What does it truly take to build a successful business in an ever-changing world?

In this insightful episode, Peter Salerno welcomes Michael Santagata, a highly experienced building designer and draftsman, to unpack the realities of working in a complex and highly regulated industry.

With decades of experience behind him, Michael shares how the building landscape has evolved significantly over the years.

What was once a more straightforward process has now become increasingly driven by compliance, council regulations, and environmental considerations. These challenges have reshaped how businesses operate and forced many professionals to continuously adapt.

A key theme throughout the conversation is resilience and adaptability.

Michael explains how staying informed, evolving with industry changes, and maintaining a practical mindset are essential to long-term success.

Rather than resisting change, successful business owners learn to work with it—finding smarter, more efficient ways to deliver value to their clients.

Peter and Michael also explore broader business lessons that extend beyond construction.

From trusting your instincts and maintaining a positive mindset to investing in people and building strong relationships, this episode delivers powerful insights for anyone in business.

It reinforces the idea that success is not just about profit, but about building something sustainable, meaningful, and enjoyable.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Michael Santagata

Michael Santagata is an experienced building designer and draftsman with over two decades in the industry. As the owner of Grand Vision Design, he specialises in residential, commercial, and industrial building plans, guiding clients through design, approvals, and compliance processes.

With a builder’s licence and accreditation as a professional in building assessment, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge and real-world experience. He is passionate about helping clients navigate complex regulations while delivering innovative, efficient, and high-quality design solutions.

Office Phone: (08) 8364 4480

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

In business, success rarely comes from a single breakthrough moment. More often, it is the result of consistent leadership, strong values, and a commitment to delivering genuine service.

In this episode of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno welcomes Paul Rowse from ServiceFM to discuss the realities of building and leading a growing organisation in the facilities management sector.

Paul shares the story behind ServiceFM and how the business has evolved into a major player in facilities management and property services. At its core, the company’s success has been driven by a simple but powerful principle — putting service first. By focusing on reliability, professionalism, and long-term relationships, ServiceFM has built trust with clients across industries.

Throughout the conversation, Paul reflects on the challenges that come with scaling a service-based business.

From recruiting and leading teams to maintaining operational consistency across multiple sites, he explains how leadership and culture play a crucial role in sustainable growth.

Building the right team, empowering people to perform at their best, and maintaining clear systems and processes are key ingredients for success.

Peter and Paul also explore the broader business lessons that come from working in industries where service quality directly impacts reputation.

The discussion highlights the importance of accountability, continuous improvement, and staying focused on delivering value to customers.

This episode is a powerful reminder that great businesses are built not only on strategy and systems, but on the people who bring those systems to life.

For business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders, Paul’s insights offer practical wisdom about building organisations that grow steadily while maintaining strong values and a clear sense of purpose.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Paul Rowse from Service FM

Paul Rowse is a senior leader at ServiceFM, one of Australia’s leading facilities management and property services companies. With extensive experience in operations, leadership, and service delivery, Paul has played an important role in helping the organisation grow into a trusted partner for businesses across Australia. Known for his focus on people, systems, and service excellence, Paul brings practical leadership insights gained from years of building and managing high-performing teams.

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

What does success really mean if you’re not happy?

In this heartfelt episode of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno welcomes Evan Jackson — a respected insurance broker, leader, and mentor — for a raw, inspiring conversation about happiness, purpose, and showing up fully in business and life.

Evan shares the defining moment when he walked away from a high-powered corporate role, not because he failed, but because he wasn’t happy.

With nothing more than conviction, values, and belief in himself, he built what has become one of Australia’s most respected insurance brokerages — earning Large Broker of the Year and leading a team of more than 35 people.

Together, Peter and Evan explore what it truly means to lead: understanding risk, building teams around shared values, letting go of ego, and measuring success by effort rather than outcomes.

Evan’s stories — from coaching underdog soccer teams to mentoring staff — reveal a powerful truth: people thrive when they feel valued, purposeful, and aligned with what they do.

This episode is a reminder that business isn’t just about profit, policies, or performance — it’s about people, purpose, and creating a life you actually enjoy.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, felt stuck in a role that no longer fits, or wondered what success should really look like, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Evan Jackson, Guardian Insurance Brokers

Evan Jackson is an award-winning insurance broker and business leader with decades of experience helping businesses understand and manage risk.

