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HARDNOX ASSOCIATION
  • Home
  • About
  • Join Hardnox
  • Business Masterclasses
  • Business Growth Groups
  • Business Coach Sydney
  • Sponsorship opportunities
  • Newsl, Blogs & FAQ

We're back in 2026!

Hardnox is gearing up for our biggest year yet, new Growth Groups, new Masterclasses, new mentors, and new opportunities for business owners who want to level up with clarity, strategy, and real community.


Watch this space.
2026 is going to bring serious momentum.

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the loop with upcoming spots, events, and early access announcements.


👉 Become a Hardnox member and unlock member benefits, priority bookings, exclusive content, and access to our private community.

Stronger businesses. Stronger leaders. Stronger networks.
Let’s build 2026 together. 🦅

Join Hardnox

Meet the Mentors

Michael Emerzidis

Michael Emerzidis

Michael Emerzidis

 Dip. Building & Construction | Cert IV WHS | Cert Demolition | Cert Civil & Plant Ops 




 A seasoned construction coach, Qualified Builder & consultant, with 20+ years of experience in demolition, excavation, and civil works. Founder of The Hardnox Association, he helps startups and established businesses scale through strategic planning, c

 Dip. Building & Construction | Cert IV WHS | Cert Demolition | Cert Civil & Plant Ops 




 A seasoned construction coach, Qualified Builder & consultant, with 20+ years of experience in demolition, excavation, and civil works. Founder of The Hardnox Association, he helps startups and established businesses scale through strategic planning, compliance, and smart networking, empowering entrepreneurs to build sustainable and profitable ventures. 


 Helping you find your niche, define your USP, and scale with clarity — Michael Emerzidis brings real-world experience and industry insight to support growth in the construction space. A trusted mentor and advocate, he empowers trades and businesses to cut through the noise and build with purpose. Book a session today. 

Kaveer Soni

Michael Emerzidis

Michael Emerzidis

   INSOL Int’l, ARITA Adv. Cert. – UTS, Law Extension / LPAB Bridging – USYD,  / Practical Legal Training – LSSA, LLB – UNISA, BCom 


 Kaveer has been practicing law since 2012, with extensive experience in Australian law .Early in his career, Kaveer discovered his passion for commercial law, which led him to establish Soni Legal with a foc

   INSOL Int’l, ARITA Adv. Cert. – UTS, Law Extension / LPAB Bridging – USYD,  / Practical Legal Training – LSSA, LLB – UNISA, BCom 


 Kaveer has been practicing law since 2012, with extensive experience in Australian law .Early in his career, Kaveer discovered his passion for commercial law, which led him to establish Soni Legal with a focus on serving businesses. Over the years, he has helped companies navigate both growth and challenges, ensuring contracts are tailored to their needs and guiding them through complex legal issues. Kaveer has also worked closely with directors to overcome legal obstacles and supported insolvency practitioners in maximizing value for their estates.

Anesan Naidoo

Michael Emerzidis

Anesan Naidoo

 Lean Six Sigma | ECM Certified (IBM) | MCSD | UNSW




A strategic growth advisor, professional coach, and transformation expert, Anesan brings over two decades of global experience across corporate leadership, digital transformation, and organizational performance. With a deep background in Lean Six Sigma, enterprise coaching, and systems th

 Lean Six Sigma | ECM Certified (IBM) | MCSD | UNSW




A strategic growth advisor, professional coach, and transformation expert, Anesan brings over two decades of global experience across corporate leadership, digital transformation, and organizational performance. With a deep background in Lean Six Sigma, enterprise coaching, and systems thinking, he has led change initiatives for both startups and large-scale organizations. As the founder of Organisational coaching solutions, Anesan now focuses on helping business owners scale with clarity—using structured methodologies to unlock sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Polina Kesov

Michael Emerzidis

Anesan Naidoo

 Diploma of Financial Services (General Insurance), Associate CIP 




With over 25 years of experience across broking, claims, and compliance, Delivering a sharp, no-nonsense approach to navigating risk in business.  she leads an independent brokerage that refuses to be tied to any group—ensuring her clients get clear, unbiased advice, especi

 Diploma of Financial Services (General Insurance), Associate CIP 




With over 25 years of experience across broking, claims, and compliance, Delivering a sharp, no-nonsense approach to navigating risk in business.  she leads an independent brokerage that refuses to be tied to any group—ensuring her clients get clear, unbiased advice, especially when dealing with complex or hard-to-place risks.

