Shows
Taming The FerretsTaming the Chaos - Steve FallonSteve Fallon is an online marketing guru. Serving many businesses over the years and adding to top and bottom lines. With a history in medical sales and marketing, he has taken the “Prognosis without Diagnosis is Malpractice” philosophy to the online marketing world With a focus on improving productivity through technology and really looking at the data and what drives sales through marketing, Steve has learnt and developed technology to help the "everyday business person” to achieve great things and to have a life outside of work and business. Analysis, Adaption, Application...
2025-07-0844 min
Taming The FerretsTaming the CBD : Vanessa WilliamsVanessa dives into what HCBA and a BID means for the development of the city. She also mentions more than once that Hamilton is New Zealand's fastest growing city and puts some of her theories on why this is to the test! Leading the organization that is responsible for the resurgence of the CBD, we discuss that being "JOAT" helps more than being a "GOAT"! Vanessa explains from her background in PR and Marketing as well as motherhood and wrestling with businesses, retailers and council on a daily basis - she under...
2025-07-0744 min
Taming The FerretsTaming the Community Service: Paul TierneyA dairy farm in Taranaki served as the back drop for growing up for this now retired Police officer. After working on the land in horticulture agriculture and working trip to the UK including the Rugby World cup and many market garden roles as well as hospitality. Paul joined the police force after his wife phoned the recruitment office for him and he then served as an officer in Hamilton for more than 15 years. The toils and tribulations of working on the front line eventually took its toll and needing a mental break and seeing the...
2025-06-2439 min
Taming The FerretsTaming the Heating and Cooling: Jujhar Singh RandhawaJujhar is accomplished entrepreneur, chairman, advisory board member, Justice of the peace, event organizer and community leader. Since arriving in New Zealand, has built thriving businesses such as JSR refrigeration and air conditioning as well as leading Zephyr Pure air ventilation , JSR management, the Hillcrest spinal Centre and recently the Diwali festival. With expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, Jujhar holds multiple qualifications including engineering and being a certified assessor and governance member. Beyond his collection of ferrets (business) he is a dedicated community advocate, serving in lead...
2025-06-131h 02
Taming The FerretsTaming the Community: Bevan RakoiaImagine leaving behind a flourishing career in global hotel management to champion the needs of Pacific communities. Bevan did just that. From his role as a first-time candidate for the Tauranga City Council to his ongoing commitment to youth engagement and cultural understanding, his story is a testament to the power of community leadership. Bevan’s journey offers a rich tapestry of insights into the importance of staying connected and supportive, even in the face of political challenges and election campaign hurdles.Listeners will gain a wealth of knowledge about Bevan’s transition from managing high-end hosp...
2024-10-0356 min
Taming The FerretsTaming the Broker: Teresa JacobsCan passion, perseverance, and strategic planning truly transform a career across vastly different fields? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Teresa Jacobs, an ambitious business broker who transitioned from residential real estate to the challenging realms of commercial sales and accounting. Teresa shares her inspiring story of earning prestigious accountancy qualifications, and thriving in Tauranga's dynamic commercial property landscape. Her tale is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of success, offering invaluable insights for those navigating their own career pivots.Explore the emotional and financial complexities facing small business owners, especially...
2024-09-0452 min
Taming The FerretsTaming the Lawn: Michael SievwrightEver wondered how to turn a small-town business into a global powerhouse? Michael, CEO of Trimax, reveals the secrets behind the company's meteoric rise from Tauranga, New Zealand to international acclaim. Learn how Trimax specializes in tractor-mounted mowing machinery for public green spaces and golf courses, and the intricate challenges of competing in markets like North America. Michael shares the personal sacrifices of balancing work-life demands while spearheading a company known for its laser focus on innovation and service excellence.Michael also underscores the importance of a strong team and the nuanced approach to allowing family...
2024-08-0553 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Investments: Hayley NelsonFrom the rolling pastures of Taranaki to the bustling investment scene in Tauranga, Hayley Nelson's tale is one of remarkable transformation and tenacity. As the General Manager for Tauranga at Craig Investment Partners, she's at the helm of a spirited team during an era of significant growth and opportunity. With 27 years under her belt in the region, Hayley has a wealth of anecdotes about the local transformation, her ventures into non-profit work, and the exhilaration of steering the ship at Craig's through their 40th-anniversary celebrations and beyond.Dive deep into the heart of team dynamics and...
2024-07-041h 06Taming The FerretsTaming the Rehab: Michelle WatsonStepping out from behind the bank counter and into the sports arena, our latest guest is someone who epitomizes the art of career reinvention. Discover how a leap of faith led her from the world of finance to the heart-pumping adrenaline of high-performance sports therapy, providing both physical and emotional support to elite athletes. It's a tale woven with the threads of personal growth, the thrill of international competition, and the transformative power of embracing life's unexpected opportunities.Amidst the excitement of the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, we explore the meticulous world of sports therapy. From...
