The Essential Brands Group has appointed an Advisory Board to provide expert advise to the Essential Brands Group Management team.
The Essential Brands Group Advisory Board is made up of the below business professionals.
Mike Koolen - CEO and Founder – Essential Brands Group
In the past Twenty years, Mike has gained a wealth of experience in sales management and as an innovator in the food and beverage related industries, both in Australia and also overseas. From his concepts Mike along with his wife and partner Gayle has translated these ideas successfully into Brands with turnover exceeding $20 million per annum.
Paul Matthew Crapper - Chief Operating Officer – Essential Brands Group
In early 2007 Paul took the opportunity to join Mike Koolen's Essential Brands Group as the General Operations Manager and has contributed in the fast growing and highly successful brands under its umbrella since. Paul has held the position of General Manager of the Essential Brands Group since early 2009.
Rick Anstey - Director and Founder – iQ Capital Management Pty Ltd
Rick is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, and a member of the Australian Venture Capital Association. He is also a past member of the Queensland Government's Communication and Information Advisory Board, which advised the Government's Minister of Innovation and Information Economy.
Damien McKern - Principal and Founder – McKern & Associates
Damien currently holds a Bachelor of Business with an accounting major, a Bachelor of Law degree, is a Chartered Accountant, Certified Practicing Accountant, Registered Tax Agent, Fellow if the Taxation Institute of Australia and is also a Justice of the Peace.
Tony Freestone - CEO and Founder – Freestone Law
Tony Freestone acted as a solictor to the Supreme Court of NSW, Queensland and Australia and is currently the CEO and founder of Freestone Law.
Gayle Koolen - Board Member and Founder – Essential Brands Group
Initially starting her career in banking, Gayle then moved into the airline industry working her way from administration into marketing and sales, then into the broader section of the tourism sector of marketing resorts and hotels. For the past 20 years or more, Gayle along with partner Mike became more interested in the concept of growing franchise businesses.