After walking away from corporate life to build his own brokerage, Evan grew his business into one of Australia’s most respected firms, recently recognised as Large Broker of the Year.

Known for his honesty, leadership philosophy, and people-first approach, Evan believes success begins with happiness, effort, and integrity.

Website: https://guardian.com.au/team-evan-jackson/

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

In a world that feels louder, faster, and more divided than ever, meaningful conversation has become both rare and essential.

This episode of Happy Business Radio invites listeners to slow down, lean in, and reconnect with the power of thoughtful communication — not just in business, but in life.

Peter Salerno is joined by Jeremy Cordeaux AM, one of Australia’s most trusted and recognisable voices, for a conversation shaped by decades of lived experience, curiosity, and human connection.

Jeremy’s journey through broadcasting, public life, and community engagement offers a powerful reminder that real influence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about listening, understanding, and responding with integrity.

Throughout the discussion, Jeremy reflects on the responsibility that comes with communication. He shares how trust is built slowly, how credibility is earned through consistency, and why authenticity has never been more important. In an age of instant opinion and digital noise, this episode highlights the value of calm, respectful dialogue and the impact it can have on relationships, leadership, and decision-making.

The conversation also explores change, not as something to fear, but as something to approach with curiosity and humility.

Jeremy speaks openly about staying relevant across decades, adapting without losing core values, and remaining open to learning at every stage of life.

His reflections resonate deeply with business owners, professionals, and community leaders navigating uncertainty while striving to remain grounded and purposeful.

This episode is ultimately a reminder that success is not measured solely by achievements or recognition, but by the quality of our conversations and the way we treat people along the way.

It encourages listeners to pause, reflect, and consider how they communicate — with colleagues, clients, communities, and themselves.

Warm, insightful, and deeply human, this discussion leaves listeners with a renewed appreciation for listening, leadership, and the quiet power of thoughtful conversation.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Jeremy Cordeaux AM

Jeremy Cordeaux AM is a highly respected Australian broadcaster, speaker, author, and communicator. With a career spanning several decades, Jeremy has become known for his thoughtful, engaging style and his ability to connect deeply with audiences.

Awarded the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to broadcasting and the community, Jeremy’s work extends beyond radio into public speaking, mentoring, and advocacy.

His passion for meaningful conversation, curiosity, and integrity continues to inspire professionals, leaders, and listeners across Australia.

Website: https://jeremycordeaux.com/

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Peter Salerno welcomes a very special guest — his brother, Tony Salerno — for a wide-ranging conversation that blends business wisdom with life experience. With more than five decades in the building and construction industry, Tony reflects on a career shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a refusal to stay still.

Tony shares his journey through engineering, construction, renovations, steel framing, training, inspections, and specialist services, highlighting how diversification within an industry can create opportunity and longevity.

Rather than remaining in one role or trade, Tony explains how learning from others, seeking mentors, and stepping into unfamiliar territory allowed him to grow both professionally and personally.

The conversation explores the realities of failure, the value of practical experience over theory, and why “having a go” is often the difference between regret and fulfilment. Peter and Tony discuss mindset, motivation, partnerships, support networks, and why asking for help is a strength — not a weakness.

This episode is not just about business or building — it’s about life. It encourages listeners to stay curious, keep learning, surround themselves with the right people, and remember that happiness, purpose, and contribution matter just as much as financial success.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Tony Salerno

Master Builder | Construction Specialist | Mentor

Tony Salerno is a highly experienced master builder with over 50 years in the building and construction industry.

Across his career, Tony has worked in multiple facets of construction, including engineering, general building, renovations, steel framing, project management, inspections, training, and specialist services.

Known for his practical wisdom, curiosity, and hands-on approach, Tony’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, adaptability, and having the courage to “have a go".

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

Success in business today requires more than tools and tactics — it requires clarity, adaptability, and the confidence to challenge outdated thinking. In this episode, Peter Salerno welcomes Ralph Ayoub, Founder and Director of DSRPT, to explore what it truly means to disrupt the status quo in business and digital strategy.

