Start Small, Dream Big

Practical advice meets measurable results.

Get to know the team

Matt RaftonCo-Founder and Manager Director
Matt started his hospitality career working in a pub at age 16. Shortly after, he entered the licensed club industry and worked in a variety of operational roles while completing his Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Management).

In 2006 he was promoted to the position of Marketing Manager for Caboolture Sports Club, growing the membership base from 16,000 – 60,000 in just five years. He then moved into the role of Assistant Manager, overseeing operations for Caboolture Sports Club and Centenary Lakes Sports Club. During this tenure Matt was Awarded the Clubs Queensland Young Manager of the Year.

In 2013, Matt commenced in the role of General Manager – Marketing for Brisbane Racing Club, responsible for marketing of the BRC’s operations at Doomben & Eagle Farm racecourses, Gallopers Sports Club, Eagle Farm Markets and the $1.5B BRC Masterplan.

In 2015, Matt retuned to Caboolture Sports Club and led the rebranding of the organisation to CSC Group. After the acquisition of Caboolture RSL, CSC Group developed Queensland’s first greenfield community club in two decades (North Lakes Sports Club), opening in May 2017.

Matt was an integral part of the launch of North Lakes Sports Club, completing feasibility studies, community engagement, research and a marketing plan that gained more than 20,000 new members during the pre-opening and first month of operation.

In 2020, Matt Co-founded Maer Group, with a vision to share the combined experience of Maer Group, while developing the next generation of marketers. Matt now works with numerous clients across a diverse range of projects including marketing, research, strategic planning, systems, integrations and digital marketing.

Nicole WoodhamsAccount Director
Nicole is a driven and experienced marketer in the hospitality and club industry with a demonstrated history of specialising in gaming, promotions, food & beverage, and loyalty.

Nicole graduated from the University of Queensland with a dual bachelor’s degree in Business Management (majoring in Marketing) and International Hotel & Tourism Management (majoring in Event Management), whilst shortly after completing her advanced diploma in Digital Communications at the Queensland University of Technology. From there, she entered Clubland, landing her first Marketing role at Wynnum Manly Leagues Club in Brisbane’s Bay Side where she grew her expertise in promotions, event management, communications, campaign management, loyalty, and social media management.

Re-locating back to the Sunshine Coast in 2020, Nicole now works as an Account Manager where she employs her communication and marketing acumen to devise, execute, and manage direct marketing campaigns, promotions and marketing strategies that effectively represent her client’s goals. With an organised approach to all she does, Nicole is always ready to jump into a project. Precise, driven, and enthusiastic, Nicole delivers high quality results on all projects, ensuring that no detail is amiss.

When she isn’t working, Nicole loves to spend her weekend at the beach, chasing the best coffee on the Sunshine Coast and spending time with her friends and family, including her two-family Golden Retriever’s.

Abbey MaherMarketing Consultant & Account Manager
Abbey brings a unique blend of communication expertise and practical experience to her role as Account Manager. With a Bachelor of Communication specialising in Media Practice, Abbey possesses a strong foundation in effective media strategies and communication techniques.

Her diverse background in hospitality and the Club space has equipped her with exceptional knowledge and understanding of our client needs and behaviors. Abbey plays a pivotal role in the strategic planning for her accounts, including year-round weekly and major promotions, brand growth opportunities, events planning, direct marketing campaigns and offers, and loyalty program management. She also oversees the day-to-day tasks carried out by her team, such as coordinating artwork, social media management, website maintenance and more.

Karen RuigrokMarketing Consultant & Account Manager
Karen has a Bachelor in Small Business and a Post Graduate Degree in Customer Experience & Multichannel Management. Looking at her marketing & communications background in childcare, a digital company and 11 years at casinos in the Netherlands, her experience will be of great value to our clients.

In her spare time, Karen likes to explore the Sunshine Coast and the hinterland, together with her partner and two daughters.

