Dropping anchor in new waters
Teeing up more ways to network
GOLD Coast businessman Michael Yacoub is a firm believer in the power of golf.
So much so, the business consultant, who runs Advantex Consulting, has taken over as president of Foretune Group – a networking organisation for avid golfers.
Mr Yacoub is keen to open a chapter up in Adelaide where he was based before moving to the Gold Coast.
Foretune was founded in 2010 by Scott Lyons as a way for business owners to make contacts while improving their golf game. Members, who pay an annual fee to belong to the group, play a minimum of 10 times per year at golf courses around the Gold Coast.
Mr Yacoub said golf was a great way to bring businesspeople together in a relaxed setting.
“Golf and the business world have a long and strong association, as many successful businesspeople consider golf the perfect way to spend their leisure time together while connecting, and promoting their business,” he said.
“After the first three holes with someone you’ve made friends and you are on your way to forging an amazing comradeship.” As well as golf outings, Mr Yacoub hosts business seminars and workshops for members. A LIFELONG passion for boating has led Dave McKenzie to switch careers after decades working in the mining and construction industries.
Mr McKenzie bought boat and yacht builder/repairer Marine Trade Australia in August last year from David Wakefield, who had run the business from Horizon Shores Marina at Woongoolba since 2004.
His partner, Jane Barker, encouraged him to start anew after a career which took him all over Australia and Papua New Guinea working at gold, copper and nickel mines and other projects.
“We looked at different things that we’d like to do like running a cafe or a wine bar because I said if I’m gonna change it is going to be something I really liked,” he said.
Mr McKenzie searched Google for businesses for sale and came upon MTA.
He said the opportunity piqued his interest.
“As a kid I was brought up with boating. Every chance I got we’d go fishing or waterskiing. I went away from it for a while but it was always there.”
He contacted the business broker and arranged a visit where he was impressed by the staff and the work environment. “You drive in here at 6am and it is just lovely. We only have four staff but they are the best and great at their trade,” he said.
MTA undertakes a wide range of boat and yachts repairs for everything from bow and stern thrusters and rot through to toilets and showers.
Antifouling – coatings applied to the outer layer of the hull of a ship or boat, to slow the growth of subaquatic organisms – also makes up a significant part of its work.
Mr McKenzie said the most challenging aspect at the start was learning the finer details of the industry.
“I had a strong interest in boats but was by no means an expert. The learning curve was a steep one,” he said. “We juggle numerous boats and customers, which is tricky, but I have good help.”
He said the industry was challenging with strong competition from Gold Coast City Marina and The Boat Works at Coomera.
“People are not shy to take their boat down there if they can get a better deal,” he said.
Mr McKenzie said he was addressing the issue through ramping up its marketing efforts and emphasising its focus on quality workmanship and building face-to-face relationships with clients.
“Our point of difference is good workmanship and we spend a lot of time with clients learning their requirements and explaining the ins and outs of a job,” he said.
“We are also trying to encourage more people to come because with the six-knot zone from Paradise Point it does not take much longer to get here than it does to Gold Coast City Marina or The Boat Works.”
For now, Mr McKenzie said, he was focused on building the business to where it was in a stable position.
“It is still challenging but we are here for the long term,” he said.
“This is my retirement plan basically.”