Supporting  you through emerging risks like cyber threats and champions the use of proactive strategies, including cyber insurance, to protect businesses before things go wrong.


 Polina champions real-world risk strategies and mental health reform. 


Her motto: Action speaks louder than words.

Manpreet Singh

Michael Hazilias

Clayton Navarro

  

Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) | Registered Tax Agent (TPB) | Financial Coach | Construction & Trades Specialist


Manpreet Singh is a highly regarded financial expert with over 13 years of professional experience and a track record of helping more than 500 businesses—particularly in the building, construction, and trades industries—gain cl

  

Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) | Registered Tax Agent (TPB) | Financial Coach | Construction & Trades Specialist


Manpreet Singh is a highly regarded financial expert with over 13 years of professional experience and a track record of helping more than 500 businesses—particularly in the building, construction, and trades industries—gain clarity, control, and confidence in their financial journey.


As a Chartered Accountant and Registered Tax Agent, Manpreet brings a rare blend of technical precision and practical insight. His deep understanding of industry-specific challenges allows him to guide tradies, subcontractors, and builders through everything from tax strategy and compliance to business structuring, cash flow management, and growth planning.


What sets Manpreet apart is his real-world, down-to-earth coaching style. He knows that behind every job site and invoice is a business owner trying to make smart decisions and build a secure future. His goal is to demystify the financial side of business and empower trades-based entrepreneurs to grow with purpose—not just profit.


His Motto  “Your numbers should work as hard as you do.”

Clayton Navarro

Michael Hazilias

Clayton Navarro


Founder of VA World | Business Systems Specialist | Team Strategy Advisor | Dip Sports Development


A highly regarded systems and operations strategist with a strong track record of helping business owners — particularly in the construction, trades, and service-based industries — streamline their operations, delegate effectively, and scal


Founder of VA World | Business Systems Specialist | Team Strategy Advisor | Dip Sports Development


A highly regarded systems and operations strategist with a strong track record of helping business owners — particularly in the construction, trades, and service-based industries — streamline their operations, delegate effectively, and scale with confidence.

With a background in performance coaching and a Diploma in Sports Development, Clayton combines the discipline of high-performance training with the practical insight of business systems and team design. His focus is on helping time-poor business owners step out of the day-to-day grind by installing lean systems, automating admin, and building the right support teams.

Through his company, VA World, Clayton has supported hundreds of businesses to remove bottlenecks, reclaim time, and grow their revenue without adding more pressure.

What sets Clayton apart is his sharp operational thinking and real-world approach to leadership. He understands that behind every task list is a business owner who just wants to run smoother, smarter, and more sustainably.

His goal is to help you run a business that doesn’t rely solely on you — and to do that with a team and structure that supports long-term growth.

His motto:
“Great businesses are built on great systems. I help you put them in place — so you can focus on what matters most.


Michael Hazilias

Michael Hazilias

Michael Hazilias

 

Tech Entrepreneur & Digital Wealth Strategist




Most business owners earn good money... yet stay stuck trading time for it.
 

Entrepreneur. Technologist. Michael has built tech businesses since age 16, led 2 successful exits, and currently leads 8 ventures across web2 and web3. 

Through his company, Breakout Solutions, he’s helped over 1,000

 

Tech Entrepreneur & Digital Wealth Strategist




Most business owners earn good money... yet stay stuck trading time for it.
 

Entrepreneur. Technologist. Michael has built tech businesses since age 16, led 2 successful exits, and currently leads 8 ventures across web2 and web3. 

Through his company, Breakout Solutions, he’s helped over 1,000 clients generate millions in profit and passive income. His mission? 

To help 1 million people escape the debt-driven system and achieve true financial sovereignty by 2025. 

Nikhil Singh

Michael Hazilias

Michael Hazilias

 

Computer Scientist & IIT Alumnus




With over 20 years of experience building AI and tech ventures across Silicon Valley and Australia. He has helped grow startups which got acquired by Google, contributed to Yahoo!’s search engine, and has since launched and advised multiple ventures in AI, automation, and SaaS.

As co-founder of AI2Easy (Awa

 

Computer Scientist & IIT Alumnus




With over 20 years of experience building AI and tech ventures across Silicon Valley and Australia. He has helped grow startups which got acquired by Google, contributed to Yahoo!’s search engine, and has since launched and advised multiple ventures in AI, automation, and SaaS.

