Tom O'Toole: baker extraordinaire, kindergarten failure-turned-author and 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 dirt-poor 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 top-selling retail bakeries in the Southern Hemisphere.
Current work
Speaker: 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.
Awards
In 2018, he was awarded a Queen's Birthday honour for services to local business and for his incredible charity work.
Video
Tom O'Toole Showreel
Tom O'Toole: baker extraordinaire, kindergarten failure-turned-author and 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.Dynamic. The most dynamic speaker I've heard in 31 years. ... keep reading President, New Zealand Association of Bakers (Inc)
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.
Excellent. Tom’s presentation was inspirational and entertaining. He captured the attention of a young froup of managers and held their focus for over the hour he spoke.
Personality plus. Great Character. Great presentation. Excellent message. Unique style. Among many excellent presentations, yours was the highlight of the conference.