Skye GrundyDigital Marketing Manager

Skye has a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing, and is no stranger to the hospitality industry with over 10 years of experience.

As Digital Marketing Manager, Skye specialises in developing and executing data-driven strategies that deliver measurable results across various platforms including Meta, Google, LinkedIn, 9Now, Spotify and more. She works closely with our talented team of creatives, analysts, and account managers to craft compelling campaigns that drive conversions for our clients.

Skye also plays a crucial role in overseeing website development projects from start to finish, collaborating with designers and developers with a focus on creating user-friendly, visually appealing, and highly functional websites for new and existing clients.

Outside of the office, Skye enjoys soaking up the rays of the beautiful Sunshine Coast beaches, supervising her partner in home improvement projects, or catching up with friends and family over a few cocktails!

Adam Thompson
Adam ThompsonSenior Marketing Analyst
Adam has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Entrepreneurship. With over 10 years experience in the hospitality industry, a passion for innovation, and an analytical mindset, Adam is responsible for the development and execution of direct marketing campaigns, data analysis and interpretation, database management, and client report preparation. He is passionate about identifying areas of improvement and proposing creative solutions.

In his spare time, Adam loves a trip to the beach, hanging out with friends and family, and playing all sorts of sport.

Ben Agnew
Ben AgnewDeveloper & Marketing Analyst
Ben Agnew holds 4 years of software development experience, with a deep passion for data analysis.

As a Marketing Analyst and Developer, Ben dedicates his time to creating and implementing innovative, data-driven strategies that drive results for our clients. He is puts his expertise into database management, campaign analysis, and client reporting. His ability to turn data insights into actionable solutions makes him a key asset to his team!

On the weekends, Ben enjoys relaxing over a beverage with mates.

Zoe Clewett
Zoe ClewettMarketing Analyst
Zoe is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Data Science and a Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in Fashion Communication, at Queensland University of Technology.

With over 5 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Zoe combines her experience, passion for innovation and strong analytical mindset and to drive measurable results for our clients. She is responsible for the execution of direct marketing campaigns, data analysis and interpretation, database management, and client report preparation.

In her spare time, Zoe enjoys dancing and spending time at the beach with her friends and family.

Eugene Dickie
Eugene DickieAccount Coordinator
Eugene has a diverse background in the media, hospitality, and events sectors, with hands-on experience gained after completing a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communication, specialising in sales. A driven professional, Eugene brings expertise in marketing strategies and coordination, with a proven track record of delivering quality results and achieving customer satisfaction through innovative and creative approaches.

In the New Zealand media industry, Eugene worked with a variety of clients and brands, developing tailored strategies to grow their businesses. He adopts a calculated and systematic approach to problem-solving, ensuring solutions are effective and sustainable.

Eugene values the importance of building strong relationships with clients and recognises that collaboration and teamwork are essential to achieving operational success and fostering growth.

In his spare time, Eugene enjoys staying active, producing music, DJing, and spending time with friends and family while exploring everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer.

Charlotte Debert
Charlotte DebertMarketing Coordinator
Charlotte holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business and is currently pursuing a master’s in international business. As a marketing coordinator, she is primarily responsible for managing social media, assisting with data analysis and website updates.

During her weekends, you’ll find her playing beach tennis and exploring the Sunshine Coast.

Livi Cotton
Livi CottonMarketing Coordinator
Livi is currently diving deep into the world of marketing as she pursues her Bachelor of Business degree, Majoring in Marketing. With a background in the hospitality industry, Livi understands the importance of building strong relationships and delivering exceptional experiences and is always up for a challenge.