2024-06-0459 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Pharmacy: Sam ApplefordStep into a knowledgeable yet enjoyable podcast experience with our guest, Sam Appleford, the astute owner of a pharmacy group spanning across Tauranga, New Zealand. Join us as Sam provides a measured and insightful tour of the intriguing world of retail —a must-listen for those with a keen interest in unraveling the stories concealed behind the counter.Meet Sam Appleford, a pharmacy expert, as he skillfully directs his compelling story amid the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical world. From navigating the challenges of the global financial crisis to harmonizing the operations of multiple pharmacies, Sam's journey unfolds as...
2024-01-111h 04Taming The FerretsTaming the Investigations: Nick KerrIn a society where trust matters most, Nick Kerr's company, International Private Investigations (IPI), shines as a reliable source, fixing issues that regular methods might miss.This episode is for those eager to unlock the crucial life lessons of empathy, conflict resolution, and risk management.Nick Kerr - a dynamic private investigator and entrepreneur, has forged an impressive path in the world of investigation with the creation of his brainchild. His insights into the investigation world provide not just a glimpse but a front-row seat to the highs, lows, and the relentless pursuit o...
2023-12-051h 02Taming The FerretsTaming the Tradie (and Wine)This episode is for tradies and emerging tradies (and Wine and Cocktail lovers out there) and more importantly those trying to tame your spouse!Juggling family life, chasing your dreams, and turning passion into profit? It's not just a dream for some; it's a dynamic reality for husband and wife team Anthony and Samantha.Disclaimer and Warning: All the above leads to coarse language and some expletives during this episode!Anthony - A conscientious and Chilled Tradie who is committed to customer satisfaction. His story is not just about bricks a...
2023-11-0355 min
Taming The FerretsTaming the Games: Kelly SchischkaJoin us in this episode of the podcast as we sit down with Kelly Schischka, the driving force behind the Zespri AIMS Games, one of New Zealand's largest sporting events for intermediate-aged students.The Zespri AIMs games give 11, 12 & 13-year-olds an opportunity to compete as an individual or a team against their age in NZ & other countries in 25 + different sporting codes.This results in more athletes than some Olympic games, an introduction of 75,000 + visitor nights, and 6.2 million dollars spent on the local economy.11,500+ Competitors370+ Schools1,800+ Volunteers...
2023-10-1340 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Bank: Nick HoskingNick Hoskings is a Commercial Growth Manager at Kiwibank. Looking for money to do the things you want to do in business.Starting out as a Branch Manager and learning the craft of relationship management and understanding risk. Helping people start by keeping banking simple. Nick loves to sit and talk to Kiwi Business Owners and listen to their ideas.If you not getting the support from your Bank learn the Kiwibank difference, an exciting and young Bank, growing market share. Looking for a different offering, a different type of model, more relationship...
2022-12-1443 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Entrepreneur: Emil VersterEmil Verster is a serial entrepreneur, strategic maximser and a global changemaker.When it comes to making a difference in the world, Emil really does mean business. He's founded over 15 businesses in SaaS, forex training, tourism, property development, clothing manufacture and import.This breathtaking and thought-provoking TTF episode provides insight into the 'walking encyclopedia' who readily admits the dangers of 'too much knowledge and not enough wisdom'.If you've ever been curious about how to make winning decisions time and time again, how to monetise your strengths and passions, ask...
2022-12-1256 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Kiwifruit: Colin BellHow do you provide Vitamin C to the whole world? Colin Bond not only has the answer, but he makes it happen.After decades of success in the Financial industry, Colin's gut was telling him it was time for a change. Following his instincts, he stepped out of his comfort zone and moved his family to the Bay of Plenty to run a Kiwifruit orchard, and planted the seeds for a whole new world of success.Colin is now Chief Executive of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI). Bond is a man on...
2022-12-0547 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Business: Valerie Rowe-MitchellWhen you look at your life, what are you REFUSING to see?' This episode of Taming the Ferrets is going to take your thinking to a whole new level.Meet Valerie Rowe-Mitchell, owner of Emerald Business Advises. Valerie brings an unbeatable mindset, unstoppable determination and relentless authenticity to everything she does. Make no mistake, this is an Account like no one you have ever met before.Valerie talks about the power of following your passions, and the dangers of not pursuing your talents. Her journey charts from Russia to New Zealand and...
