TBakerom O’and inspiTroatiolonaleSpeaker
Meet Tom O’Toole, baker extraordinaire, kindergarten failureturned-author & inspirational speaker, and founder of the famous
Beechworth Bakery.
He may be somewhat small-town, but small-town or not, he
is a marketing guru who dares to - and does - walk the talk.
O’Toole is to Beechworth Bakery what Colonel Saunders is
to KFC. But unlike the Colonel, Tom isn’t content with being
a cardboard cut-out. He wants to talk, be seen and be heard. He
gives Beechworth Bakery its unique character.
Tom O’Toole is a juggernaut in the competitive world of retail
marketing. A self-confessed kindergarten dropout from dirtpoor origins who didn’t know his ABCs, he is living proof
of the power of striving for your dreams. With a formidable
sense of humour and an enthusiasm bordering on inspired
frantic madness, he has spearheaded the rebirth of a dying
country town by turning his bakery into a phenomenon of
Australian small business, which continues to gather strength
and speed.
Tom is a firm believer in getting out of your comfort zone and
daring to be different. Says he, ‘In every town and business,
there has to be the wow factor; wow is the answer’. It is
precisely this almost obsessive thinking outside the square,
this continuous pushing of the envelope that keeps Beechworth
Bakery far from being just another run-of-the-mill food outlet.
It is this attitude that ensures the $15 million turnover every
year (and counting), making Beechworth Bakery one of the topselling retail bakeries in the Southern Hemisphere.
Tom’s passion for spreading the word on motivation and achievement
has resulted in a natural ‘metamorphosis’ with speaking engagements throughout Australia and overseas. He happily shares the
secrets of his success through a range of products, articles,
DVDs, workshops and speaking engagements, and is a
rare act to follow. When he talks, all distractions fall by
the wayside. The sudden crescendo in his voice is like
caffeine to his audience; everyone sits up and takes
notice. No exceptions.
www.TomOToole.com.au
Quick Reference Guide
(Mix’n Match any of the below for a perfect pitch)
Keywords most often used to describe Tom
Main Clients
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Corporate
Small to large business owners / groups
Universities & TAFEs
Schools
Community Groups
Not-for-Profit organizations
•Refreshing
•Excellent •Dynamic
•Down to earth
•Funny •Fantastic
•Inspirational
•Entertaining
•Captivating
•Passionate
•Unique
•A real rough diamond
Documented Experience
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Founder & still very much the owner of the Beechworth Bakery – Australia’s Greatest Bakery
Taking the business from one small bakery start-up in a dying country town to six multi-award
winning bakeries with a turnover in excess of $12 million, making it one of Australia’s greatest
retail success stories
Making a success in rural Australia
Still actively involved in the business which provides ample new and inspiring material to keep his
talks fresh, up-to-date and as engaging as possible
26+ years of hands-on experience dealing with depression/mental health, being a member of a selfhelp group, and supporting inmates in prison by visiting & talking on wellness, attitude, motivation etc
Motivates students at many schools on a regular basis, talking on goal setting, attitude etc
Takes audiences on a journey full of practical real life examples, illustrative visuals and takehome messages that are easily actionable
Spectrum of Topics
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Employee Motivation
Leadership / Team Leadership
Marketing / Branding
Business Innovation
Customer Service
How to grow a business
Setting and achieving goals
Team work
Training
Motivation / Inspiration
Mental Health & Wellness
Helping Communities in Crisis
Range of Speaking Availabilities
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Corporate Events
Keynote Speaking
Opening / Closing Conferences
After Dinner Speaking
Team Building Events
Motivational / Inspirational Talks
From Breakfast meetings right through to
After Dinner
Major Point of Difference
Tom is still very much a business man with a front door (in fact, make that six)
- providing him with an endless wealth of up-to-date experience & growth
Keep in mind:
Tom is happy to be a ‘Media Tart’
- he is always more than willing to provide a
quotation for a story, submit an article or work
with you on any radio or tv interviews.
Deal Sweeteners
- some suggestions you can use to help get the job over the line
Client Corporations / Companies /
Community Groups
Offer
Free second talk at a community / charity group
or school of their choice, or breakfast talk for
major sponsor (Great PR for them!)
Any group A baker’s dozen of free books - if they are still
hesitating to commit
For every potential client
Free book upon enquiry
List of happy clients include:
Spectrum of Topics
• Why training is so important to any business
• Branding
• Taking care of the customer (customer service)
• Creating a leadership culture
• Why and how to create meaningful and accountable
goals (Goal Setting)
• You are either pulling together or pulling apart
(Teamwork)
• Attitude’s are contagious and fundamental to a
great organisational culture
• Clear communication
• Simple yet effective marketing ideas and techniques
• Getting out your comfort zone
• Why “doing that little bit extra” makes all the difference
• Dealing with change as your organisation grows and
evolves
• Empowering your staff to take responsibility
• The importance of community engagement and
giving back
This list is just meant as a guide to show the general
range of topics Tom is happy to cover. To ensure a perfect
fit with your event, please contact us directly to
discuss your requirements.
