HALL OF FAME
OUR DEDICATED COMMUNITY
History of Hall of Fame
MEMBERS
The Drain Man
2022 Inductee
The Drain Man, founded by Brendan Dover in Melbourne, began as a drain-clearing service and expanded in 2010 to include drain and pipe relining. This innovation allowed the company to repair pipes without excavation, minimising disruption for clients. Over the years, The Drain Man has established a national presence, serving top-tier clients while maintaining strong relationships with household customers. The company commenced a coaching program in November 2007, concluding in June 2023. In 2022, The Drain Man was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame, recognising its excellence and growth in the industry.
Stefan Kazakis
Chadoak Plumbing
2022 Inductee
Chadoak Group, was started in 1974 and was purchased from their father by brothers Peter and Jim Griffin several years later, has grown into Victoria’s leading commercial and civil plumbing company. The Griffins began their coaching program with Business Benchmark Group in April 2008, concluding in August 2022 upon appointing a new CEO to build upon the company’s strong foundations. In recognition of their excellence, Chadoak Group was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame in 2022.
The company continues to thrive under its new leadership, maintaining its reputation for quality and reliability in the industry.
Stefan Kazakis
Fleet Plant Hire
2022 Inductee
Fleet Plant Hire, established over 30 years ago, has become a leader in providing qualified and compliant earthmoving equipment and operators to the Victorian civil construction industry. The company boasts a network of over 2,000 registered contractors, offering a comprehensive range of services, including truck hire solutions for carting rock, fill, or contaminated materials.
In August 2015, the owner Chris West commenced a coaching program, which concluded in August 2021. By 2022, Fleet Plant Hire was recognised as the top soil carting company in Victoria and has since expanded its operations nationally.
Stefan Kazakis
Traffic Diversions Group
2022 Inductee
Traffic Diversions Group (TDG) is a wholly Australian-owned company founded in 2005, specialising in traffic management solutions across Victoria. By 2022, TDG had become Victoria’s largest traffic management company, operating over 200 vehicles and employing more than 500 accredited staff.
In September 2022, TDG was acquired by Altus Group, further solidifying its industry leadership.
The company’s directors, who began their coaching program with Business Benchmark Group in May 2015 with 30 vehicles and employing 60 staff, concluded it in July 2022 upon the sale of the business. Following the acquisition, the directors retired from day-to-day operations. TDG’s commitment to excellence was recognised with its induction into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame in 2022.
Stefan Kazakis
IGA Warrandyte
2022 Inductee
Quinton’s SUPA IGA Warrandyte, owned by Julie Quinton, is a family-operated independent supermarket located at 402 Warrandyte Road, Warrandyte, Victoria. After her husband Brian’s passing in 2007, Julie took over the business, which employs over 100 staff, predominantly Warrandyte residents. Under her leadership, the store became the first supermarket in Australia to stock only free-range eggs, reflecting a commitment to ethical sourcing. Julie began her coaching program in January 2013 and concluded it in November 2018. In 2022, Quinton’s SUPA IGA Warrandyte was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame, recognising its excellence and community focus.
Stefan Kazakis
Mimosa Homes
2022 Inductee
Mimosa Homes, founded in 2007 by Jenk Kaide, is a premier home builder in Melbourne, specialising in quality and affordable homes in the city’s western and north-western suburbs. The company offers architecturally designed homes with flexible floor plans and stunning facades, catering to diverse family needs and budgets. In January 2017, Mimosa Homes commenced a coaching program, which concluded in April 2019. By 2022, the company was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame, recognising its excellence in the industry.
Stefan Kazakis
ACE Contracting Group
2022 Inductee
ACE Contractors Group, founded in 1971 by Graham Cock, is a Melbourne-based civil construction company that has expanded into a diverse range of services, including civil, infrastructure, electrical, landscape, water, and environmental sectors. With over 300 employees and additional subcontractors, ACE has built a solid reputation in the construction industry, delivering projects throughout south-eastern Australia. ACE Contractors Group commenced their coaching program in November 2017, which concluded in April 2020. In 2022, ACE Contractors Group was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame, recognising its excellence and significant contributions to the industry.
Stefan Kazakis
Pinnacle Health Club
2022 Inductee
Pinnacle Health Club, founded by husband and wife team Ben and Emma Stallworthy, operated multiple locations throughout Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. The Stallworthys began their coaching program in January 2013, concluding in November 2016. Under their leadership, Pinnacle Health Club had expanded its offerings to include 24/7 access, group fitness classes, and wellness centres, distinguishing itself in the competitive fitness industry. The business is sold and the Stallworthys have redirected their entrepreneurial flair to other projects. In recognition of their achievements, Pinnacle Health Club was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame in 2022.
