Welcome to the Beechworth Bakery

Beechworth Baker takes positive lead

by Ray Frawley BUSINESSMAN and motivational speaker Tom O'Toole certainly doesn't eave his audiences wondering. The live wire entrepreneur, letter known as the Beechworth Baker, held the complete attention of his listeners when he addressed he Victorian Farmers Federation's regional forum in Ballarat last week. He burst onto the stage and launched straight into a high- energy performance which lasted about 20 minutes. SIGN HERE: Beechworth Baker Tom O'Toole signs a copy of his book for Eddie Davis of Mt Eger He quickly dispensed with his suit coal and tie and just is quickly beads of perspiration soon moistened his brow as he threw his heart and soul into telling his life story and outlining his business philosophy. He said he was a kindergarten drop-out who was bought up in poverty. He went into business as a 2l-year-old in Yarrawonga and followed his dreams which led him to establishing (the Beechworth Bakery). Beechworth Bakeries are now popular throughout the countryside and an outlet has just opened in Ballarat. "Don't let anyone steal our dreams," he told his audience. He also advised those present to study happiness, and success, not doom and gloom. "It is so easy to be negative," he warned. He emphasized his point hat Australians lived in the luckiest country in the world saying that boatloads of people were not leaving Australia and heading for Afghanistan. "Have an attitude of gratitude," he said. Mr. O'Toole also advocated the need to resist mediocrity. "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary Is that little bit of extra effort.	POPULAR; Alison Briody of Burrumbeet is delighted to get a signed copy of Beechworth Baker Tom O'Toole's book "It is the little things that make a big difference." People had choices to make. It was the choices people make; not the chances they took that made a big difference. "Choose to be happy," he said. Mr. O'Toole also advised his listeners to set goals and put dales on them. He said when he did this it changed his life dramatically. "Goal setting is the strongest force in human nature." As for his business approach, again and again he advised owners to listen to their staff and customers. His staff are empowered not to sell anything in his bakeries they would not buy themselves. Rather then tell staff what they are doing wrong, he tells them what they are doing right. "My number one customers are my staff," he said. "If you have happy staff, you will have happy customers." As for his customers, he said: "Customer complaints are the school books from which we learn." Mr. O'Toole said success for him today was being a good father, good husband and having peace of mind. Above all, Tom O'Toole is a man of action. He's not a man to pull his punches and he challenged his audience with the following words: "All the knowledge in the world is not worth a pinch of cow shit unless you are willing to get off your bum and have a go." People could alter their lives by altering their attitudes. "Look it doesn't matter what your past has been, everyone of us has a clean future. Attitudes are contagious," he said. "Are yours worth catching