - even in a remote work environment.
2025-03-1642 min
Engineering SuccessBuilding a Category-Defining Business and Setting a New Standard in Plant Assessment: Ben Horstmann, Consolidated Plant ServiceWhat happens when a former diesel mechanic decides to solve one of the construction industry's biggest hidden problems?
After an injury ended his original career path, and his adventures took him from Australian mines to the mountains of Kazakhstan, Ben Horstmann spotted a critical gap in how construction and mining companies manage equipment safety and compliance.
Eight years ago, he launched Consolidated Plant Services with a passionate refusal to hire any employees. Today, his team has assessed tens of thousands of pieces of equipment and is redefining industry standards across Australia. Ben’s journey from te...
2025-02-2338 min
Engineering SuccessFrom Utility Expert to Engineering Entrepreneur: How One Decision Changed Everything: Jonathan De Carlo, Grid Power DesignWhat happens when a successful utility engineer trades job security for entrepreneurial freedom? In this compelling episode of Long Term Thinking for Business Success, Jonathan De Carlo reveals how his dream of a relaxed lifestyle business transformed into a thriving engineering consultancy.
After two decades in the utilities sector, Jonathan launched Grid Power Design with visions of three-day weekends. Instead, he discovered the challenging reality of building a specialised engineering firm.
His candid insights about maintaining quality while scaling, innovative approaches to competitor collaboration, and the ongoing struggle to step back from technical work offer...
2025-01-2331 min
Engineering SuccessFrom Surfer to Director: How a Cheeky Interview Built a 28-Year Engineering Career: Michael Grogan, Birzulis AssociatesIn this episode, with Michael Grogan, one of the directors at Birzulis Associates, a consulting engineering firm that's been shaping Australia's structural landscape since 1989.
Michael's journey from a laid-back surfer and cinema ticket-taker to becoming a key leader in one of Sydney's respected engineering firms is entertaining and inspiring.
What stands out is Michael's refreshingly honest account of his accidental entry into engineering. Picture this - a fresh University of Newcastle graduate who only applied for the job to get his father off his back, then cheekily told the 67-year-old interviewer that he looked close...
2024-11-2639 min
Engineering SuccessFrom Tragedy to Triumph: How a Water Crisis Transformed This Engineering Business – Larry Narunsky, Convergent Water ControlsIn this episode, Larry Narunsky shares his 28-year history as the technical director and founder of Convergent Water Controls (CWC) and how his company has become a cornerstone of Australia's water treatment industry over the past 28 years.
Larry's story is a testament to the power of technical expertise and strategic business acumen.
After migrating from South Africa with an engineering background, he transformed a small electronic services business into a thriving enterprise that now employs 15 people and serves as a crucial solutions provider in the water treatment sector.
What makes Larry's journey particularly fascin...
2024-10-3038 min
Engineering SuccessPeople-First Engineering: A Journey to Sustainable Success: Russell King, MEX EngineeringJoin us for an insightful episode of "Long Term Thinking for Business Success" as we delve into the journey of MEX Engineering Group with its founder and CEO, Russell King. In this episode, Russell shares the transformation of MEX Engineering into a people-driven organisation and its vision to become Australia's leading engineering service provider.
Discover how Russell and his team have cultivated an enjoyable and sustainable culture by prioritising people over profit, safety, and quality. Gain valuable insights into their unique approach to hiring based on cultural fit and the "hungry, humble, and smart" framework.
Exp...
2024-09-2636 min
Engineering SuccessNavigating Challenges and Cultivating Trust: Insights from Paul Wehbe, Infrastructure Engineering GroupIn this Long Term Thinking for Business Success episode, I sit down with Paul Wehbe, Managing Director of Infrastructure Engineering Group (IEG). With over 20 years of experience in the electrical infrastructure industry, Paul walks us through his transition from a corporate role at Ausgrid to starting IEG, which focuses on delivering innovative, client-centered utility solutions. What began as a side business offering 3D design and modelling services evolved into a fully-fledged consulting company specialising in high-risk utility infrastructure projects.
Paul shares the early challenges of managing a small business and learning how to deal with demanding clients...
2024-09-0440 min
Engineering SuccessDario Valenza: Flying High: Tech Innovation Uncharted SkiesDario Valenza's innovation journey is a captivating narrative of perseverance, creativity, and strategic vision. From his early career in yacht racing to pioneering advancements in uncrewed aerial systems, Dario's trajectory embodies the essence of a true innovator. His passion for design and performance excellence has been a driving force throughout his life, evident in his contributions to America's Cup teams and his relentless pursuit of technological advancement.
As the founder of Carbonix, he has led the charge of developing high-performance aerial systems that capture high-resolution data over large geographic areas and complex terrains. This endeavour has revolutionised...
2024-07-2249 min
Engineering SuccessPete Sackett: The Art of Expertise and Conversations for Sustainable SuccessIn this insightful episode, Pete Sackett, the Founder and Director of CDE Design Solutions, shares his wealth of experience and knowledge on building a sustainable engineering business.