2022-11-2849 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Earth: Phil HollandPrepare to dive into a wormhole of wonder.Phill Holland is a man who likes to discover what lies beneath. I doesn't matter whether you're an entrepreneur, a parent, backyard garden enthusiast, a landscaper, horticulturist or a large scale farmer...prepare to be inspired, amazed and shocked. Just try not to soil yourself.Two years ago, Phil had no idea what a commercial wormfarm was. Today, he is GM of a true Kiwi business success story: MyNoke - the world's largest wormfarm that yields amazing results on a domestic and commercial level, and...
2022-11-2142 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Seas: Tony PlankTake a deep breath...because Tony Plank will take you to a whole new world.Tony's story is in-depth, fascinating and awe-inspiring. This episode of New Zealand's fastest-growing business podcast focuses on a man who followed a passion and achieved a huge dream against almost unbeatable odds. As a recreational diver for nearly 20 years the lure of owning his own business attracted him to purchase Dive Zone Tauranga in October 2017. However, the journey was anything but smooth sailing. Tony had to wrestle with financial limitations, doubts, unfulfilling jobs, employees stuck overseas, boat drama...
2022-11-1452 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Events: Ben CalvertGet your tickets for the most insightful and revealing insight into the sports and event industry you will ever hear.Ben Calvert is the founder of disruptive event ticketing company, Flicket. Flicket helps event companies and sports connect directly with their fanbase, through an exceptional digital experience. This leads to increased revenue, improvements in cash flow and happier fans. Ben and his team are passionate about providing actionable data and insights to support informed decision-making to ensure our partners remain ahead of the game.Ben's story is unique, compelling and insightful, as he...
2022-11-0740 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Brokers: Steven MatthewsBrace yourself - you're about to step into the fascinating (and lucrative) world of business brokerage. Steven Matthews, head of LINK Business Brokers Bay of Plenty, takes you on a head-spinning, jaw-dropping journey that spans around the world - via some Russian airfields and Papamoa beach.LINK Business Brokers Bay of Plenty are the leading specialists in buying and selling businesses, with the knowledge and experience to deliver real results. What's more, this episode reveals how anyone with a vision, a dream and a bit of determination can achieve their impossible business goals. Time is never...
2022-10-3156 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Generosity: Rohan McCloskeyLet's face, this episode should really be called UNtamed Generosity, because the amount of giving and positive impact generated by our guest is on a whole different level.Meet Rohan McCloskey, CEO and Co-Founder of GoGenerosity - a groundbreaking company that is making generosity an easy as part of your everyday activities and experiences, and making a huge, tangible difference to the lives of local people in need.GoGenerosity combines two of Rohan's passions: seeing businesses succeed & being able to help people. The idea of GoGenerosity was sparked during our...
2022-10-1751 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Fitness: Jimmy AugustPrepare to think about health and fitness in a totally different way.Jimmy August was on a mission to create New Zealand’s first purpose-built, fully integrated health, wellbeing and movement hub. He knew how important it was to disrupt a fitness industry that is built on quick-fixes, unrealistic expectations and chiselled abs that hide an empty soul.So he created ReDefined: a vision, a dedication towards the betterment of the health fitness and wellness industry that has been over 40 collective years in the making. Jimmy tells Taming the Ferrets of his goal to...
2022-10-0946 minTaming The FerretsTaming the High Performers: Jacinta HoranWhat makes a high-performer? In this episode of Taming the Ferrets, we reveal the secrets to high-performing success in sports, business and at home.Jacinta Horan is the owner of Bureta Physio, and one of New Zealand's most distinguished Physiotherapist. A veteran of the Rio and Tokyo Olympics and The Commonwealth Games, she knows what it takes to succeed in the most demanding environments.In this awe-inspiring discussion, Jacinta and Freddie discuss what it's like to go all-in on your passion and start a business, dealing with team performance issues, leading through a...
2022-10-0348 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Treetops: James FitzgeraldIn 2008, James Fitzgerald was a young guy with a bold vision:To create a visitor experience that was so removed from the real world that it would become the most premium and sought-after experience in the whole of New Zealand. An experience so bold that adventure, education, conservation, natural beauty and people would collide to create an experience with no peers…so he got to work.What followed was a rollercoaster ride of business highs and lows, and emotional twists and turns that would test James, his family and his team to breaking po...
2022-09-2050 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Organisation: Kanuka LeadershipMany organisations talk about wellbeing and leadership, but few have it as part of their DNA.bring a powerful, unique and researched-backed philosophy to high-performing organisations.In this enlightening episode of Taming the Ferrets, learn how the Kanuka Founders, Wiremu and Steve educate and empower Kaiwhakahaere (Leaders) and Te Hunga Tautoko (Teams) to stay well, maximise team performance and perform under pressure.The interview takes some shocking and eventual twists and turns as Wiremu and Steve reveal how anyone can thrive and grow in difficult times and help others to...