Stefan Kazakis
Portervac
2022 Inductee
PorterVac, founded in 2003 by Dave Porter, began as Melbourne’s first specialist vacuum gutter cleaning service, addressing a gap in the market for professional and efficient gutter maintenance. Recognising the need for quality roofing materials, Dave expanded the business to include roofing supplies, establishing Royce Roofing. This addition allowed PorterVac to offer comprehensive roofing solutions and property maintenance, serving both residential clients and top-tier customers. The company commenced a coaching program in January 2015, concluding in April 2018. In 2022, PorterVac was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame, acknowledging its excellence and growth in the industry.
Stefan Kazakis
Larvin & Lawrence
2022 Inductee
Lavrin & Lawrence Orthodontics, founded by Dr. Igor Lavrin and Dr. Sarah Lawrence, established their first practice in Melbourne, becoming Australia’s largest provider of Invisalign treatments. Recognised for their leadership and innovation in orthodontics, they launched the Urban Smile brand in 2022, significantly expanding their reach and patient base. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their personalised treatment plans and use of advanced orthodontic technology. They began a coaching program in March 2011, concluding in June 2024. In 2022, Lavrin & Lawrence Orthodontics was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the industry.
Stefan Kazakis
Kiandra IT
2022 Inductee
Kiandra IT, founded by childhood friends Martin Cooperwaite, Cameron Brookes, and Chris Munro, is a Melbourne-based company specialising in custom software development and IT services. Established in 1995, Kiandra has built a reputation as a thought leader in technology, particularly in designing and commercialising digital applications globally. Throughout the 2010s, the company received multiple awards, including being named Telstra Business of the Year 2012. Kiandra IT began a coaching program in October 2011, concluding in December 2013. In 2022, the company was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame, recognising its excellence and innovation in the industry.
Stefan Kazakis
Horizon Prosperity
2022 Inductee
Horizon Prosperity, founded by Mark Chapman in 2003, is a financial advisory firm based in Blackburn North, Victoria. The firm offers comprehensive financial planning services, including investment strategies, retirement planning, and wealth management, tailored to individual client needs. Mark Chapman, a Certified Financial Planner® with over three decades of experience, leads the team, ensuring clients receive expert guidance. Horizon Prosperity began a coaching program in September 2012, concluding in December 2022. In 2022, the firm was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame, recognising its excellence and commitment to client success.
Stefan Kazakis
Cortrols Temperature Systems
2023 Inductee
Cortrols Temperature Systems, founded in 1980, is a leading provider of Building Management Systems (BMS) and HVAC controls in Australia. Owned by Craig and Cheryl Waldron, the company offers innovative solutions for building automation and energy management, including products from Siemens Building Technologies and Innotech Controls. Cortrols began their coaching program with Business Benchmark Group in January 2015 and remain active participants. In 2023, The business was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame recognising their excellence and leadership in the industry.
In October 2024, they were honoured with the Business of the Year <$10M award, recognising their consistency and excellence in scaling their business.
Stefan Kazakis
Coolkidz Australia
2023 Inductee
Coolkidz Australia, founded in 1998 by Steve and Ilana Port, is a family-owned Melbourne-based company specialising in distributing innovative baby products. The company offers a diverse range of items, including prams, wagons, sleep aids, and nursery essentials, featuring brands like UPPAbaby, WonderFold, and Matchstick Monkey. In April 2018, Coolkidz Australia began their coaching program with Business Benchmark Group and remain active participants. They were honoured with the Business of the Year award in both 2023 and 2024 for companies with revenue exceeding $10 million. In 2023, Coolkidz Australia was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame, recognising their excellence and leadership in the industry.
Stefan Kazakis
Pragma Design
2023 Inductee
Pragma Design, founded by Angelo Alateras, is a Melbourne-based industrial design firm specialising in creating and building real environments and products that effectively communicate clients’ brands. The company offers comprehensive services throughout the entire design process, including product concept development, systems engineering, industrial design, prototyping, certifications, manufacturing, project management, testing, logistics, and service and repairs. Pragma Design commenced their coaching program with Business Benchmark Group in August 2018 and remains an active participant. In 2023, the company was inducted into the Business Benchmark Group Hall of Fame, recognising its excellence and leadership in the industry.
Stefan Kazakis
Nikki Sadler
2023 Inductee
Congratulations to Nikki Sadler on her induction into the Hall of Fame in 2023! Since joining the team in March 2013, Nikki has exemplified dedication and excellence. As our inaugural 10-year plus team member this honour reflects her significant contributions and unwavering commitment over the years. We celebrate this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her continued success.
Stefan Kazakis
Damien Churton
2024 Inductee
Congratulations to Damien Churton on his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2024! Since joining our team in July 2014, Damien has demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise. His contributions have been instrumental in our success, and this honour is a testament to his unwavering commitment. We look forward to his continued excellence in the years to come.
Stefan Kazakis
