Redlands resident and award winning entreprenuer, Louise Broekman, uses paddling with the Redlands Sea Dragons as a metaphor for business.
Recently recognised by the Queensland Government as one of the 100 faces of small business, Ms Broekman said it was always important to know where you were going.
“It’s important not to get caught up comparing your success to others. As Cora, our Sea Dragons Coach says, other boats might be flashier but you need to focus your efforts, keep your eyes in the boat and just keep paddling,” she said.
And Ms Broekman has clearly kept her oars in the water, recognised for her work with the Advisory Board Centre and supporting entrepreneurial and high growth businesses to establish their own board.
“I have been an entrepreneur all my life having started my first business at 19. A turning point for my entrepreneurial journey was when I appointed an advisory board for my business. Through the Advisory Board Centre I now get to work with entrepreneurs, executives and industry leaders to support other progressive and high growth businesses to establish their own advisory board,” she said.
Ms Broekman has recently returned from a trade mission delegation to Shanghai and Beijing, China and said she was optimistic about the opportunities for Australian business.
“Whether you are engaging customers in your own local area or have aspirations to service on a global scale, anything is possible with the right advice and support,” she said.
Ms Broekman is also a member of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce.
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development The Honourable Shannon Fentiman highlighted the inspiring stories behind small businesses during Queensland Small Business week at the end of May.
“Small Business Week acknowledges the vital contribution small businesses make to the state’s economy, and to every community across the state. Each small business has a story filled with passion and hard work, and their businesses are the heart and soul of our communities,” Ms Fentiman said.
Visit business.qld.gov.au to see the 100 faces of small business gallery.