Episode 9 – Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge Podcast
Shaun’s experiences highlight the critical role of small businesses as the “beating heart of Australia”, the unexpected paths that can lead to both business success and public service, and the importance of adapting to changing times.
Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge
What does it take to run a thriving butcher shop for 25+ years and lead a community as Mayor? Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge knows firsthand! From learning the trade as an apprentice to owning Dunnes Meats and stepping into local government, Zoro shares his story of resilience, community spirit, and business smarts. Hear how he tackled droughts, floods, staffing challenges, and small-town competition—all while keeping quality and customer service at the heart of it all.
Covered in this episode:
- The origin story: Zoro’s journey from apprentice butcher to owning Dunnes Meats in Charleville.
- The challenges and opportunities of buying and rebranding a small business in a rural town.
- Strategies for differentiating a business in a competitive small-town market.
- The importance of quality products and customer service in retaining customers.
- Approaches to finding and retaining staff in a rural area, including “growing your own” through apprenticeships.
- Sean’s transition into local politics.
- The importance of community support and engagement for small business success.
- Insights on business resilience and adapting to changing circumstances.
- The need for support and resources for small businesses in remote, rural, and regional Queensland.
Links from this episode
Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.