Your #1 Business Podcast

Ep 24 - Backing Yourself: Luke Frederick on Leadership, Opportunity and Quest Springfield Central

In this episode of Your Number One Business Podcast, host Antoine Vidal sits down with Luke Frederick, part owner of Quest Springfield Central, to hear the real story behind his journey into business ownership. Luke shares how a decision to leave behind the routine of tree farm work led him to Canada, where he discovered hospitality, leadership, and a love for creating great guest experiences. From there, his journey took him through regional Victoria, Quest Ipswich, business awards, career development, and eventually into part ownership of Quest Springfield Central. This conversation explores what it really takes to move from employee to business owner, the importance of having the right people around you, why leadership is built through tough moments, and why there may never be a perfect time to take the next step. Luke’s story is a reminder that opportunity often appears when preparation, support, courage, and timing come together. Image: Courtesy of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce Want to Share Your Story on the Podcast? We’re always looking for inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders to feature on Your #1 Business Podcast. If you have a story, strategy, or insight that could empower our audience, we’d love to hear from you! 📩 Apply to be a guest today: https://www.y1bp.au/register/ [https://www.y1bp.au/register/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Trailer - Transition from Employee to Business Owner | Luke Frederick

What happens when ambition meets real life? In this episode, we unpack the rollercoaster journey of chasing a business dream with Quest, from enrolling in the franchise accelerator program to nearly making the leap… and then pulling back at the last second. With a baby on the way and a global pandemic about to hit, the timing couldn’t have been more uncertain. What felt like a missed opportunity at the time turned out to be a blessing in disguise. But the story doesn’t end there. After years of building, learning, and revisiting the dream, the opportunity came back around—and this time, they were ready. This episode is a raw and honest look at risk, timing, family, and the reality of going all-in on a business dream. 👉 If you’ve ever wondered “what if?”—this one’s for you. Want to Share Your Story on the Podcast? We’re always looking for inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders to feature on Your #1 Business Podcast. If you have a story, strategy, or insight that could empower our audience, we’d love to hear from you! 📩 Apply to be a guest today: https://www.y1bp.au/register/ [https://www.y1bp.au/register/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ep 23 - Built From Scratch: A Business, A Stadium, A Legacy | Paul Coory

Success in business isn’t always about big moments, sometimes it’s about backing yourself, building the right team, and staying true to your values. In this episode of Your Number 1 Business Podcast, we sit down with Paul Coory, founder of COHA Group — a genuine, down-to-earth operator and one of the good blokes in the industry, to talk about his journey from architect to business owner, and the story behind helping deliver one of South East Queensland’s most iconic sporting venues… Brighton Homes Arena. From starting COHA Group with just a laptop and a vision, to leading major projects and creating a people-first culture, Paul shares honest insights into: * Backing yourself and just getting started * The realities of running a business (the highs, lows, and everything in between) * Building a strong team culture and investing in people * Delivering high-profile projects under pressure * What success really means as a business owner, husband, and dad ⚠️ Listener Warning: This episode contains strong admiration (and possibly an unhealthy amount of love) for Brighton Homes Arena… and honestly, we’re not sorry about it. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or thinking about starting something of your own — this one’s packed with real, practical wisdom and a great story from the founder of COHA Group. Want to Share Your Story on the Podcast? We’re always looking for inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders to feature on Your #1 Business Podcast. If you have a story, strategy, or insight that could empower our audience, we’d love to hear from you! 📩 Apply to be a guest today: https://www.y1bp.au/register/ [https://www.y1bp.au/register/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Trailer - Behind the Build: Lessons from Brighton Homes Arena | Paul Coory

From launching a business with nothing but a laptop… to delivering one of Australia’s premier sporting venues, Paul Coory shares the journey behind Brighton Homes Arena and the lessons that shaped his success.  This is a story about backing yourself, building strong teams, and redefining what success really means.  Want to Share Your Story on the Podcast? We’re always looking for inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders to feature on Your #1 Business Podcast. If you have a story, strategy, or insight that could empower our audience, we’d love to hear from you! 📩 Apply to be a guest today: https://www.y1bp.au/register/ [https://www.y1bp.au/register/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ep 22 - The Cost of Always Being On: Steve Hodgson on Mental Health and Business

What does success really cost? In this powerful episode of Your Number 1 Business Podcast, Antoine Vidal sits down with Steve Hodgson—former real estate principal turned mental health advocate—to unpack the hidden realities behind business success. From building a high-performing business to experiencing severe burnout, Steve shares the moment everything changed—and the lessons every business owner needs to hear. This episode dives into: * The unseen pressure of running a business * Why burnout is more common than you think * The biggest mistakes business owners make * How to shift from working in your business to on it * Redefining success beyond money and growth If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or questioned the path you’re on—this conversation will hit home. Want to Share Your Story on the Podcast? We’re always looking for inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders to feature on Your #1 Business Podcast. If you have a story, strategy, or insight that could empower our audience, we’d love to hear from you! 📩 Apply to be a guest today: https://www.y1bp.au/register/ [https://www.y1bp.au/register/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.