Melissa Davis is the woman responsible for founding the business over 13 years ago. Her passion and entrepreneurial approach to tackling the many challenges faced by small business owners have seen the business grow in leaps and bounds. Today, as a qualified trainer and public speaker, Melissa loves passing on that knowledge and lessons learned, to others.

Prior to launching the business, she enjoyed a 20 year media career which took her from presenting children’s television, to reading news, and fronting a statewide chat show “Queensland Today” telecast live-to-air 5 days a week with the 7 Network. Melissa’s versatility made her equally at home behind the camera as well, where she led a full-scale television production unit and worked in both press and radio.

As well as running her own performing arts academy, Melissa’s other creative outlets included professional singing and writing. Her idea of ultimate indulgence is a golden beach, a good book and a little Belgian chocolate wouldn’t go astray.

Gary Brown is our fearless leader, motivator and Business Development Manager… who keeps the team on track and motoring. He’s also our in-house IT guru, whose extensive knowledge of website design, technology solutions and trouble shooting makes him invaluable to our clients.

A career specialising in project management for industry, as well as human resource management and logistics has equipped him well to help client businesses of all sizes, types and industries to implement practical, cost-effective solutions. Clients value his plain-speaking, no-nonsense approach and ability to drill down to the heart of the matter.

In his spare time Gary is Unit Training Coordinator for Hervey Bay’s Volunteer Marine Rescue. He loves the water and winding down with a spot of boating, fishing, and cricket watching.

Bernadette Drent is an extremely talented artist who translates her creative flair to a diverse range of projects and client needs. She specialises in print design, applying her skills across all forms of business documentation and marketing collateral including brochures, annual reports, newsletters, company profiles and stylish presentation packages; and corporate identity where she takes a strategic approach to communicating company branding through logo design and development of business stationery and signage.

Bernadette has a unique ability to capture and communicate the essence of client businesses. On the flip side, she’s into good books, great movies and an eclectic range of music – anything that helps get the creative juices flowing.

Tony Rawlins , the newest member of our team, is a self-confessed IT ‘junkie’. He joins the Big Ideas team in the role of Web Developer / Designer and is a specialist who enjoys the rare combination of strong programming skills coupled with design aesthetics. Luckily for us and our clients Tony has a knack for unravelling the mysteries of websites and the Internet by being able to present extremely complicated technology in a very simple, intuitive way.

When he can tear himself away from the computer for long enough – Tony likes to unwind by playing guitar, rock climbing and fishing. Welcome to the team Tony!

Deborah Day began her working career as a programmer in the computer software industry, however just sitting in front of a computer screen didn’t really suit her style.  Deborah moved into roles involving client implementations, project management, creating and delivering education and training classes.  The applications varied from Financials, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management, HRMS and Manufacturing systems.

After gathering a wealth of experience in systems, Deborah moved into an Account Executive role as the key client contact for stakeholders and project managers of large implementations.  Whilst working for  PeopleSoft (now Oracle) her clients ranged from ANZ Bank, Department of Education, Sydney Water and just for something completely different – Aristocrat (poker machine manufacturers).  Deborah enjoyed providing guidance, and working in partnership with her clients to achieve quality outcomes for all parties.

Deborah went on to blend her knowledge pool for client group communications – as Customer Programmes Manager ANZ.  She designed and delivered ‘virtual seminars’, on-line education, newsletters, and managed client user group (networking and communications) conferences and meetings.

Deborah has broadened her outlook since moving from the city (5 years ago) by gathering experience in the local tourism industry.  She is delighted to have found the Big Ideas group in the Fraser Coast region.  Deborah enjoys the opportunities to capitalise on a wealth of experience and ultimately assist clients in their creative projects and innovations.

The good life to Deb means a challenging and satisfying work environment, fun on the beach with the Staffy, quality purrs from the Ragdolls and lots of chill-out time appreciating the wildlife, the bush, the beach and a gorgeous low maintenance (how sensible!) landscaped garden.