#486 — Built It, Scaled It & Sold It. David Short’s Liquor Success & What’s Next
David Short went from running major operations in the liquor industry to backing himself and launching Shorty's Liquor—a boutique business that built a reputation serving some of Australia’s biggest corporates. In this episode, he takes us through the highs and lows of building Shorty's from scratch, the grind of sales and team building, and the bold expansion decisions that set him apart.We dig into how COVID-19 forced a business rethink, what came next after a major acquisition, and why David’s now investing in the next wave of growth—including his take on AI’s role in business. It’s a candid, insightful chat with a straight-talker who’s lived the transition from corporate to entrepreneur and come out with hard-won lessons and a renewed vision.Find David's website here: https://shortinc.com.au/You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:00:23
#485: Burnt Crusts & Second Chances: Pizza Bros’ Recipe for Reinvention with Joey Pepperoni & Marty McFly
When Joey Pepperoni and Marty McFly launched Pizza Bros in 2019, they saw a pizza scene obsessed with tradition—and asked: Where’s the rebel energy? Their answer? A mobile pizza truck that crashed festivals until COVID left them bankrupt, in debt, and delivering pizzas to survive.I sat down with Joey and Marty (between oven rotations at The Imperial Hotel) to break down their phoenix-from-the-ashes comeback. We talk about their story, how getting expelled at 16 led Joey to a decade-long pizza apprenticeship, how Marty went from the fitness industry to joining his brother’s dream and why legally renaming themselves was the ultimate branding power move.The bottom line? The Pizza Bros story isn’t just a pizza story—it’s a masterclass in grit. Listen. Order a pizza. Repeat.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:01:25
#484: The Future of Finance: How Swyftx is Redefining Crypto Trust in Australia with Jason Titman
When Jason Titman took the helm of Swyftx in 2019, he saw a crypto industry riddled with complexity—and a glaring gap: Where was the customer-first mindset? His answer? An exchange that treats Web3 like any trusted service, not a Wild West gamble.Jason and I sit down for a conversation as he breaks down the Swyftx difference, and why culture—not just code—is their competitive edge. We also discussed how they’re rewriting crypto’s risky reputation, with security as a selling point, the societal shift ahead… and why Australia shouldn’t just watch, but lead.The bottom line? Swyftx isn’t just trading digital assets—it’s building the infrastructure for financial freedom. And for Jason, that starts with one radical idea: Trust shouldn’t be revolutionary.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:03:39
#483: Moving towards Bassike 2.0: Building a Sustainable Fashion Brand with Deborah Sams
When they launched Bassike in 2006, Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan weren’t just starting a brand—they were solving a problem. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, sustainable wardrobe staples, they set out with a mission to build what didn’t exist. From day one, their vision was clear: organic cotton, Australian craftsmanship, and ethics woven into every decision. What began as a commitment to local makers and responsible materials has grown into a relentless pursuit of better—pushing boundaries in design, production, and transparency.In our conversation, Deb opens up about the early hustle, the commitment to sourcing high-quality materials, and why Australian-made was always non-negotiable. She also shares how she navigated a co-founder’s departure while staying true to her mission — and outlines her plans to scale creatively and breathe new life into the brand.Some brands chase trends. Bassike builds legacies. And for Deb, the next chapter is about proving ethical fashion can go bigger - without compromise.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#482: AI’s Impact on you and your Business: What Every Owner needs to know with Tracy Sheen
When she was a kid, Tracy Sheens—author, businesswoman, and AI commentator—was obsessed with how tech worked. Today, she’s still tearing systems apart… only now, it’s AI myths she’s dismantling to help businesses win.In this episode, we discuss everything from automation myths to why AI won't steal your job - but not using it might put you behind. She reveals how businesses are winning with AI, the tools worth your time, and why technophobia is more dangerous than any algorithm.The verdict? The future isn't about humans vs machines - it's about humans with machines.Pre-order Tracy's new book here: https://www.qbd.com.au/ai-u/tracy-sheen/9781923225787/Check our Tracy's digital guide here: https://thedigitalguide.com.au/You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mark Bouris speaks to business owners and entrepreneurs, finding out what makes them tick and their plans for growth. Some business owners are on the way up and enjoying new success, others are at a turning point. Mark digs into their stories and finds out why they set out to create their own path, their challenges and where they go from here. Based on his own personal experiences and learnings, he also passes on his own guidance on how to take their business to the next level. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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