From learning to sew at 14 to building a business that has dressed generations of customers, Talisman Menswear owner Paul Jerome has built a career on passion and persistence.

Mr Jerome was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2026 Greater Shepparton Business Excellence Award Gala Dinner at Riverlinks Eastbank on Friday, October 23, recognising his contribution to the region.

“It’s such an honour to be named alongside those businesses. I’m humbled,” he said.

Mr Jerome’s love of clothing began at a young age, despite not always being understood by those around him.

“I was ridiculed as a young boy for liking clothing. It wasn’t the done thing,” he said.

But he stuck with his dream, learning to sew at 14 and eventually turning his passion into a career.

In 19 years of business, he has navigated various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 floods, adapting where he could keep supporting his customers.

During the pandemic, he made around 1000 masks.

For Mr Jerome, one of the biggest rewards is seeing his customers return.

“I enjoy when people come back. That’s the highlight,” he said.

Mr Jerome encouraged aspiring business owners to back themselves and give their ideas a chance.

“Just get out there and do it. We need more people trying to open up businesses,” he said.

“You make your own success. You make your own luck.”

Talisman Menswear was among 16 businesses and individuals recognised at the awards, with Fortin Hats owner Becky-Jane Fortin receiving the Excellence in Innovation award alongside JMB Modular Buildings.

After training in millinery in Europe, Ms Fortin returned to her home town to establish her business making and repairing hats.

Despite the hard work involved in growing the business, she said the recognition came as a surprise.

“I’m just a small little business that’s going up against these amazing other people in the category,” she said.

Ms Fortin said the awards were an important opportunity to celebrate local talent and connect businesses across the region.

“These awards are so important because it highlights new businesses and also businesses that people have forgotten about and the amazing things they’re doing in our community,” she said.

She was one of 15 winners recognised across 12 categories.

This year’s winners were:

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year: Ben De Cicco from Rx Electrical & Data

Excellence in Customer Service – Trade Services: Hair by Stephanie

Excellence in Customer Service – Professional Services: Adina’s Dental Cosmetics

Excellence in Customer Service – Retail/Hospitality Services: Everyday Supplies

Visitor Experience of the Year: Shepparton Art Museum

Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign: Hot and Cold Shop and Shepparton Theatre Arts Group Inc.

Young Professional of the Year: Nathan Cirillo from Factor1

Emerging & Micro Business of the Year Award: Fetch The Vet - Shepparton

Excellence in Innovation: joint winners Fortin Hats and JMB Modular Buildings

Excellence in Business – Retail Services: The Salvation Army Thrift Shop - Mooroopna

Excellence in Business – Trade Services: FOOTT

Excellence in Business – Professional Services: Joint winners Active Spine Centre and MB+M

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Wednesday, 14th October 2026

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