Tom O’Toole is the larger than life founder of the famous Beechworth Bakery chain. Not only is he the creator of some of the finest sweet and savory treats going around, he is also an incredibly inspiring small business owner who tells it like it is. He also happens to be one of Australia’s most motivational speakers. Not bad for a bloke who grew up in extreme poverty.
This is actually an interview I did with Tom that was to form part of an interview series I’ve called That Winning Feeling in which I planned to interview famous Australian business owners about how they went about creating such success stories and what it felt like. However, life got in the way, and bringing That Winning Feeling to life has proved harder than expected. So, instead of sitting on such gold for who knows how long, I’ve decided to share it with you, my Small Business Big Marketing community.
So, in this interview, Tom shares much more than how he goes about marketing the bakery … We go deep inside his personal journey as he candidly reveals how creating one of Australia’s most iconic bakeries hasn’t all been smooth sailing.
Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode ..
Netregistry’s site refresh offer.
Tom O’Toole’s personal website.
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21 thoughts on “#91 Beechworth Bakery founder, Tom O’Toole, shares his very personal business journey.”
You know what everybody loves about you Tim is your brutal honesty. Admiting that you suffer exactly the same time challenges that we do just make use like & trust you more. Thanks for sharing this GOLD with us all.
You know what everybody loves about you Tim is your brutal honesty. Admiting that you suffer exactly the same time challenges that we do just make use like & trust you more. Thanks for sharing this GOLD with us all.
“….then you’ve gotta try and reverse over them in the car park or something” Quote of the interview from Tom O’Toole!
“….then you’ve gotta try and reverse over them in the car park or something” Quote of the interview from Tom O’Toole!
My god, this is by far the best interview I’ve heard. Perhaps it has something to do with my parents being from along the Murray too that I find his manner and speech so appealing. He is so real and honest, a great Aussie bloke from the bush with an extraordinary story – no airy fairy tales. I hope some of the “key note speakers” around town take note of how he presents himself. Keep it real people, that’s the key.
Congrats Timbo, this was a beauty!
My god, this is by far the best interview I’ve heard. Perhaps it has something to do with my parents being from along the Murray too that I find his manner and speech so appealing. He is so real and honest, a great Aussie bloke from the bush with an extraordinary story – no airy fairy tales. I hope some of the “key note speakers” around town take note of how he presents himself. Keep it real people, that’s the key.
Congrats Timbo, this was a beauty!
Thanks so much, Debbie. Listener feedback is so important to helping me chase more great interviews going forward. I’m certainly on the look out for more Tom O’Tooles!
Thanks so much, Debbie. Listener feedback is so important to helping me chase more great interviews going forward. I’m certainly on the look out for more Tom O’Tooles!
Tom is full of quotes, Jake. That was a ripper, for sure.
Kind words, Arn. Thanks mate.
This is by far the best episode ever!
I’ve already listened to it twice, and now its time to get everyone I know to listen to good old Tom O’Toole speak.
Right from the get go, Tom completely smashed my preconceptions. I went in there expecting some “business guru”, but instead found a fair dinkum hands on small business owner that is all about making a business really work and not just a bunch of theories or jargon.
Tom O’Toole you are amazing!
Cheers
Danial
This is by far the best episode ever!
I’ve already listened to it twice, and now its time to get everyone I know to listen to good old Tom O’Toole speak.
Right from the get go, Tom completely smashed my preconceptions. I went in there expecting some “business guru”, but instead found a fair dinkum hands on small business owner that is all about making a business really work and not just a bunch of theories or jargon.
Tom O’Toole you are amazing!
Cheers
Danial
Fantastic interview..open and honest and full of gold!..thanks for finding yet another Jem Tim.. keep it up, from NZ
Fantastic interview..open and honest and full of gold!..thanks for finding yet another Jem Tim.. keep it up, from NZ
Thanks Jason. A very open and honest guy indeed.
I love your interviews Tim, but this one was gold! What an inspiring man, I particularly liked his views on training and investing in staff, making clear there are some staff who will be leaders and some who just want to do their job and all that is fine you just need a good mixture. He is an “ingrediants” man I loved it! I’m throwing a big virtual hug out to Tom and one for you too Tim, cheers Bettina
I love your interviews Tim, but this one was gold! What an inspiring man, I particularly liked his views on training and investing in staff, making clear there are some staff who will be leaders and some who just want to do their job and all that is fine you just need a good mixture. He is an “ingrediants” man I loved it! I’m throwing a big virtual hug out to Tom and one for you too Tim, cheers Bettina
Great interview, Tom truly is an inspiration and does fantastic work overseas teaching people how to bake. Have attended one of his talks and love his energy and the tale he has to tell.
Great interview, Tom truly is an inspiration and does fantastic work overseas teaching people how to bake. Have attended one of his talks and love his energy and the tale he has to tell.
I’ve just stumbled on this interview…. what an inspiration! Tom has such a wonderful
outlook on life, and business. I have a business ‘dream’, but there always seems to be a reason to hold off on it (mainly financial). Tom has re-motivated me to give it a go. Thanks so much for this interview- I know I will be listening to this regularly when I need a bit of a pep talk!
I’ve just stumbled on this interview…. what an inspiration! Tom has such a wonderful
outlook on life, and business. I have a business ‘dream’, but there always seems to be a reason to hold off on it (mainly financial). Tom has re-motivated me to give it a go. Thanks so much for this interview- I know I will be listening to this regularly when I need a bit of a pep talk!