Episodios

  • Taming the Infrastructure - Pienaar Piso
    Apr 2 2026

    Pienaar Piso is a prominent businessman and entrepreneur based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Originally from South Africa, he emigrated as a teenager and built his foundation through hard work alongside his father, who has been a constant mentor and guiding influence in his journey. In this podcast, Pienaar explains why New Zealanders that grow up and are educated here, have such an unfair advantage, and how he still managed to ‘win’.


    Pienaar founded Vision Complete Earthworks (VCE) in 2007, a company that has since become a major player in the Waikato civil construction industry. It has grown from a single truck and digger to a fleet of over 40 machines. The company specialize in large-scale subdivisions and residential earthworks, completing hundreds of house pads annually. Impacting and creating the landscape of Hamilton.


    His “side project” is converting the tallest building in the CBD into the Pullman Hotel and is a strong advocate for council responsibility on infrastructure.


    Pienaar is known in the community as a mentor and motivational speaker and is passionate about the Waikato region and his Christian faith.


    We deep dive into family dynamics, mentorship, resilience, stress management and you don't have to be nasty to be kind!



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    51 m
  • Taming the Chaos - Steve Fallon
    Jul 8 2025

    Steve Fallon is an online marketing guru. Serving many businesses over the years and adding to top and bottom lines. With a history in medical sales and marketing, he has taken the “Prognosis without Diagnosis is Malpractice” philosophy to the online marketing world

    With a focus on improving productivity through technology and really looking at the data and what drives sales through marketing, Steve has learnt and developed technology to help the "everyday business person” to achieve great things and to have a life outside of work and business.

    Analysis, Adaption, Application and Adaption make Steve and his team help small businesses clear their thinking and let technology do some the heavy lifting.

    Find out what productivity means to Steve, how we can improve it and how anyone can learn new things, form anywhere in the world!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    45 m
  • Taming the CBD : Vanessa Williams
    Jul 7 2025

    Vanessa dives into what HCBA and a BID means for the development of the city. She also mentions more than once that Hamilton is New Zealand's fastest growing city and puts some of her theories on why this is to the test!

    Leading the organization that is responsible for the resurgence of the CBD, we discuss that being "JOAT" helps more than being a "GOAT"!

    Vanessa explains from her background in PR and Marketing as well as motherhood and wrestling with businesses, retailers and council on a daily basis - she understands that no one buys bad vibes, and is dedicated to make Hamilton a good vibe place to live, work and play.

    Find out what drives Vanessa, what keeps her up at night and what helps you come to the CBD each day!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    45 m
  • Taming the Community Service: Paul Tierney
    Jun 24 2025

    A dairy farm in Taranaki served as the back drop for growing up for this now retired Police officer. After working on the land in horticulture agriculture and working trip to the UK including the Rugby World cup and many market garden roles as well as hospitality.

    Paul joined the police force after his wife phoned the recruitment office for him and he then served as an officer in Hamilton for more than 15 years. The toils and tribulations of working on the front line eventually took its toll and needing a mental break and seeing the youth within the ‘system’ being disadvantaged, Paul decided to do something about it…

    Here 2 Care exists to provide a safe place for young people to complete community service hours by contributing towards a community garden and family support center. Aroha (love), Tautoko (support) and Manaaki (care) are the values Paul speaks about and aligns with the community needs and the commitment to serve truthfully and honestly in all that he and the organization does.

    Taming the different personalities, demographics and communities, Paul has various coping mechanisms he has had to develop and we deep dive into some of these as well as what drives him… and why in Hamilton!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    39 m
  • Taming the Heating and Cooling: Jujhar Singh Randhawa
    Jun 13 2025

    Jujhar is accomplished entrepreneur, chairman, advisory board member, Justice of the peace, event organizer and community leader.

    Since arriving in New Zealand, has built thriving businesses such as JSR refrigeration and air conditioning as well as leading Zephyr Pure air ventilation , JSR management, the Hillcrest spinal Centre and recently the Diwali festival.

    With expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, Jujhar holds multiple qualifications including engineering and being a certified assessor and governance member.

    Beyond his collection of ferrets (business) he is a dedicated community advocate, serving in leadership roles within I AM HE(R) charitable trust, the Indian cultural society Waikato and the NZ Central Indian association. His contributions have earned him accolades and awards including the recipient of the Hamilton Civic Award in 2023.

    As a chair of the ethnic Business network and organizations such as NZ Business Connect, Jujhar is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and driving business growth. A great introduction and start to Taming the Ferrets - Hamilton!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 h y 3 m
  • Taming the Community: Bevan Rakoia
    Oct 2 2024

    Imagine leaving behind a flourishing career in global hotel management to champion the needs of Pacific communities. Bevan did just that. From his role as a first-time candidate for the Tauranga City Council to his ongoing commitment to youth engagement and cultural understanding, his story is a testament to the power of community leadership. Bevan’s journey offers a rich tapestry of insights into the importance of staying connected and supportive, even in the face of political challenges and election campaign hurdles.


    Listeners will gain a wealth of knowledge about Bevan’s transition from managing high-end hospitality experiences across the world to advocating for cultural preservation and civic engagement. His unique blend of skills and experiences underscores the significance of understanding diverse cultural landscapes and the impact of governance on community development. Through his current roles, such as chairing the Pacific Island Community Trust and engaging in sports governance, Bevan demonstrates how his background in hospitality informs his approach to leadership and community service.


