Level 4, 60 Moorabool St Geelong VIC 3220
1300 363 128
It’s not the loud milestone of 10 or the big celebration of 20. But for us at Harvest Talent Recruitment & People Solutions, turning 16 feels significant. It’s a quiet, steady marker of endurance, resilience, and growth in business.
Looking back, if someone had told me in 2009 that the path ahead would involve sleepless nights, financial sacrifices, setbacks that tested every ounce of grit, and yes, even personal heartbreak – I might have hesitated. But here we are, 16 years on, stronger, clearer, and more committed than ever to supporting businesses and people in our region.
And for the business owners reading this – whether you’re just starting out, midway through, or well established – here are some lessons from Harvest’s journey that may help you on yours.
1. Be Clear on Your Why
Businesses don’t survive 16 years without a deep purpose. If your only driver is flexibility or income, the first storm will knock you sideways. Knowing your why keeps you going through tough seasons and helps you lead with conviction.
2. Plans Matter, But So Does Adaptability
We began with a business plan written before the first client walked in the door. That plan set our course – but the real wins came when we pivoted quickly. From Perth to Geelong, from recruitment only to HR consulting, careers and outplacement – our ability to adapt kept us in the game.
3. Get the Right People Around You
Mentors, advisors, networks – they’ve been Harvest’s lifeline. Whether it was a trusted “brains trust” during the toughest years, or growth mentors who stretched us further, no business grows in isolation. Surround yourself with those who will challenge and support you.
4. Numbers Don’t Lie
It’s not the sexy part of business ownership, but dashboards, budgets and targets are non-negotiable. Knowing your financials and measuring performance gives you clarity when everything else feels uncertain.
5. Balance is Non-Negotiable
The early years saw me working relentlessly – often at the cost of personal life. Sixteen years on, my biggest learning is that balance can’t wait until “one day.” Work will always be demanding, but making space for family, relationships, and wellbeing is not optional – it’s what makes the business sustainable long-term.
6. Business Is Cyclical – Stay the Course
We’ve had boom years (our “purple patch” of 2013), bust years (Perth’s downturn in 2014), and everything in between. What matters is staying the course, consolidating when needed, and building for the next season of growth.
What 16 Years Means for You
For our clients and business community, Harvest at 16 means this:
✅ A team with experience – we’ve weathered the storms and know how to help you do the same.
✅ Services that have grown with business needs – from recruitment to HR strategy, careers and people solutions.
✅ A commitment to Geelong and South West Victoria – we’re here for the long haul, building stronger businesses and stronger communities.
To every business owner out there – we salute you. Whether you’re in your first year, your sixteenth, or beyond, your resilience fuels our local economy and inspires us daily.
As for Harvest? We’ll keep doing what we’ve always done – partnering with businesses, finding the right people, and helping workplaces thrive. Quietly turning 16, and excited for what’s next.
A shout out to Danni and Ashleigh pictured here with Maree.
Two of our valued team members who have brought so much to Harvest over the years.
Here’s to 16 years of people, partnerships and HR and Talent Recruitment possibilities.
#Talentunearthed