Simone Ashton
PA to Tom O’Toole
e | [email protected]
p | 0478 036 986
Feel free to download any of these photos in
high resolution for use in your event promotion.
TomOToole.com.au/ about/tom-in-a-nutshell/
Tom O’Toole
Tom’s philosophies on achieving success – borrowed from some of the
greatest minds, as well as home-grown wisdom - are straightforward.
Here is a list of some of his favourites:
If you wouldn’t buy it, then don’t sell it.
Attitudes are contagious.
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
If it is to be, it is up to me.
Don’t let someone else steal your day.
The most important thing about goals is having one.
Don’t tell me what I am doing wrong, tell me what I am doing right.
Choose to be happy; it’s as simple as that.
Goals are just dreams with dates.
Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone.
Take a risk, smile, live - don’t just exist!
The person who does not take risks has nothing, is nothing,
becomes nothing. Only the person who risks is truly free.
Enjoy your work – we all spend a lot of time there – so we might
as well enjoy the experience.
If you’re not getting what you want out of life, check your level of
enthusiasm.
To become enthusiastic, just act enthusiastic – that’s how simple
it is. Fake it ‘til you make it.
Be grateful.
[Tonight/Today] our special guest speaker is Mr Tom
O’Toole, the baker from Beechworth.
Tom is at the helm of the immensely successful Beechworth Bakery, also known as Australia’s Greatest Bakery.
Ladies and Gentlemen, would you please make welcome Tom O’Toole...
 Hand held Microphone
 Data Projector & Screen for PowerPoint Slides
 (Tom provides his own laptop & remote and has both a VGA & HDMI
connection)
 Raised Stage (if possible)
 Good lighting over stage
Tom O’Toole’s bestselling books include:
Breadwinner
Discover how Tom took himself from
dirt poor beginnings to being the owner
of Australia’s Greatest Bakery, as well as
becoming on of Australia’s most soughtafter speakers. With insights into his
personal life as well as his business
successes and the lessons he’s learned
along the way, this is an amazing
memoir, inspirational business guide
and a rollicking good read that will
capture your imagination.
Signed copies can be available at Tom’s presentations ($20).
Special price for bulk orders available on enquiry.
Recent Testimonials…
Tom was highly energetic and engaged the audience from the moment he opened his
mouth. His messages are simple, yet they resonate and are relevant to all in a customer
service industry.
National Australia Bank
I spoke to several of our Hoteliers after the presentation and Tom got they all thought he
was fantastic because they could all relate to some of the management pit falls that they
had fallen into and felt Tom was humorous and inspirational in getting the message
across how they could improve their businesses.
Liquor Marketing Group
Tom’s message was perfect; it was like we had scripted him. Perfect speaker for any
franchise group.
Nandos
Information was excellent. Had the audience attention at all times. Tom went the extra
mile to ensure the information he was providing fitted with our requirements for the day.
Thanks Tom, an amazing job.
The Country Care Group
Tom delivered an outstanding session with passion, conviction and a number of key
messages, all built around a huge number of photo’s that told his life story of the
success of Beechworth Bakeries. Thanks Tom!
GPL Network
It is easy to see how Tom has built his business over the years to become the success
story that is ‘The Beechworth Bakery’. Tom presents with the sort of passion and
character that you don’t see every day.
Unigas Australia
Excellent. Tom’s presentation was inspirational and entertaining. He captured the
attention of a young group of managers and held their focus for over the hour he spoke.
McDonalds
Thanks for a wonderful session, and which really was John Cleese on steroids! It is
amazing how these things work out, Tom's message dovetailed directly in with a number
of our other presenters. It was truly entertaining. Thanks to Tom, we would not hesitate
to recommend him to anyone else.
PGA of Australia
Tom was a terrific speaker, and provided a very lively diversion from the technical
content of the Conference. His dynamic style and obvious passion for what he does kept
many in the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the presentation.
William Buck
Excellent. Very enthusiastic and down to earth with real life experiences.
Wendy’s Super Sundaes
Excellent. Tom captures your attention immediately with his very natural & down to
earth approach. A very strong message that everyone can receive & act upon. “Don’t let
the dreamtakers steal your dream”.
Lorraine Lea Linen Pty Ltd
Excellent. Very motivational – good to finally hear from someone who is practicing what
he preaches & has the runs on the board.
Terry White Chemists
Excellent. Tom’s animated style in delivering his message (on how to improve business)
was both insightful & hilarious – It was the tonic we needed.
The Age
Excellent… Exceeded all our expectations – hilariously fun & motivational yet filled with
numerous business tips & words of wisdom. Reaches all levels. Highly Recommended.