As co-founder of AI2Easy (Award Winning Consultancy) and Deciphr (an AWS-recognized generative AI startup), Nikhil specializes in architecting intelligent systems that save businesses time and cost. He is a trusted advisor to enterprises looking to scale with AI and is passionate about bridging the gap between innovation and impact


My Motto: “Turning intelligent ideas into real-world impact.”


Nikhil’s mission is to save millions of hours of human effort by 2027, by simplifying AI for real-world business outcomes.

Xavier Crow

Xavier Crow

Xavier Crow

Xavier Crow is an internationally experienced mentalist and keynote speaker who has spent more than two decades on stage captivating audiences across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Drawing from his background in high-impact entertainment, 


Xavier now mentors business leaders and professionals on the art and science of communication.


He

Xavier Crow is an internationally experienced mentalist and keynote speaker who has spent more than two decades on stage captivating audiences across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Drawing from his background in high-impact entertainment, 


Xavier now mentors business leaders and professionals on the art and science of communication.


He specialises in transforming mindsets, beliefs, and behaviours to help people communicate with clarity, influence with integrity, and connect at a deeper level.  Xavier shows his audiences how to read the room, understand unspoken cues, and harness language that inspires action.

 Transforming the way people think, speak, and lead! 


Turning everyday conversations into opportunities for impact..

Our Mentors - recap

Anesan Naidoo

 

🎥 Hear from Anesan Naidoo - 


We caught up with Anesan Naidoo, a respected industry professional, just moments after one of our recent Hardnox Masterclasses..

Kaveer Soni

 

🎥 Hear from Kaveer Soni – 

Masterclass Mentor + Commercial Lawyer

We caught up with Kaveer Soni, respected commercial lawyer and one of our Hardnox mentors, right after our recent Masterclass on Understanding Insurance.

BECOME A MENTOR AT THE SCHOOL OF HARDNOX!

Shape the Industry. Share Your Knowledge. Get Recognition.

 

Ever Thought…

💭 “I could really provide value to this business owner, but I don’t want to sound like i am selling.”


💭 “I wish I had a structured way to mentor and teach without the hassle of building my own platform.”


 💭 “I know I can help others avoid costly mistakes, but I need the right platform to reach the right people. 



The School of Hardnox - Mentor Program

Welcome to The School of Hardnox where industry leaders like you educate, mentor, and inspire others

 Why Become a Mentor?

 

Share your expertise, grow your influence, and earn to teach. Our Mentor Program lets you lead structured masterclasses, connect with industry leaders, and position yourself as a trusted authority.


With reserved seats per session, you earn while you teach, and Mentor+ unlocks even greater reach, revenue, and brand partnerships. Every session is co-piloted with an industry expert, ensuring valuable, engaging discussions.


Ready to educate, inspire, and lead? Join The School of Hardnox Mentor Program today.


JOIN HARDNOX

Your chance to give back

Your Benefits as a Mentor

  • Share your experience and help shape the future of the industry
     
  • Be recognised as a trusted expert and mentor in your field
     
  • Gain ongoing exposure through recorded masterclasses
     
  • Expand your professional network with other mentors and industry leaders
     
  • Influence and inspire apprentices, cadets, and early-stage business owners
     
  • Join exclusive networking events and Hardnox gatherings
     
  • Receive support and onboarding to guide your mentoring journey
     
  • Be part of a national movement to strengthen the trades and small business community

masterclass + networking event details - 12th Nov 2025

Gain more productivity in your business Masterclass 2:15pm - 5pm SOLD OUT

Gain more productivity in your business Masterclass 2:15pm - 5pm SOLD OUT

 

 Proudly Sponsored by AI2Easy – Award-Winning AI Consultancy
Masterclass: Turning Intelligent Ideas into Real-World Impact
Brought to you by Hardnox Association
Featuring Guest Mentor: Nikhil Singh – Computer Scientist, IIT Alumnus, and Co-Founder of AI2Easy & Deciphr


About This Masterclass

AI is transforming how businesses operate — from construction and professional services to manufacturing and beyond.
This session is designed for forward-thinking business owners who want to leverage Artificial Intelligence to save time, cut costs, and scale smarter — without needing a tech background.