Ralph shares his journey working with business owners across Australia, explaining how DSRPT helps organisations gain traction by focusing on strategy before execution. Rather than chasing trends or quick wins, Ralph emphasises the importance of understanding purpose, audience, and long-term goals when building a digital presence.

The conversation demystifies digital strategy, including Google optimisation and online visibility, in plain English. Ralph explains how a strong digital footprint must support real-world relationships — not replace them — and why trust and consistency remain the foundation of business growth.

This episode is a reminder that disruption doesn’t mean chaos. It means intentional change, smarter decisions, and the courage to evolve. Ralph’s insights offer business owners a grounded, people-first approach to navigating digital growth with confidence.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Ralph Ayoub

Website: https://www.dsrpt.com.au/home

Ralph Ayoub is the Founder and Director of DSRPT, a digital strategy and marketing agency helping Australian businesses stand out, scale sustainably, and adapt in an ever-changing digital environment.

With a strong focus on strategy-led, people-first digital solutions, Ralph works closely with business owners to build clarity around their goals, improve online visibility, and create meaningful engagement with their audiences. His approach prioritises long-term outcomes over short-term hype, ensuring digital efforts align with real business objectives.

Ralph is an active member of professional business networks, including BNI, and is known for his collaborative mindset and commitment to helping businesses grow through trust, consistency, and smart execution. His work reflects a belief that true disruption comes from intentional change, not noise.

Wedsite: https://jancocks-salvemini.au

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

In this episode, Peter Salerno welcomes Jan Cocks-Salvemini and Philip Charlton for an honest and thought-provoking discussion on the impact of mindset and language. Jan shares her advocacy for reframing disability conversations, encouraging people to move away from deficit-based thinking and instead recognise capability, potential, and individuality.

Phil complements this perspective by diving into the psychology of mindset and wellbeing, explaining how unchallenged beliefs can limit success across business, health, and relationships. He discusses the importance of understanding personal motivation, values, and purpose as the foundation for meaningful change.

Together, the conversation highlights how leaders, business owners, and individuals can create more inclusive, resilient, and empowered environments — starting with awareness and intention. This episode offers both inspiration and practical reflection for anyone committed to personal and professional growth.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Jan Cocks‑Salvemini

Website: https://jancocks-salvemini.au

Jan Cocks-Salvemini is an inspirational speaker, family disability coach, and powerful advocate for inclusive and empowering language. Through her work, Jan challenges traditional perceptions of disability and encourages a shift from limitation-focused language to ability-based thinking, often using the concept of “parability”. Drawing from lived experience, Jan helps individuals, families, and organisations reframe mindset, build confidence, and recognise human potential beyond labels.

Wedsite: https://jancocks-salvemini.au

Guest: Philip Charlton

Philip Charlton is a transformational mindset, wellbeing, and purpose coach with decades of experience across healthcare, leadership, and personal development. With a background in nursing and coaching, Phil supports people to uncover their “why”, break through limiting beliefs, and create clarity across health, relationships, career, and business. His work centres on sustainable mindset change that leads to long-term wellbeing and fulfilment.

Website: https://www.healthwellbeingmindset.com.au

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

In this episode, Peter Salerno welcomes Sam Weavers, founder of Sam’s Popcorn, whose business journey began long before most people even consider entrepreneurship.

Starting with birthday money and homemade recipes, Sam built his brand organically — funding growth himself and learning through trial, error, and persistence.

Sam discusses the realities of scaling production, investing in machinery, navigating legal and food safety requirements, and securing major supply agreements — including placement at Adelaide Airport. His story highlights the importance of timing, courage, and backing yourself even when others have doubts.

Beyond business growth, Sam also shares his commitment to community impact through fundraising for the Childhood Cancer Association, raising over $30,000 through his “Kids for Kids” initiative.

This episode is an inspiring reminder that success and generosity can — and should — go hand in hand.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guests: Sam Weavers

Sam Weavers is the founder of Sam’s Popcorn, an Australian-owned popcorn brand supplying retailers across South Australia. Starting his business at just nine years old, Sam has grown his company through reinvestment, innovation, and a strong commitment to quality. Alongside business success, Sam is a passionate public speaker and fundraiser, supporting the Childhood Cancer Association through his “Kids for Kids” initiative.

Email: admin@samspopcorn.com

Wedsite: https://www.samspopcorn.com/

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City