Powerline - Summer 2018

Hi all, and welcome to the final Powerline for the 2018 year - and WOW what a year it has been! 

In my first year as CEO of Power Tynan, as a team we have achieved some amazing things, worked with some amazing clients and delivered some truly inspiring outcomes and results for all involved. 

I was working on my 100 Day Plan in December 2017, on what my first 100 days as the CEO would look like. I think I should have added another 0 to the end of the 100 Day Plan, its amazing how quickly those first 100 days has gone!  In fact the entire year has sped by, I can't believe its only 4 sleeps until Christmas!

Ordinarily at this time of year, and early in the new year, we are having our Christmas/New Year parties and catching up with everyone. However, this year we have decided to do something a little bit more special as on the 1^st April 2019, Power Tynan turns 50!! 

Its been an amazing journey, or so i’m told by the clients who have been a part of the Power Tynan family since it began, and also our very own Edna Hurtz who has been here for almost 47 years!

I can’t wait to start organising this event and touching base with everyone who has been a part of this journey. I wonder if Mr Power thought this business would stand the test of time, and if he could foresee how it would change and what it would morph into over the years.  If anyone has any memorabilia or photographs, please get in touch with us so we can really do something special.

At the beginning of November, Gilda & I attended the World Congress of Accountants, with over 6,000 attendees from all over the world. I was lucky enough to speak at this event, and it’s a truly humbling experience to represent Power Tynan and hear from a number of different people who are truly amazed of our significant achievement for a non corporate, non family business.

We wish everyone an amazing Christmas, and hope you all enjoy the festive season with family and friends.  Cherish the people that are a part of your life and make sure you take time out to spend with your loved ones.

All the best for 2019, and look forward to talking to you all in the New Year!

Each quarter we interview one of our clients to get an insight into their business. This issue we spoke to Scott & Duane from Suncoast Fresh.

When did your business commence?      

2008

What does your business do? 

Suncoast Fresh is a leading provider of wholesale fresh  produce to a diverse mix of clientele ranging from some of Queensland’s best restaurants, cafes and clubs to hospitals, aged care, schools and community groups.

Our business services the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Byron Bay and recent expanded to include Toowoomba and Gold Coast.

We operate with a committed passion in supporting local farmers throughout those regions. 

What makes your business successful?  

Like many SME businesses, we are hands on business leaders.

Our team feels the passion we have for our industry and our willingness to make things happen, be accountable and look to constantly improve.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?  

From a core business perspective, to still have people working for us that have been here from the start, we feel speaks volumes about the culture we have all built together.

From an Industry perspective, being approached by the world’s best restaurant, Noma from Denmark, to exclusively supply when they did a pop up tour in Sydney in 2016.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting up a business?  

We have three:

• Prepare yourself for business – it starts with an idea, but be objective - particularly around your own skill set and attributes - ensure there is a demand, and understand your competitors
• Understand your customer – who is going to buy your product and service and why? Once you understand your customer, you can drive sales, profit and growth
• Develop a business plan – give yourself some direction, define your objectives and how you will achieve them, set goals and milestones and acknowledge the good work you and your team  have done when you achieve these

How do you relax from the pressures of being in business? 

Always maintain a solid connection with family and friends, and exercise is great for overall wellbeing, plus an occasional trip overseas or afternoon at the V8’s is a nice bonus!

This quarter, Jo Fox celebrated ten years with the firm.

Date & Place of Birth

24th November in Stanthorpe

Education

I attended St Joeys Stanthorpe up until Year 10, and completed Year 11 & 12 at Stanthorpe State High School

Hobbies & Interests

Three kids take up any time for hobbies and interestes, but I do love camping, socialising, movies and music

When did you start working at Power Tynan?  

I started in November 2008 after having my third child

Why did you apply for a job at Power Tynan?  

I needed a change as I had worked at NAB for 16 years, and the culture and reputation of PT was exciting to me

Why do you enjoy working at Power Tynan? 

I love the work and the clients I see every day.  I have been able to enjoy the best of both worlds as PT has been very understanding when it comes to being a mother of three and trying to juggle both - I have never missed the kids functions and activities. It is a very well balanced work & homelife situation.  

Graham & Mark from the Toowoomba Hospice visited our team in November to accept a donation of $4,000 from the Power Tynan Charitable Trust.

Toowoomba Hospice Association is a community based private healthcare facility which provides free palliative care to the terminally ill. The Toowoomba Hospice facility has been designed to provide patients with a family friendly "home like" environment during the final phase of their life.

This donation will go towards the Adopt A Room program, where the money is used for fresh paint, carpet, linen, furniture, periodic professional cleaning, general maintenance and up keep of the rooms at the Toowoomba Hospice.

SMSF & Accounting Awards

Our very own Mark Silvester took out Auditor of the Year at the 2018 SMSF & Accounting Awards, while PT were awarded Multi Service Firm of the Year.

These awards acknowledge individuals and businesses who are leading the way in SMSF advice and accounting by championing professionalism, quality advice and innovation.

Congratulations to Mark and our entire team on winning these awards!

CPA Graduation

Congratulations to Paul Hobbs for successfully completing his CPA and receiving his certificate at the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Certificate & Awards Ceremony.

Future Leaders

Congratulations to our very own Peter Rowe for being elected as one of four members on the 2019 Future Leaders Toowoomba Advisory Group.

This group is made up of young business leaders from our community who assist the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce to engage

 with the next generation of professionals within our region, across all industries.

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to our very own Ben Twidale and his partner Tracey, who tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at the Gold Coast on Saturday 8^th December.

We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness as they start their next chapter together as Mr and Mrs Twidale!

Adopt A Family

In December, the PT team delivered Christmas hampers as part of The Chronicle's Adopt A Family appeal.

This appeal aims to help struggling local families have a special Christmas.

Thanks to our team for their generosity in giving back to our community - we are very proud of your support of this fantastic local initiative!

Christmas Wonderland

On December 18th, the PT team volunteered at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland.

This magical event not only celebrates the joy of Christmas, but also raises funds for three local charities - Lifeline Darling Downs & South West QLD, Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and Toowoomba Hospice.

To show your support for these wonderful organisations, and to experience the beautiful lights display, be sure to visit the Botanic Gardens at Queens Park - the event runs right up until Christmas Eve!