When she is not busy with her studies, Livi loves nothing more than going on spontaneous adventures, soaking up the sun at the beach, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Raphael Goncalves
Raphael GoncalvesGraphic Designer
Raph is passionate about all things marketing, branding and design. He is a graduate in Marketing and Advertising and a post-graduate in Strategic Marketing Management. With over 12 years experience in the marketing and hospitality industry combined, he is no stranger to the hospitality industry. He is a versatile, fast creative gun, with responsibilities including social media management and planning, graphic design and campaign execution.
In his spare time, Raph enjoys the coast life, surfing and cooking for his wife!
Adam ThompsonSenior Marketing Analyst
Adam has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Entrepreneurship. With over 10 years experience in the hospitality industry, a passion for innovation, and an analytical mindset, Adam is responsible for the development and execution of direct marketing campaigns, data analysis and interpretation, database management, and client report preparation. He is passionate about identifying areas of improvement and proposing creative solutions.

In his spare time, Adam loves a trip to the beach, hanging out with friends and family, and playing all sorts of sport.

Ben AgnewDeveloper & Marketing Analyst
Ben Agnew holds 4 years of software development experience, with a deep passion for data analysis.

As a Marketing Analyst and Developer, Ben dedicates his time to creating and implementing innovative, data-driven strategies that drive results for our clients. He is puts his expertise into database management, campaign analysis, and client reporting. His ability to turn data insights into actionable solutions makes him a key asset to his team!

On the weekends, Ben enjoys relaxing over a beverage with mates.

Zoe ClewettMarketing Analyst
Zoe is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Data Science and a Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in Fashion Communication, at Queensland University of Technology.

With over 5 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Zoe combines her experience, passion for innovation and strong analytical mindset and to drive measurable results for our clients. She is responsible for the execution of direct marketing campaigns, data analysis and interpretation, database management, and client report preparation.

In her spare time, Zoe enjoys dancing and spending time at the beach with her friends and family.

Eugene DickieAccount Coordinator
Eugene has a diverse background in the media, hospitality, and events sectors, with hands-on experience gained after completing a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communication, specialising in sales. A driven professional, Eugene brings expertise in marketing strategies and coordination, with a proven track record of delivering quality results and achieving customer satisfaction through innovative and creative approaches.

In the New Zealand media industry, Eugene worked with a variety of clients and brands, developing tailored strategies to grow their businesses. He adopts a calculated and systematic approach to problem-solving, ensuring solutions are effective and sustainable.

Eugene values the importance of building strong relationships with clients and recognises that collaboration and teamwork are essential to achieving operational success and fostering growth.

In his spare time, Eugene enjoys staying active, producing music, DJing, and spending time with friends and family while exploring everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer.

Charlotte DebertMarketing Coordinator
Charlotte holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business and is currently pursuing a master’s in international business. As a marketing coordinator, she is primarily responsible for managing social media, assisting with data analysis and website updates.

During her weekends, you’ll find her playing beach tennis and exploring the Sunshine Coast.

Livi CottonMarketing Coordinator
Livi is currently diving deep into the world of marketing as she pursues her Bachelor of Business degree, Majoring in Marketing. With a background in the hospitality industry, Livi understands the importance of building strong relationships and delivering exceptional experiences and is always up for a challenge.

When she is not busy with her studies, Livi loves nothing more than going on spontaneous adventures, soaking up the sun at the beach, and spending quality time with friends and family.

darryl@maer.com.au

Raphael GoncalvesGraphic Designer
Raph is passionate about all things marketing, branding and design. He is a graduate in Marketing and Advertising and a post-graduate in Strategic Marketing Management. With over 12 years experience in the marketing and hospitality industry combined, he is no stranger to the hospitality industry. He is a versatile, fast creative gun, with responsibilities including social media management and planning, graphic design and campaign execution.

In his spare time, Raph enjoys the coast life, surfing and cooking for his wife!

Our experienced team is here to support your businesses needs, providing you with practical advice that helps you achieve outstanding results.

Ready to chat?

 

Call us today to see how we can help your business.

  • (07) 5378 1492

Set up a consultation with us today!

Location

Shop 7C, Brightwater Marketplace
69/79 Attenuata Drive, Mountain Creek, QLD, 4557

Email

info@maer.com.au

Phone

(07) 5378 1492

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