A Taste of Entrepreneurship, 19 July 2008

"Why I did it"

Phil has 19 years of experience in information security and technology, and is Director, Technical Assurance of  CQR Consulting, a "born global" but Australian-owned provider of information security services. He has focussed on information security for the past 11 years and has CISSP and Cisco CCSP security certifications.  Phil has specialised in the areas of technical security reviews, vulnerability assessments, application reviews, and SCADA assessment as well as security strategy and policy.

Phil has an extensive knowledge and experience of the financial, utility, education, government market segments where he has conducted numerous security and application reviews, vulnerability assessments and information security training programs.  Phils other strengths include well-developed communication skills and has a strong business understanding which complements his technical abilities.

"How I found my idea"

Noel is a serial entrepreneur and has started ventures in Australia, South Africa and Malaysia. Noel was also a Director of a Sydney-based venture capital fund that invests between $1m and $3m in growth-oriented entrepreneurial businesses. He is Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UniSA.

"How I checked the market"

Lowen set up Peartree Marketing in 1996 following an extensive background in marketing and communications including television journalism, public relations, corporate communications and marketing. She has a special interest in professional services marketing having more than seventeen years experience in the field. Other key interests include wine marketing and family business which requires an appreciation of the particular needs and interacting dynamics of businesses that are owned and operated by multi-generational family members.

Lowen holds an undergraduate degree in education from Flinders University of South Australia, an MBA from the University of South Australia and a Graduate Diploma Wine Marketing also from the University of South Australia. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a board member of Carrick Hill and Family Business Australia (SA). 

"How I got the money"

Jonathan worked for ten years as an engineer and manager in the UK space and communications industries before emigrating to Australia in 1994.  In Adelaide he founded DSpace, a developer of modem technology for mobile satellite communications.  As founding CEO he led the growth of the company through contract engineering work and in 2000 DSpace started to develop proprietary modem technology for its own products.  In 2002 Jonathan and his business partners attracted a multi-million dollar Venture Capital investment and a trade sale exit was achieved in 2007.  Jonathan continues to work at DSpace as Program Director.

Mark completed his entrepreneurial studies in 2007 forming part of his Masters Degree in Management at UniSA.

Entrepreneurial drive led Mark to the creation of 'Manufacturing Focus Pty Ltd', a process engineering company for the manufacturing industry in 2005.  This business has been highly successful servicing both local and interstate clients, growing during this time to a staff of seven.  Seeing new opportunities, Mark is currently in the process of launching a new division called 'Process Innovation' to service the government, medical and financial markets to improve transactional processes within these complex service industries.

Adam has been involved in entrepreneurial businesses in a wide range of industries. He has started, or been involved from the start, in several businesses including a record label and a national Motorsport team in Australia. He has helped small businesses in marketing, particularly in website development and promotion, and business development. Adam is undertaking his post graduate course focusing on Entrepreneurial business activities. He is currently developing his own business and is working as a Business Development Manager for a large multi-national company. Adam advocates that corporate entrepreneurialism is a vital part of successful management in any large organisation.

Tai is currently working as a warehouse manager for a medium sized importer/wholesaler of automotive products and accessories.  He is currently completing a Masters of Management (Innovation and Entrepreneurship) with the University of South Australia. He graduated with UniSA's Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement), and aims to use these two degrees to help him pursue a business venture in those fields.

After 15 years in the Commonwealth Public Service, Dawn set up her own venture (Urban Providore) to provide services of Organisational Scientists to industry and government. In 2006 the company commenced trading as IGOR specialising in technical and professional human science to support the delivery of R&D services in Australia. IGOR has developed a strong client base in SA in the Defence and National Security sectors and has expanded into the national market. This year IGOR has started to export its services to overseas clients.

Dawn has also set up the INK Business Group to work directly with industry translating scientific knowledge into organisational improvements. INK has developed a strong SA business offering coaching, employee surveys and organisational development focusing on a niche R&D workforce.

Allan is currently completing a Master of Management (Innovation and Entrepreneurship) in UniSA. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) from the University of Adelaide and would like to utilise these degrees to venture into the business side of science.