He started CDE in 2001 after spending several years working in various engineering roles. His initial vision was to provide drafting and factory-related mechanical engineering services to local food manufacturers.
Pete shares the challenges and pivotal moments that have shaped the company's trajectory. He emphasises the pivotal role of having deep expertise in his team to build specialisation and create a unique market position
We explore Pete’s appro...
2024-06-2534 min
Engineering SuccessNina Kilpinen: From Engineering to Retail and Back Again: Unconventional Career JourneyIn this episode of the Long Term Thinking for Business Success podcast, I sit down with Nina Kilpinen, the Managing Director of Seed Engineering, a specialist engineering consulting firm.
Nina's career journey is anything but conventional. After spending almost, a decade as an engineer, she left the industry to build a shoe retailing business. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her back to engineering, where she now brings a unique perspective to project development and management.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Nina shares her insights on overcoming barriers, the importance of project management, balancing engineering and entrepreneurship, and the...
2024-05-2945 min
Engineering SuccessWayne Shub: Principles of Courage and Unwavering CommitmentEmbarking on a journey from South Africa to Australia, Wayne Shub, the founder and managing director of BHF Technologies, epitomises the essence of courage, determination, and the power of unwavering principles. In this captivating episode, we delve into the remarkable story of a visionary entrepreneur who transformed 23 years of perseverance into what many now perceive as an "overnight success."
Shub's story began amidst the tumultuous mid-nineties in South Africa, a time when concerns about safety and the future loomed large. Fuelled by a desire for a secure environment for his family, Shub's decision to migrate to Australia. ...
2024-04-2639 min
Engineering SuccessNathalie Scipioni: The power of networking, clear communications and being boldIn this episode I have a fascinating conversation with Natalie Scipioni, the visionary architect and founder of Natalie Scipioni Architects.
From her Italian upbringing, steeped in history and aesthetics, to her architectural education in the heart of Florence, Natalie's path has been a tapestry of diverse experiences.
Her decade-long tenure in Paris infused her with a cosmopolitan perspective, shaping her unique approach to architecture. But it was her decision to establish her own firm in Sydney, Australia, that truly ignited her professional destiny.
Natalie's emphasis on seeking external perspectives and the guidance of ment...
2024-03-2829 min
Engineering SuccessJayne Good: Lessons in Leadership: How Jayne Built a Thriving BusinessJoin me for a fascinating conversation with Jayne Good, the chief operating officer of Good Constructions.
With almost 30 years of experience, Jayne shares some really valuable insights into how she and her husband started and grew their company, which focuses on building high end custom homes and big commercial projects before specialising in retirement housing.
They began in 1995 and have expanded from the Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne and beyond. It's a great example of how they've always aimed for top quality and cared about the environment when building things.
During our talk, Jayne looks...
2024-03-0540 min
Engineering SuccessNeil Glentworth: From High School Dropout to fortune 500 and government advisorFrom dropout to CEO - the improbable rise of Neil Glentworth
Neil Glentworth's path from leaving school at 16 to leading a global group of businesses against all odds is a story of grit, determination and long-term vision. Our conversation offers valuable lessons for business owners and leaders battling challenges and seeking to build lasting companies.
A key to Neil's unorthodox success was prioritising profits over popularity. He advocates focusing less on vanity metrics like revenue, stressing instead the importance of understanding profitability and costs - the true engines of sustainable growth. This approach revealed the stra...
2024-01-3039 min
Engineering SuccessJason Simms: From Startup to International Expansion: Lessons in Growth and Innovation for Small Business OwnersJason Simms is one of the founders and directors of Blackbook.ai, an Australian company driven by unlocking the true value of organisations through artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics.
In our conversation, Jason shares the background story of Blackbook.ai, from its humble beginnings as a startup in 2017 to its current position as a medium-sized business with a team of approximately 200 people. He reveals the pivotal investments in systems, people, and processes that have propelled their growth and success.
It hasn't all been smooth sailing. Jason candidly discusses the challenges they faced along the way...
2023-11-2338 min
Engineering SuccessRenee Francis: Creating a flexible and productive distributed companyRenee Francis, founder of The Bubble Co, began her journey began with her realisation that the corporate world was not for her, leading her to take on contract positions and gain valuable experience in various industries.
This work grew to the point that she founded The Bubble Co with a vision to create a remote and flexible agency that delivers exceptional value to clients.
In this episode we discuss how Renee has created a business focused on accountability and collaboration while being a distributed or remote team that is located throughout Aust...
2023-10-2345 min
Engineering SuccessElinor Moshe: When things are tough, the character truly comes outElinor Moshe, founder of the Construction Coach, shares her journey of bridging the gap in the construction industry through mentorship and a powerhouse mindset.
Elinor's story begins with her realisation of the complexity of driving consistent results and her decision to break free from a toxic work environment.
Late one night, she had a vision for the Construction Coach and transformed it from a simple blog into a thriving platform encompassing a podcast, masterminds, books, awards, training, and collaborations.
Throughout the episode, Elinor emphasises the importance of marketing, selling, and prospecting as primary dut...
