Small Business BIG Stories

Gen Z Trailblazer: Scott Millar's Entrepreneurial Journey with BOP Industries

Scott Millar, the 23-year-old founder of BOP Industries, shares his remarkable journey from selling keyrings at local markets to running a successful education company. This episode explores how Scott built a business that has impacted over 100,000 young people. Scott candidly discusses the challenges of being a young entrepreneur, the importance of mentorship, and navigating generational dynamics in the workplace. From embracing personal strengths to innovating responsibly, Scott offers valuable insights on leadership, adaptability, and the future of work. His experiences highlight the critical role of pushing beyond comfort zones, intergenerational collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership in business success.
Covered in this episode: 
The origin story: Scott's background as a high school student selling keyrings and the evolution of BOP Industries. 
Challenges faced by young entrepreneurs and the decision to embrace age as a point of difference. 
The transition from holograms to education and the importance of finding one's true purpose (ikigai). 
Strategies for engaging and managing Gen Z in the workplace. · The significance of flexibility, ownership, and belonging in attracting and retaining young talent. 
Building and maintaining professional networks, and the value of intergenerational mentorship. 
Addressing generational tensions in the workplace and the importance of mutual respect. 
The role of innovation and entrepreneurship education in preparing young people for the future workforce. 
Balancing personal strengths with business management needs and finding complementary team members. 
Insights on responsible innovation and the importance of questioning new technologies. 
Tips for small business owners on adapting to future challenges. 
About Scott Millar
Scott Millar is a trailblazing entrepreneur and the founder of BOP Industries, a company dedicated to educating young people in innovation, entrepreneurship, and STEM. Starting his first business in high school, Scott has worked with major global brands and reached over 100,000 students across Australia, Asia, and North America. A passionate advocate for Gen Z’s role in reshaping the future of work, Scott empowers students to embrace creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship. Known for his captivating speaking style and infectious energy, Scott is a leader focused on collaboration, responsible innovation, and inspiring the next generation.
Takeaways
Be Open to Unconventional Paths: Scott’s journey proves that traditional education isn’t the only path to success.
Value Mentorship: Scott credits much of his growth to surrounding himself with knowledgeable mentors.
Innovate Responsibly: He advises business owners to innovate with purpose, focusing on solutions that benefit customers and align with brand values.
Intergenerational Strength: Scott highlights the power of intergenerational collaboration in strengthening teams and driving creative solutions.
Push Beyond Comfort Zones: His mantra reminds us that growth comes from taking risks and challenging the status quo.
Links and Resources
BOP Industries – Explore Scott Millar’s work in innovation and education.
Scott’s Favourite Concept: Ikigai – Learn about this Japanese principle that inspires purpose-driven work.
Time-Stamped Key Points
00:00 – Introduction to Scott Millar and BOP Industries
01:00 – The origin story: From a school project to an international educational business
02:20 – Scott’s early business ventures with holograms and high-profile clients
03:40 – Embracing creativity: How Scott’s background in drama and arts informs his work
04:20 – The impact of living in China and adopting a global mindset
05:20 – Exploring why fewer young people are launching businesses today
06:40 – Scott’s approach to learning from experts and finding mentors
08:00 – The role of age in business: Leveraging youth as a point of difference
09:20 – Building a Gen Z team: Trust, respect, and mutual understanding
10:20 – What BOP Education does: Teaching critical workforce skills like innovation and problem-solving
12:20 – Bridging generational gaps in the workplace and the power of adaptability
14:40 – Scott’s mantra for success: “Great things never come from comfort zones”
15:20 – The challenges and sacrifices behind business success: Late nights and learning from failures
17:20 – Top advice for business owners: Innovate responsibly and embrace adaptability
We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au
Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and 
The Podcast Boss.
 

Women in Digital: Holly Hunt on Building Inclusive Networks

Holly Hunt, founder of Hunt & Co and Women in Digital, shares her journey from HR graduate to successful entrepreneur. This episode explores how Holly built a boutique digital recruitment agency and a national membership organization for women in tech. Holly candidly discusses the challenges of starting a business, the importance of mentorship, and navigating gender dynamics in male-dominated industries. From building professional networks to retaining talent in small businesses, Holly offers valuable insights on leadership, diversity, and adaptation in the evolving digital landscape. Her experiences highlight the critical role of community, purpose-driven leadership, and embracing diversity in business success.
Covered in this episode:
The origin story: Holly's background in HR and international business, and the founding of Hunt Co and Women in Digital.
Challenges faced by women in the tech industry and the decision to create a support network.
The transition from a side hustle to a full-time business and the importance of family support.
Strategies for small businesses to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.
The significance of company values and purpose in employee retention and business growth.
Building and maintaining professional networks, both joining existing ones and creating new communities.
The role of collaboration in business success and Holly's approach to partnerships.
Addressing the "boys club" mentality and the importance of diversity in male-dominated industries.
The value of diversity in product development, innovation, and market expansion.
Balancing multiple business ventures and intentionally allocating time and resources.
Insights on creating inclusive workplaces and the benefits of diverse teams.
Tips for small business owners on finding their tribe and starting their own networks.
Reflections on the challenges and opportunities for women business owners in tech-related fields.
Links from the episode
Women in Digital: Women in Digital Events & Memberships
Meetup: Meetup Networking Platform
Hunt Co Recruitment: Hunt & Co
Bespoken PR Agency: Bespoken PR Services
We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au
Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Diversifying Tradition: The 150-Year Evolution of Tommerup’s Dairy Farm

