Innovation keeps business flowing
Q&A ED AHERN, NUFLOW TECHNOLOGIES
FIRST JOB — AND WHERE ARE YOU NOW? I first started my plumbing apprenticeship with my father and opened Ed Ahern Plumbing in 1990.
In 2004, I founded Nuflow Technologies Australasia and opened a manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast, which included a research lab and polymer engineer (in-house chemist).
With research, development and manufacturing all under the one roof we have successfully expanded our product resins to create a comprehensive product portfolio to meet most of our client’s needs.
BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
It was a quote from Jack Welch, which was along the lines of “be No.1 or No.2 in business or get out”.
WHAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED OUT?
How important innovation and systems are to a business.
YOUR GOLDEN RULE IN BUSINESS?
If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.
A LONG LUNCH — A WASTE OF TIME OR ESSENTIAL? EXPLAIN
It comes down to who you are with and what you are meeting for. If you are having lunch with a mentor or networking with new clients, then a lunch is beneficial for personal and business development.
WHO IS ON YOUR BUSINESS MOBILE’S SPEED DIAL?
My staff, they are always at the top. I also have mentors and advisers on speed dial.
IF YOU HAD A $1 MILLION SPARE, WHAT INDUSTRY WOULD YOU BE INVESTING IN NOW?
I would invest in what I am doing right now.
YOUR BIGGEST FRUSTRATION DOING BUSINESS ON THE GOLD COAST? AND HOW TO FIX IT?
Some people don’t appreciate unique and innovative products which are made locally and don’t invest the time to work with local companies to develop a solution. Instead, they are tied up with corporate governance and regulation and import products from overseas. It can be difficult to convince potential clients to work with a local organisation or give you the chance to find a solution together.
WHAT SHOULD GOLD COAST PRIMARY STUDENTS BE STUDYING?
Life skills, such as treating each other with respect and learning the importance of giving back to the community to help make a difference and add value to each other’s life.