GMC Connect: Lessons From Leaders

A GMC Members Only Event

Join us for an exclusive GMC member discussion with business leaders, Chris Meade, founder and director of CMTP, and Matt Gibson, co-owner and director of Spence Construction.

Hear from two leading regional business people about the value and challenges of business mentoring.
What makes a good mentor/mentee relationship and what are some of the challenges? Is it true that “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear”?

Join fellow GMC members for this “Lessons from Leaders” event.

About our speakers:

Chris Meade
Chris built CMTP from humble beginnings into one of Australia’s leading pallet and packaging manufacturers. After working on dairy farms as a young man, he launched a construction business in 1975, eventually hand building produce bins for potato farmers in his backyard—his first step into the pallet and container industry. He later formalised the operation as Colac Pallet Co., where he and his wife, Marilyn, worked long days cutting lumber, loading trucks, and managing administration.

A major breakthrough came through a partnership with AKD Softwoods, securing export contracts and enabling expansion into lumber production. As the company grew and rebranded to CMTP, Chris moved operations to a new Colac site built around lean manufacturing principles, significantly improving efficiency. Today, CMTP operates nine sites nationwide and produces custom cases and products for aircraft, automotive, machinery, and specialised applications competitors don’t offer.

Matt Gibson
Matt began his career with Spence Construction in 1999, bringing a strong foundation in carpentry and joinery. In 2007, he became a shareholder and director, joining forces with current co-directors Glenn McVilly and Shane Theodore. Matt has played a pivotal role in the growth of the Spence Group, contributing to the launch and development of its steel and joinery manufacturing arms—STEEL360 and Limitless Joinery. His leadership extends beyond business, serving as the current president of the Colac Football Netball Club, where he actively supports local community initiatives. Matt is passionate about the game of business and thrives on helping others succeed. Outside of work, he enjoys quality time with his wife Jemma and their five children, valuing family, friendships, and community as much as professional achievement.
 

Date & Time:     

Venue:                  Deakin Waurn Ponds Estate,  Nicol Drive South,  Waurn Ponds Vic, 3216

Cost:                    Free to GMC members 

Contact:               Nicole Rosbergen │ nicole.rosbergen@geelongmanufacturingcouncil.com.au │ 0477536722