    This episode promises an engaging exchange between Bevan, Tony and Emil, where they share surprising hobbies and discuss the dynamic interplay between personal growth and community impact. From the challenges of promoting voter turnout among young people to fostering cultural sensitivity in diverse environments, this conversation encourages a deeper appreciation of the roles we play in our communities. Join us as we explore the rich story of Bevan’s life and the lessons it holds for us all.


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    Taming the Ferrets is produced by ThePodHub.com (previously known as WTF! Productions) and presented by Tony Snow and Emil Verster, both serial entrepreneurs, open to learning, fun and informal, with a dash of high energy.


    Discover Tony’s profile here and Emil’s profile here

    Interested in starting your own podcast? It's easier than you think. Find out more at www.thepodhub.com

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    Get on the 'Gram! Follow Taming the Ferrets here

    If you prefer Facebook find us here

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    00:52 - Local Business Stories and Community Engagement

    05:15 - Personal Growth and Community Leadership

    21:52 - International Hotel Management Experience

    29:18 - Cross-Cultural Adventures and Community Engagement

    42:04 - Community Engagement and Cultural Understanding

    56:48 - Podcasting Opportunities and Industry Insights


    Podcast References:


    Bevan Rakoia LinkedIn


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    56 m
  • Taming the Broker: Teresa Jacobs
    Sep 4 2024

    Can passion, perseverance, and strategic planning truly transform a career across vastly different fields? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Teresa Jacobs, an ambitious business broker who transitioned from residential real estate to the challenging realms of commercial sales and accounting. Teresa shares her inspiring story of earning prestigious accountancy qualifications, and thriving in Tauranga's dynamic commercial property landscape. Her tale is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of success, offering invaluable insights for those navigating their own career pivots.


    Explore the emotional and financial complexities facing small business owners, especially when residential properties back their ventures. Teresa provides a deep dive into the intricacies of business brokering, emphasizing the crucial role experienced brokers play in negotiating deals and guiding entrepreneurs through turbulent times like economic downturns and personal crisis. We also examine the generational shift in business ownership, with younger entrepreneurs opting for experiences over traditional assets, and discuss the varying valuation multiples across New Zealand, Australia, and China.


    Discover Teresa’s entrepreneurial ventures, from acquiring a Coffee News franchise to founding Calculate, a bookkeeping business. She shares her marketing strategies, the rewards of balancing business ownership with family life, and her vision for leveraging technology, such as smart glasses, to manage operations remotely. With an emphasis on preparation, financial prudence, and the importance of seeking professional advice, Teresa’s experiences offer a treasure trove of practical advice and inspiring stories for anyone aspiring to succeed in the multifaceted world of business.


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    Taming the Ferrets is produced by ThePodHub.com (previously known as WTF! Productions) and presented by Tony Snow and Emil Verster, both serial entrepreneurs, open to learning, fun and informal, with a dash of high energy.


    Discover Tony’s profile here and Emil’s profile here

    Interested in starting your own podcast? It's easier than you think. Find out more at www.thepodhub.com

    ....................


    Get on the 'Gram! Follow Taming the Ferrets here

    If you prefer Facebook find us here

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    Highlights:

    00:52 - Taming the Ferrets

    09:20 - Navigating Business Brokering and Transfers

    21:41 - Family Business Succession Planning

    26:02 - Building Multiple Business Enterprises

    38:20 - Entrepreneurial Persistence and Preparation

    43:35 - Business Ownership and Preparation

    52:55 - Future Business Technology Discussion

    Podcast References:


    Teresa Jacobs LinkedIn

    blackgoldagency.co.nz

    coffeenews.co.nz/publishers/Tauranga


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    53 m
  • Taming the Lawn: Michael Sievwright
    Aug 5 2024

    Ever wondered how to turn a small-town business into a global powerhouse? Michael, CEO of Trimax, reveals the secrets behind the company's meteoric rise from Tauranga, New Zealand to international acclaim. Learn how Trimax specializes in tractor-mounted mowing machinery for public green spaces and golf courses, and the intricate challenges of competing in markets like North America. Michael shares the personal sacrifices of balancing work-life demands while spearheading a company known for its laser focus on innovation and service excellence.


    Michael also underscores the importance of a strong team and the nuanced approach to allowing family members to forge their own paths, whether within or outside the family business.


    How do you balance a demanding career with extensive travel and family life? Michael opens up about the trials and tribulations of business travel, maintaining health routines, and the necessary support systems at home. We also discuss the impact of the pandemic on personal and professional spheres, and how mentorship and collective decision-making have fueled Trimax’s growth. Finally, we touch on the role of community involvement through the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust and the promising future of AI in manufacturing. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, practical advice, and heartfelt anecdotes for anyone navigating the complexities of business and family life.


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    Taming the Ferrets is produced by ThePodHub.com (previously known as WTF! Productions) and presented by Tony Snow and Emil Verster, both serial entrepreneurs, open to learning, fun and informal, with a dash of high energy.


    Discover Tony’s profile here and Emil’s profile here

    Interested in starting your own podcast? It's easier than you think. Find out more at www.thepodhub.com

    ....................


    Get on the 'Gram! Follow Taming the Ferrets here

    If you prefer Facebook find us here

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    Highlights:


    00:52 - Taming the Ferrets

    11:03 - Building a Family Business Legacy

    19:00 - Navigating Business Growth and Mentorship

    30:29 - Balancing Work, Family, and Travel

    34:24 - Balancing Work, Family, and Health

    42:14 - Community Involvement and Business Automation

    54:11 - Podcast Interview With Business Owner


    Podcast References:


    Michael Sievwright's Linkedin

    www.trimaxmowers.co.nz

    https://www.bopydt.co.nz/



    https://www.nzte.govt.nz/

    https://tin100.com/


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    54 m