2023-09-2741 min
Engineering SuccessMichelle Kvello: Perseverance, adaptability and a clear visionMichelle Kvello, the founder of Lantern Partners, a virtual CFO firm, has built a successful business by providing analytical and commercial support to startups and scale-ups. With a vision to empower fast-growing businesses and contribute to Australia's entrepreneurial economy, Michelle has been recognised as one of the top 50 women in accounting and small business leaders
Over the past 12 years, Michelle has overcome challenges and built sustainable success for herself and her clients. One key aspect of her achievement is the longevity of her business, as many startups and small businesses struggle to survive. Michelle takes pride in ha...
2023-08-2540 min
Engineering SuccessLouie Dupe: Overcoming adversity to build a $20M businessIn the world of entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges and finding solutions is a constant pursuit. Louie Dupe, the founder and director of Customer Driven has experienced the highs and lows of building his business.
After more than a decade of experience in leading large-scale customer service operations, Louie took the leap to starting his own business. In 9 years, he and his team have successfully navigated the path to growth and profitability. Today, Customer Driven has a turnover of almost $20 Million and a team of 90 people.
In this episode, we discuss Louise's insights into the importance of sha...
2023-07-2736 min
Engineering SuccessGreg Thomas: Creating a sustainable business by focusing on the right peopleLooking for genuine, straightforward advice from a leader who's managed a hundred-year-old company for 20 years? Then you'll enjoy my chat with Greg Thomas from Sterland Computing.
Here’s a sneak peek of the key takeaways:
People Matter: Business is all about people, keeping customers and employees happy is crucial. By focusing on these relationships Greg and the team has turned relationships into profits.
Long-Term Thinking: Greg shares how switching from a short-term to a long-term mindset can be a game-changer. He talks about setting big goals and breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps
Le...
2023-06-2746 min
Engineering SuccessColin Fisher: A Thriving Business built on the Power of Customer Experience and AdaptabilityAquacell's founder and CEO, Colin Fisher, shares the key strategies behind the company's sustained success.
In this episode, Colin highlights the importance of customer-centricity, strategic expansion into new markets, and adapting to a changing market landscape.
Rick and Colin also discusses the value of implementing effective systems and processes, as well as future initiatives aimed at driving Aquacell's growth and maintaining their competitive edge.
2023-05-2444 min
Engineering SuccessJulie McIntosh: Overcoming challenges through resilience and determinationRick Merten talks to Julie McIntosh from The Classic Safari Company, a bespoke travel agency.
They discuss
How the business has adapted to the changing landscape of the travel industry
Why Julie focuses on personal connections and understanding clients' needs and preferences,
How her role has evolved over time and finding the balance between working on and in the business
2023-05-0533 min
Engineering SuccessJulie Peksis: Leading a multi-generational family businessIn this episode I talk to Julie Peksis from Jeal, a multi-generational family business started almost 40 years ago by her father.
Julie's unwavering commitment to understanding her customers' needs and facilitating their business management, alongside her relentless efforts to foster a culture of appreciation and inclusivity among team members, has been instrumental in propelling Jeal to long-term success.
2023-03-2328 min
Engineering SuccessTrailer: Engineering Success with Rick MertenEvery entrepreneur starts their business full of dreams, whether it's innovating a better product or service, creating wealth, building a life to be proud of, or changing the world in some way, and engineers are no different.
This podcast is about keeping your dreams alive when things get tough, because even the strongest technical skills can get overwhelmed by the endless demands of building a business. And one day you'll realise that even the best product or service just isn't enough to guarantee your success.
"Engineering Success" will feature engineering and industrial leaders discussing their...
2023-02-2701 min
Engineering SuccessNoel Scully: On Referrals and Relationships as Key to Business Resilience.Noel Scully has more than two decades of experience helping business achieve their objectives faster than with their existing resources. In fact, the work that nem Australasia does has been so good that they have helped businesses be prepared for a sale. Building strong relationships with his partners and clients and leveraging on referrals is a proven approach to a businesses' resiliency and sustainable success. Seeing his clients achieve their goals is a privilege for Noel.
2023-02-2428 min
Engineering SuccessDamian Scodella: Winning the Numbers Game for BusinessesIn this episode, Damian Scodella shares how he built his financial management and bookkeeping business, Square Penny. How he started from a one-man data cleansing project, to adding more staff, to recognizing how he could help businesses 'clean up' their accounting and numbers game. His story is one of growth and evolution. Believing in processes and consistency, continually learning, not just himself, but the business and his people as well. Allowing people to make decisions to grow and evolve.
2023-02-2336 min
Engineering SuccessNeville Samuels: On Finding Business Success from FailureNeville Samuels describes his journey that led to developing a successful business based on a vision to connect people - connecting businesses with the right skills and talent. From working as an accountant to starting a business that failed, but then having the tenacity to build a new one despite the odds. He discusses the difficulties, the lessons learned, and how he ‘lucked out’ by seizing opportunities he saw at the right time, with the right conditions.
2023-02-2338 min