Matt McQuillan, founder of Mid Coast Stairs, shares his journey from a school leaver at 16 to a skilled tradesman and successful business owner. After leaving school early, Matt completed his apprenticeship with a staircase company in Port Macquarie, then deliberately moved through various joinery shops in Wauchope and the Taree region to broaden his expertise. This strategic accumulation of skills, combined with a management role, gave him the confidence to launch his own business on the side, working evenings and weekends for two years before going full-time.

Trent Chapman is the owner of Local Pest Experts and a driven small business leader passionate about authentic leadership. With years of hands-on experience, Trent has learned that the heart of effective leadership lies in treating every team member as an individual.