Testimonials

Engaging with the Business Mentors Sunshine Coast (BMSC) came at a pivotal time for us, as we were looking to shift our business direction. I greatly appreciated the professional yet relaxed approach of Business Mentors Steve and Aiko. They actively listened, thoughtfully spoke into my ideas and concerns, and provided practical resources that broadened my perspective. Their encouragement and ongoing support have been invaluable. 

For any established business owner or startup seeking to expand, refine, or review their business growth, health, and operations, I highly recommend engaging with BMSC. The value you receive far exceeds their nominal annual subscription.

Two years ago, I took on the role of Managing Director of OMT Ltd and I very quickly realised that the continued existence of this incredible organisation needed expert business savvy, something that I, as a sole therapist running my own private practice, didn’t have. I remembered a conversation I’d had with a mentor with the Sunshine Coast Business Mentors Group and so I asked the question; “Could I be eligible for this?”. Short answer was yes. Thank goodness!

Enter Steven Haites and Maree Gallagher – two wonderful people who opened doors with their expertise and encouragement. About midway through our mentoring, Maree recalled that I was a “deer in the

headlights” in the beginning, and so I was. Making decisions with my instincts and years of industry experience was not only guided and supported by their wisdom and experience with businesses far bigger than mine, but with their pleasure in the successes that came along.

I now have Steven and Trish as my mentors, and I’m grateful for their continued support. They bring another perspective to business conversations, often opening another pathway previously unexplored.

With guidance from the SCBM team, Oncology Massage Training Ltd has enjoyed growth and improvement across several platforms, and I’ve grown in confidence as a manager and my organisation’s ability to continue to provide best practice oncology massage therapy education.

Thank you SCBM for the services you provide for organisations and businesses that are striving to succeed, you are greatly appreciated! 

DT Rustproofing was born in 1980 and our family purchased the business in 2014. Our business offers Automotive Rustproofing and polymer ute lining. We started with the Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance Mentoring Program in January 2019 after a fire burnt out and destroyed our business 31 July 2018. During the rebuild we felt I needed guidance to help rebuild and progress our business. 

When I was matched with my mentors Peter and Steven I found they were very easy to talk to and had a wealth of Business Knowledge and gave me lots of great ideas and support. They are very passionate

about business development and I am very keen to continue with the mentoring. The Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance Business Mentoring Program provides a great service and I would highly recommend the support available.

I decided to engage with the BMSC mentoring program at a point where I was feeling quite stuck. I’d been pushing hard in my business for years but was struggling to make any real, measurable progress. To be honest, I was a bit hesitant at first—I wasn't sure exactly how much

value a mentor could provide or if it would be worth the time investment.

Looking back, the process has been tremendously helpful. I worked with two mentors who provided a great balance of support; they acted as a strategic sounding board when I needed to talk things through, but they also weren't afraid to dish out some 'tough love' when I needed a

nudge.

Rather than just telling me what to do, they helped me discover the best path forward by introducing new methodologies and providing a space to stress-test my ideas. The biggest takeaway for me wasn't just a set of tasks, but the boost in confidence it gave me regarding my own decision-making. It created a clear path to move forward, and I’d highly recommend the program to any local business owner who feels like they’re spinning their wheels.

I joined the Business Mentors Sunshine Coast program at a pivotal stage in my business journey, while preparing for the sale of my 12-year-old online tutoring business, Optimise Learning. After more than a decade of building and leading a successful education company, navigating a business sale introduced a new level of complexity and strategic decision-making. Having access to experienced business owners who have walked similar paths has been — and continues to be — incredibly valuable.

One of the greatest benefits of the program has been perspective. As a business owner, I am often deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, which can make it difficult to consistently step back and consider the bigger picture. The mentors have helped me identify opportunities and considerations I simply hadn’t seen — not through lack of capability, but because, as many founders understand, we don’t always know what we don’t know. Their advice has been practical, commercially grounded and delivered with genuine care. They have challenged my thinking when needed, encouraged strategic rather than reactive decisions, and supported me to focus on long-term positioning rather than short-term pressures.

The value has extended far beyond encouragement — it has been experienced insight at critical moments. During the sale process, their guidance helped me approach negotiations, planning and future direction with greater clarity and confidence. That perspective alone has been extremely valuable.

As I move into launching and growing my next venture, TutorPro Hub, I look forward to continuing with the BMSC mentoring program. Surrounding yourself with experienced, successful business owners who are generous with their knowledge and willing to challenge your thinking is a significant advantage. I would highly recommend the program to any Sunshine Coast business owner who is serious about growth, transition and making well-informed strategic decisions.

I had tried unsuccessfully several times before to extend our clinical work by building an online training package to support individuals struggling emotionally with their relationships.

It was a tricky area where their partners were reluctant or unwilling to do anything about it. 

A friend recommended BMSC and I am so glad she did. The mentors took the time for me to feel genuinely heard and understood. They provided incredibly helpful and insightful practical support, advice and feedback. The ongoing accountability and helpful timelines really

propelled the project forward.

I could not have done this on my own and previous attempts, even with outside help, had failed. The mentors integrated approach, and first-hand experience made all the difference. I would wholeheartedly recommend mentoring with BMSC to any business no matter what

stage they are at.

I was initially hesitant about joining the BMSC mentoring program. I worried it would either be a significant financial investment better spent on advertising, or so affordable that the quality of mentorship might be lacking.

To my surprise, I found an incredibly accessible program led by former business leaders who are as competent as they are passionate about giving back. In a fast-paced world often distracted by the latest AI trends and marketing hacks, BMSC provided a vital anchor. My

mentor helped me consolidate the business fundamentals that are so often overlooked. That guidance was instrumental in helping me build a musicology consultancy that now services some of Australia’s largest companies and sonic branding agencies.