2022-09-1551 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Talent: Ryan + AlexanderYour future is their business.Kiri Burney and Bernadette Ryan-Hopkins are the top talent hunters in the Bay of Plenty. They do recruitment with a difference. Their world-class recruitment firm, Ryan + Alexander is disrupting the market and delivering talent on demand.But what does it take to create and maintain truly unstoppable skills and talents in a post-COVID world? This hard-hitting, insightful and often-hilarious masterclass in leadership, recruitment, business ownership and talent management reveals the secrets behind building a powerhouse, people-focused brand.For anyone who wants to succeed in life...
2022-08-2348 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Action: Robin OlivierRobin Olivier is the epitome of failing fast...and failing forward.Back in his native South Africa, Robin was left heartbroken and broke after every business he started fell apart around him.He picked himself up, followed a passion and tried a new approach...and he hasn't looked back since.Starting with nothing but a dream and $500, Robin built and scaled a nationwide tech empire.This gave Robin the platform to follow another passion - helping other people start and grow their businesses, and transform their lives...
2022-08-1548 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Property: Janine EvansProperty management isn't just bricks and mortar...it's about making a house into a home.When Janine Evans launched Evans Property Management, she was determined to blaze a trail and disrupt an industry that had become overrun with distrust and mismanagement.Armed with expert knowledge of a sector going through rapid transformation, and the desire to become not just a propery manager but a trusted advisor for homeowners and tenants alike, Janine set out to look after properties the way they should be cared for.This fast-paced episode challenges convention...
2022-08-0839 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Mindset: Gail PageImagine having a workplace culture where people actually ENJOY being at work?!A place where your teams feel appreciated, engaged, and inspired to excel, mutual trust and respect is the norm, diversity and inclusion is a priority and psychological safety exists in abundance.It might sound impossible, but communication and mindset coach Gail Page can make seemingly impossible things happen.In this jaw-dropping and inspirational episode, Gail reveals the secrets behind creating a healthy workplace - it's not rocket science, it's communication! Because when your people feel listened to, respected...
2022-08-0153 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Culture: Josh TurnerJosh Turner is a pioneer of the future of work. He's an expert in unlocking individual's strengths and increasing team performance. But is it REALLY possible for any business to create a winning culture?Josh reveals the secrets behind moving past empty motivational phrases, and delivering true financial and wellbeing success. He holds nothing back as he tells us why organisations need to tame the ferrets of 'head', 'heart' and 'hustle' to thrive in the workplace of the future.A word of warning though, some of what Josh says might shock you...
2022-07-2546 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Magic: Melanie QuinMelanie Quin is a woman on a mission. A chance encounter with a stranger led to a life-changing decision to leave the comfort of her office job and embark upon a quest to bring joy to the people who need it most.Melanie set out on her own to create a charity with a unique and powerful purpose: To give people who have been diagnosed with a terminal disease one final day of pure magic.This would be a tough task for most people, but Melanie faced an almost-impossible struggle because she had...
2022-07-1747 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Gee 'n' T's: Ash Gee"We should open a bar" is a phrase that most people have said at least once in their lives.But Ash Gee actually went and DID IT.Not only did Ash launch a bar (Miss Gee's) with NO previous hospitality experience, NO connections and NO understanding of the skills she would need to be successful...But she was also immediately hit with the Covid lockdowns leaving her fledgling business tilting on the precipice of failure.In this hard-hitting and hilarious interview, Ash reveals the tools, tactics and...
2022-07-1051 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Media: Alan NebenWelcome to Taming the Ferrets, New Zealand's "Most Awarding" Business Podcast!Taming the Ferrets is hosted by Guinness World Record Holder, Investor, and Bestselling Author, Freddie Bennett.Episode 2 reveals the secrets behind one of New Zealand's most powerful organisations.Alan Neben is the owner of Bay of Plenty business news, and numerous other high-profile publications. Growing up in a publishing family, he describes the opportunities arising from the "Rivers of Gold" that flowed through the publishing industry...and the perilous pitfalls that now exist in the changing media landscape.
2022-05-1650 minTaming The FerretsTaming the Chamber: Matt CowleyWelcome to Taming the Ferrets, New Zealand's "Most Awarding" Business Podcast!Taming the Ferrets is hosted by Guinness World Record Holder, Investor, and Bestselling Author, Freddie Bennett.Episode 1 aims for the top and takes no prisoners, giving you the opportunity to get inside the mind of a true business leader.As the Chief Executive of the Tauranga Business Chamber, Matt Cowley knows all about leadership in the public eye.But what happens when the cameras are turned off? How does a leader lead themselves through difficult times?
2022-05-1538 min