Started dairy sheep enterprise in 2002, evolved from birthing sheep to vodka distilling- won World’s Best Vodka & awarded as the Australian Champion Vodka 5 yrs in a row. Grew 2 FTE to 20 in 19 yrs with 40% annual return. (Episode 107 - Diane Rae)

In this episode, I interview Diane Rae, the CEO of Ewenique Enterprises based in Tasmania, Australia- known for its sheep-making cheese expertise and best vodka. Ewenique Enterprise is the incorporation of Grandvewe Cheeses- a farmhouse cheesery that uses sheep milk to make exceptional cheese and Hartshorn Distillery- a micro-distillery that makes vodka and gin from their own sheep whey.

Diane Rae’s career didn’t start as a cheesemaker, she was a psychologist and a financial planner. She doesn’t have an idea she would fall as a cheesemaker and a famous dairy sheep breeding consultant. They started as a dairy sheep enterprise, evolved into incorporating a distillery, and even won Best Vodka in 2018 at the World Vodka Awards in London. Through the innovation of strategies and use of digital marketing, they made significant growth with a 40% annual return. Grew 2 FTE to the current 20 in 19 years in the business.

It is amazing to know how a small business grows through innovations and a great attitude in spite of challenges. Diane Rae has shown a great attitude toward the challenges her business had faced which helped the business to become more successful. “The challenges in growing a small business is such a wonderful field for creativity and thinking outside the square.”- Diane Rae

This Cast Covers:

How a particular passion in business leads to success.

How challenges in growing a small business become pieces for innovation.

Leading the team members to do the right things in order for the business to survive.

How making a profit means having fun in business.

The importance of understanding differences and being the key to a successful business.

How hard work means a lot in growing a business.

Getting the most amazing rewards in return fulfilling the things needed by the business.

How digital marketing helps small business owners communicate their products to people.

Motivating each team member to do the right thing.

Being innovative for significant growth and development.

Additional Resources:

Ewenique Enterprises

Food Business News

Building Community Food Webs By Ken Meter

Quotes:

“If you are not making a profit, you’re not actually having fun in your business.” – Diane Rae

“It is important to know your whys because it drives you.” – Diane Rae

“Success means hard work.” – Diane Rae

“Learn to respect each other and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, understanding the differences is the key to a successful business.” – Diane Rae