Lindy Atkin

Architecture has inspired Lindy for over 25 years. Studying at Queensland University and experiencing six years working with internationally-renowned architects in London, has formed a perfect base for working on Olympic projects for Sydney 2000. Returning to the Sunshine Coast in 1995, Lindy worked with nationally-awarded architects, before starting a practice focused on quality design projects, lasting client relationships, and collaborative teams. Over the last 12 years directing Bark Design Architects, she has enjoyed the privilege of designing residential and civic projects which continue to shape both private and public spheres, ensuring a sustainable future for the built environment of the Sunshine Coast.

Linda Ireland

As a key executive Linda remains active within her leading Mortgage Choice practice where she advises and assists real estate agents, developers, builders and borrowers. Linda employs five local specialists, and is full time general manager responsible for the day to day business management, loan consultant recruiting and staff management. Her Mortgage Choice practice has been recognized as one of the top 15 Mortgage Choice franchises for the last six years nationally. She is also the driving force behind Insight Processing - an Australian leader in the field of outsourced loan administration and specialist broker services. Linda established Insight Processing in 2008 and employs 10 local Sunshine Coast professionals. She has organically grown the business to a current turnover exceeding $1.25 billion dollars in loan approvals per annum.

Rayeleene Elston

The majority of Rayeleene's working life has been spent with NAB, initially in country Victoria and more recently here on the Sunshine Coast. She has been in many different roles with NAB and is grateful for the experiences that have come with each one.
Rayeleene's current role as senior partner at Noosa Business Banking Centre provides her with the great opportunity to work closely with a highly skilled team of business bankers and their clients. Rayeleene enjoys the rapport with her clients and is proud of the role she plays in assisting them achieve their goals.

Sarah Pye

Sarah's parents took her out of school at 13 to sail around the world. Since then she has driven whalewatch boats in Hawaii, canoed through the Canadian wilderness and created an award-winning tourism company in The Whitsundays. When her daughter was born, Sarah noticed a lack of travel advice for parents so wrote the first in a series of travel guides for families. Kids Welcome to Queensland contains independent reviews of activities, attractions, tours, places to stay and places to eat. Sarah is a single mum, editor of Kids on the Coast magazine and teach's journalism at USC. Visit: www.kidswelcome.com.au

Lisa Aitken

Lisa studied law part-time while working as a receptionist and law clerk. Upon graduation she went on secondment to Minter Ellison lawyers. She then became an employee of Minters for the next 11 years. In January 2006, Lisa started Aitken Legal from her home office with one client. She could see there was a need for an employment law specialist on the Coast. In four years the firm has developed a reputation for the specialist services it provides and now has seven employees and has represented 450+ employers. Lisa's objective is to provide specialist employment law advice to employers on the Coast that's equal to or better than that in Brisbane with the benefit of us being on their doorstep.

Jodie Thompson PJT Accountants and Business Advisors

Jodie always had an interest in business, so becoming an accountant was a natural step. She began her career as an accountant with a local firm, and studied her Bachelor of Business part time. Jodie has worked for large international companies overseas in England, Canada and Ireland, however returned to Australia and purchased her own Accountancy Firm when she was 27. Since that time, she has worked to change the direction of her business to focus on improving their client’s business by achieving their business and lifestyle goals. For Jodie seeing the wonderful results her clients achieve is a very satisfying experience.

Kim Edwards Sea English Academy

Since 1979, Kim has travelled and worked across 59 nations involved in Development and Education projects in the Middle East, Asia and Australia. She has travel extensively, championing the cause for positive social change and the empowerment of citizens through education. In 2003 Kim established Sea English Academy. Today, Sea English Academy is one of Australia's most awarded and fastest growing English language schools and exports to over 20 nations around the world.

Genine Howard Coast Profile Magazine

Genine is often told by people that she is lucky; lucky to have lived in amazing places, lucky to have a wonderful husband, lucky to have a great career and lucky to now live on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Genine is however, a great believer in creating your own luck, and that is what she has done. Genine is the proud sole owner and managing editor of Profile Magazine and has created her own enviable lifestyle. From biologist to publisher, she is testament that you can create the career and lifestyle you want. She is one lucky girl indeed.

Sue Scheinpflug United Synergies

Sue's career journey has been rewarding and full of the unexpected. She never anticipated working in the not-for-profit sector. Sue has worked in the private and public sectors, yet it is the last 12 years where she has truly learnt what it means to make a difference to the lives of people. Sue is fortunate to have had the company and support of an amazing and talented group of people working with her. They believe in what they do, they learn from each other and they learn form the people they support. Sue can’t imagine doing anything else.

Melissa Austin dbsn Group

Melissa has always wanted a career that was rewarding both personally and financially. She began her career at dbsn Group over six years ago as a clerical assistant whilst undertaking her formal studies. Equipped with a strong work ethic and values, Melissa has advanced through the ranks to an associate position through hard work, loyalty and dedication to achieving great outcomes for both her clients and dbsn Group. Melissa takes pride in proving age is no barrier to success and continually challenges herself in the pursuit of excellence. She truly enjoys being a young businesswoman within the Sunshine Coast community.

Sue Dunlop Regional Nursing Solutions

Sue's career has been a journey of personal growth. Sue has learnt, worked and raised a family. Her career and studies has encompassed nursing, administration and management, which in a flash of opportunity, borne of a seachange, leading her to be CEO and owner of Regional Nursing Solutions, the glorious mixing pot of all those professions in one business. Sue works with great people, drawing upon their experience to adapt to the commercial and human challenges of business.

Gina Van Wezel Bank of Queensland Nambour

Gina is a career banker and businesswoman with more than 18 years experience in banking and finance. As owner-manager of Bank of Queensland in Nambour. Gina is not only the town's local banker but a businessperson with a commitment to the community. Gina is actively involved in the Business Women's Network and has been awarded for her ongoing work with local charities; notably Laurel House and Lions Emergency Accommodation Centre Inc's Better Start Program.

Michalle Faulkner Essentials for Business

As a competent human resources specialist Michalle has over 18 years' experience in the areas of human resources and administration within the building, labour hire and recruitment industries. In 2005, Essentials 4 Business Pty Ltd was established to provide clients a mobile human resource support centre. Michalle provides a wide range of services in the areas of human resources, industrial relations, recruitment and complimentary services such as Workplace Health and Safety Consultancy and Quality Assurance.

Melanie Jacobson PJT Accounting and Business Advisors

From a young age, Melanie had a natural talent with numbers and accounts, which lead her into a career in accounting. This ability, and her ambition, has lead her to progress to partner at age 25. Melanie's career journey has been exciting, challenging and incredibly satisfying and continues to be so. Now the director of PJT Accountants and Business Advisors, Melanie gets immense satisfaction working with a diverse range of clients to help them achieve their business and lifestyle goals.

Nicole Hoffman Café Envy

January 2004 saw the launch of Café Envy. I was determined to take things back to the basics. I have created an environment consisting of true customer service with exceptional staff and a fresh homemade menu. This year saw Café Envy expand to a larger premise due to 'busting at the seams'. This has allowed me to grow in other areas. Apart from our busy day trading from 6.30am to 6pm 7 days per week, catering for business lunches, weddings and night functions have become popular. I have just commenced a 3 course set menu on Friday nights (BYO) which books out every week and soon to open Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons (with live music). Winning this award confirms my hard work and also motivates me to more challenges.