WA Tourism Commission
Personality plus. Great character. Great presentation. Excellent message. Unique style.
Among many excellent presentations, yours was the highlight of the Conference
Retravision
Tom was funny entertaining charismatic and gave simple but golden words of advice. His
audience just loved him and he was very generous with his time.
City of Yarra
Tom presented at our annual sales kick off event. Tom captivated the audience from the
moment he started through to the end of his presentation (or should I say performance!).
Very engaging, entertaining but with a real story to be told, Tom was able to share his
experiences with the sale team and allowing us to relate to the challenges we face in
business today. I would highly recommend Tom for anyone looking to motivate their
team.
Sektor
We have had amazing feedback from the attendees at the function. They all found him
extremely motivating, and were very keen to get back to their teams and get going. I
could watch him again and again. His enthusiasm is infectious.
Armada Hospitality
Entertaining, informative, humorous, simple advice yet often overlooked or ignored.
Tom’s presentation is full of fact, humour, Australianisms and straight shooting. Not for
the faint hearted and not for anyone looking for one “single” magic bullet. I recommend
Tom O’Toole to any organisation who wants a wakeup call and is prepared to work hard
and enjoy the successes of business.
Nature’s Sunshine Products
Whilst there was lots of hype around how good Tom was going to be, he still managed to
exceed our expectation. He was a true inspiration with an amazing story and the ability
to inspire across many sectors. We were thrilled to host him in the Adelaide Hills and I
would recommend him 500%!!
Adelaide Hills Business Centre
Your strong customer service message delivered in such a thoroughly unique and
entertaining manner resinated brilliantly with our staff. You slapped us in the face with a
message so powerful, and in a manner so enjoyable, you’ll be a continual reference
point throughout our network.
Coochie Resources Pty Ltd
Tom gave an incredibly energetic, high paced and humerous talk with great insights and
words of wisdom for the audience to take home. From an event organizer’s perspective I
found Tom to be great to work with and he adapted to the room & equipment set up
without any hassles.
Hume City Council
Brilliant and inspiring messages spoken from the heart.
The Hurricane Event Group
From the moment Tom took the stage we knew we were in for something special and he
certainly delivered. Tom’s messages were relevant to our association but could be
applied to any business or individual’s situation.
Echuca Moama Accommodation Association
Having seen Tom on 3 occasions now, I can honestly say that I have never been
disappointed. Eccentric... a little! Engaging, Motivating and Entertaining... Absolutely! On
leaving a presentation of Tom's you feel inspired, enthusiastic and a willingness to
change your attitude and outlook on life. As Tom has not stopped pursuing his own
goals, he continually has new material and experiences to share, as well as reinforcing
his most valued principles.
Corowa High School
Inspiring, uplifting, encouraging and entertaining – taught our young staff that we can all
make a difference, showed them that the world has lots in common and gave them lots
of meat to chew on!
Blackbird Artisan Bakery
Team really enjoyed Tom’s presentation. It was a lot of fun and perfect for what we
were looking for – some good light heated fun and a very strong message. The next
morning we had a look back at the prior day and our leanings and a lot of the comments
were around Tom’s presentation and the message.
Suncorp Bank
Tom O’Toole’s presentation at the Cooktown and Cape York Business Conference really
was a breath of fresh air! Tom’s workplace philosophies and attitude towards training
staff and serving the customer had everyone in stitches as he recounted all the times
throughout his career ways in which him and his staff went over and beyond the call of
duty. Well done Tom, hope to see you in Cooktown again soon!
Cook Shire Council
Everyone at my conference absolutely loved Tom's presentation. It was exactly the
message we wanted to get across to our team and Tom totally delivered. 10/10.
Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions
We had a very diverse audience and from all parts of industry, and as well from rough
blue-collar workers to very successful business owners and Tom, captured their attention
very convincingly. It was a great message and it topped up a great day for us.
Newcastle Commercial Vehicles Pty Ltd
10/10 All positive feedback from our clients. They loved hearing from someone who has
gone from scratch to the business it is today.
Sheridans Accountants & Financial Planners
Awesome way to finish off the Conference. He was crazy, infectious, simulating and
thought provoking.
Exceptional. Loved the no frills approach presentation. Went straight out and bought
Tom's book and CD - have been listening to CD twice daily since I got back home.
Very polished performance reinforcing the basics of necessary customer service and
staff involvement in the business. Very well received.
AMAZING!!! What an inspiration, entertaining and thoroughly motivating man.
Delegate feedback from the LGMA 2014 Conference
Your passion, enthusiasm and commitment is infectious. The presentation was
inspirational, practical and credible in a room packed with 350 bakers. Thanks again you
helped to make our conference truly world class!
Scottish Bakers Annual Conference 2014, Glasgow.
Loved the energy and simplicity of the presentation, it was content which can be
implemented easily by others and the fact he is so down to earth and humble made him
so much more likeable!!
Adult Education Centre