Andrew Bruem
B.App.Sc (Env.Sc)

Andrew is a small enterprise Director and family enterprise specialist with substantial experience as a successful SME owner, manager and Director for more than 25 years.

Over that period he has gained in depth knowledge to specialize in entrepreneurship, e-commerce, agribusiness, not-for-profit, service sectors and industry to fulfil governance, finance, strategy development, marketing, change and project management.

The eldest son of a third generation agribusiness family based in Forbes, NSW, he completed higher education at Hurlstone Agricultural High School, going on to attain a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Science from Charles Sturt University.

Being involved in the family business Engsta Holdings from university days, the entity has evolved to have primary operations and management transitioned to Andrew and his brothers; the family operated with a Board of Directors and Family Council. Early succession planning provided for their sister to exit the business and for their parents to retire from daily involvement.

In 2004 Andrew and a business partner family established another entity based in Sydney. As an executive Director, he was fundamental in the business of importing along with the operations of seven e-commerce stores with strategic partnerships in Australia and New Zealand. In January 2018 a successful succession process completed the sale of his shareholding.

Andrew currently coaches and consults for SME owners as well as fulfilling CEO duties for a not-for-profit, for impact research institute alongside his family business operations. 

Andrew has an ESTJ Personality – “The Executive”.

His Kolbe A™ Index strengths are:

• 7 – Strategize gathering and sharing information
• 6 – Maintain organization
• 4 – Modify risk and uncertainty
• 3 – Envision space & tangibles

Natalie Simshauser
B.A (Psychology & English)

As a rural woman (wife, mother, daughter-in-law), teacher and wellbeing coach, Natalie brings her hands on experience of all things that influence the lives of families to the table. Born and raised in South Africa, Natalie obtained her Bachelors degree at the University of Witwatersrand.

She left South Africa having met and married an Australian farmer based in Forbes, NSW. Here she was able to see first hand the issues that affect families through her employment at Centacare where she worked in a community development and counselling role, and furthermore, in her capacity as a yoga teacher. A move to Narrabri to be closer to the family farming business saw Natalie expand her interests to teach communication skills and conflict management at TAFE.

In addition to her work within the community, being married into a agribusiness family has given Natalie greater insight into the importance communication plays in business issues such as isolation, stress, financial burdens, lack of support and services, succession processes and depression.

Now based in Gloucester NSW, it is this experience which has motivated Natalie to share her expertise, coaching business stakeholders in effective and positive communication.