Businessmen in the fields of jewellery, food, and water technology, shared some of their experiences in global trade at the Committee for Greater Shepparton global trade night.

While they all provided differing views on success in business, they all agreed that establishing relationships with partners and customers was essential to developing.

Food company owner Mark Morley holds a PhD in international law and has worked for the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) as a diplomat and senior trade commissioner, based in the Middle East and South Asia.

“Just turn up. Be a mate. Participate in their life and culture with interest and open-ness,” Dr Morley said.

His involvement in trade missions had enabled him to meet and form connections with prospective partners and customers.

Peter Moller from water technology company, Rubicon, drawing on his experience of eight years in the US, said establishing trust was important.

“Also working closely with influencers, the engineers and people who specify products,” Mr Moller said.

He said working with innovators was important in finding solutions to customer problems.

“Don’t come up with a product and then try to find a customer. Work on solutions.”

Shepparton jeweller Stephen Schneider reinforced the importance of relationships and remarked on the international nature in the business of precious gems, but provided some colloquial moves which helped him win friends in business in Australia.

When he visits colleagues in Melbourne and Sydney, he often travels with a bag of Goulburn Valley peaches.

“It’s amazing what doors it opens,” Mr Schneider said.

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Monday, 1st September 2025

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