Overview

Over the past two years, the Queensland JCEC has been presenting alternative career paths for chemical engineers, both conventional and non-conventional. Now its time to explore the ultimate "road less travelled". During this series, we will meet chemical engineers at various stages along their entrepreneurial journey, from fresh start-ups, right through to some established household names. 

Speakers

Alex Bell (Queensland Rum Co.) 

As an academically struggling UQ student, Alex’s home brewing days began as soon as he encountered the concept of distillation. It was only when he achieved a distinction in his third year design project, that he discovered his strength for the practical application of knowledge, and he realised he could make a career of his hobby. After almost a year dodging class to pitch his idea, and 100+ rejections, he finally secured an agreement with Brisbane’s Malecon bar to design and install a pilot scale distillery. As Alex expands his operation to 12,500 bottles per year, he will recount his story so far and visions for the future.

Hendrik Tait (Abroad Promotions trading as botanicES)

Hendrik graduated from the University of Pretoria in South Africa and now has 40+ years of broad industry experience including 20+ years in Australia. Alongside his wife Christelle, he is part of a duo who's entrepreneurial journey began when they noticed raisin coffee berries that were being discarded by Byron Bay farmers. Seeing their potential, they set about developing a process to enhance the recovery of the bio-active caffeine compounds, leading to the discovery of the botanicES natural coffee extract. Now with an award-winning range of high-end natural skincare products, Hendrik will impart what he learned from his time in the lab so far.

Steve Yeardley (PROCOM)

After graduating from UNSW, Steve spent his formative years with Southern Pacific Petroleum, where, alongside his future business partner Jim Schmidt, he helped demonstrate a particularly complex shale-oil process. With shale ahead of its time, their employer unfortunately collapsed, and under these adverse circumstances, the pair set about forming their own consultancy; PROCOM was born. Initially head-hunting their trusted former colleagues, PROCOM has grown into one of Brisbane's quintessential success stories, employing 50+ at the height of the CSG boom. Steve will share his story so far, and his passion for the future of energy.

Time

18:00 - 20.00

Cost

Students - Free
Members - $12.00
Non-members - $17.00