Kay Tommerup, from Tommerup’s Dairy Farm in Queensland's Scenic Rim, shares the remarkable journey of her family's 150-year-old farm. This episode explores how their traditional dairy operation transformed into a thriving agritourism destination. Kay candidly discusses the challenges of diversification, the importance of authenticity in business, and how embracing change saved their farm from financial ruin. From weathering natural disasters to navigating family dynamics, Kay offers valuable insights on adapting to market changes, succession planning, and staying true to your values in business. 
 
Covered in this episode:
The origin story: The 150-year history of Tommerup’s Dairy farm and its transition from traditional dairy farming to agritourism.
Challenges faced in the dairy industry at large and the decision to diversify.
The impact of inviting visitors onto a family farm and the importance of maintaining authenticity.
Dealing with natural disaster and how tourism helped sustain the farm.
The value of community support and networking among farmers in times of crisis.
Unexpected opportunities arising from diversification.
Navigating family dynamics and overcoming resistance to change from older generations.
The process of succession planning and bringing the next generation into the business.
The importance of education and training when transitioning into agritourism.
Insights on branding, understanding your values, and staying true to your business identity.
Tips for small business owners considering diversification or major changes in their operations.
 
We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au
 
Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Exit – Knowing When It’s Time to Stop

Arif Memis, founder of Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar, is an entrepreneur who transformed a dessert concept into a popular Queensland restaurant chain before facing liquidation. In this candid episode, Arif shares his journey from ambitious start-up to business collapse. His story is a powerful lesson in risk management, the importance of seeking proper advice, and redefining success beyond business achievements. From navigating the emotional toll of business failure to rebuilding his life post-bankruptcy, Arif offers invaluable insights for small business owners on balancing innovation with stability, recognising when to step back, and the critical importance of work-life balance and the courage required to know when to exit a failing venture.
 
Covered in this episode:
 
The origin story: A frozen yoghurt franchise store becomes Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar and finds a gap in the market.
Diversification risks: How starting with debt can lead to a cycle of chasing growth to pay it off. 
The rise and fall of the business: Location choices, COVID, supply chain issues and an unsuccessful production facility leading to administration and bankruptcy. 
Seeking proper advice: Who to contact if you’re business is in trouble, and the importance of consulting with the right experts.
Risk management: The importance of balancing innovation with stability, cautioning against unchecked risk-taking.
Work-life balance: The personal cost of neglecting family for business.
Arif’s key advice for risk taking founders in business.
Grieving a business and mental health awareness.
Finding a new job after business closure.
Resilience and reinvention: Arif’s mantra for life and business, and what the future holds. 
 
We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au
 
Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Circonomy: Divorcing your Business Partner

Yasmin Grigaliunas, founder of Circonomy, is an entrepreneur who turned a charity garage sale into a thriving circular economy business. In this candid episode, Yasmin shares her journey from corporate success to start-up struggles, including the challenges of running a business while navigating a divorce. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, innovative problem-solving, and redefining success on her own terms. From designing her own divorce management strategy to successfully raising capital as a female founder, Yasmin offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs facing personal and professional challenges. 
Covered in this episode:
The origin story: Leaving behind a successful corporate career to start the charity World’s Biggest Garage Sale. 
How World’s Biggest Garage Sale grew into Circonomy, a business rescuing and reselling idle/damaged goods from major retailers.
Hard lessons learnt from being an early innovator.
How to be the most coachable founder.  
Becoming a solo founder, marriage counselling, and divorcing your business partner. 
Designing a strong divorce strategy.
Top tips for someone going through a divorce and trying to retain their business. 
Top tips for raising capital as a female founder. 
Yasmin’s mantra for business.
We’d love to hear from you! Send or comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au
 
Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

The Happy Lawyer Story

Clarissa Rayward has two small businesses; Brisbane Family Law Centre and a membership model education platform called Happy Lawyer Happy Life. She is a legal business innovator, who has mastered the art of challenging conventional wisdom, building purposeful businesses and sensible scaling. In this episode we hear her business origin story, and her actionable advice for other small business owners, from rethinking timesheets, to productising like the Wiggles; you don’t need to be a lawyer to get golden business and life advice from Clarissa.
Covered in this episode:
Business #1 Origin Story: Starting the Brisbane Family Law Centre.
Being different in a traditional profession.
Digital marketing for lawyers.
Burnout, and the path forward.
Answering the big question: What does it take to be happy in law? 
Starting Business #2:  Happy Lawyer Happy Life.
Mental Health and getting off the small business hamster wheel. 
How to be purposeful in business.
The art of saying ’No’.
How to scale sensibly. 
Clarissa’s top tip for sole practitioners.
Productising your business and uncapping income.
Managing a bad risk profile when starting a business. 
Clarissa’s Mantra for business.
 
We’d love to hear from you! Send or comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au
 
Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.