What You’ll Learn:

✔ Real-world applications of AI and automation that create immediate impact
✔ How to identify areas in your business ready for intelligent systems
✔ Frameworks for implementing AI sustainably and profitably
✔ Stories from Silicon Valley — lessons from startups acquired by Google and Yahoo!
✔ How AI is simplifying workflows and reshaping industries in 2025


About AI2Easy:
AI2Easy is an award-winning Australian consultancy helping businesses bridge the gap between innovation and impact. With a mission to save millions of hours of human effort by 2027, AI2Easy specialises in making AI simple, accessible, and actionable for real-world business outcomes.

Networking + Building Relationships 5pm - 730pm

Gain more productivity in your business Masterclass 2:15pm - 5pm SOLD OUT

 

Kick On for the Second Half – Network, Connect, and Raise a Glass


After the masterclass, we’re not just packing up and heading home— We’re kicking on with an industry networking session designed to build real relationships. Enjoy networking with other business owners, tradies, subcontractors, and industry leaders.


Meet the Hardnox Mentors 


Join the live Q&A session 


Ask the real questions no one else talks about 


Share wins, challenges, and solutions in a relaxed setting This is your chance to 


build your circle, not just your business. Good conversations lead to great collaborations. Meeting Point - 



 

About the Mentor – Nikhil Singh


Nikhil Singh is a Computer Scientist, IIT Alumnus, and co-founder of AI2Easy — an award-winning consultancy dedicated to simplifying AI for real-world business outcomes.

With over 20 years of experience across Silicon Valley and Australia, Nikhil has built and scaled AI ventures that have reshaped industries. He’s helped grow startups that were acquired by Google, contributed to Yahoo!’s search engine, and now leads a mission-driven team focused on saving millions of hours of human effort by 2027 through automation and intelligent systems.

As a trusted advisor to enterprise and startup leaders alike, Nikhil bridges the gap between innovation and impact — showing businesses how to use technology not as a replacement for people, but as a multiplier for performance.

His approach is practical, insightful, and deeply human — empowering business owners to adopt AI confidently and strategically.


💡 “Turning intelligent ideas into real-world impact” isn’t just his motto — it’s the philosophy behind every venture he builds.

masterclass + event details 15 october 2025

Risk vs Protection - Insurance Masterclass 3pm - 5pm

 

Proudly Sponsored by Insurance insights Australia 

Risk vs Protection – Understanding Insurance in Construction

Brought to you by Hardnox Association
Featuring Guest Mentor: Polina Kesov – Director, Insurance Insights Australia | Commercial Insurance Expert


About This Masterclass

Confused about what your insurance actually covers? You’re not alone.
This masterclass is designed for builders, tradies, and construction business owners who want to protect their business properly—not just tick a box.

What You’ll Learn:

✔ The must-have policies every construction business needs
✔ Common coverage gaps that expose your business
✔ How insurance and contracts work together
✔ Real-world case studies of claims gone wrong
✔ What “being protected” really means—not just insured


This is the session the industry has been missing.
No jargon.
Real examples.
Straightforward advice you can act on.

 Secure your seat now and protect what you’ve built.

 

About the Mentor

 

Polina Kesov - Diploma of Financial Services (General Insurance), Associate CIP 

With over 25 years of experience across broking, claims, and compliance, Delivering a sharp, no-nonsense approach to navigating risk in business.  she leads an independent brokerage that refuses to be tied to any group—ensuring her clients get clear, unbiased advice, especially when dealing with complex or hard-to-place risks.

Supporting  you through emerging risks like cyber threats and champions the use of proactive strategies, including cyber insurance, to protect businesses before things go wrong.

 Polina champions real-world risk strategies and mental health reform. 


Her motto: Action speaks louder than words.

Networking + Building Relationships 5pm - 730pm

Networking + Building Relationships 5pm - 730pm

 

Kick On for the Second Half – Network, Connect, and Raise a Glass

After the masterclass, we’re not just packing up and heading home— We’re kicking on with an industry networking session designed to build real relationships. Enjoy ice-cold beers, wine (included in your ticket) as you connect with other business owners, tradies, subcontractors, and industry leaders.


Meet the Hardnox Mentors 


Join the live Q&A session 


Ask the real questions no one else talks about 


Share wins, challenges, and solutions in a relaxed settingThis is your chance to 


build your circle, not just your business.Good conversations lead to great collaborations.Meeting Point - 



previous Masterclass + events

May 2 - 2025 - Parramatta

May 30 - 2025 - Parramatta

May 30 - 2025 - Parramatta

SOLD OUT MASTERCLASS + EVENT


Your legal obligations in Construction Masterclass + Meet the Industry Leaders Networking Event 

Session Time: 3pm - 8pm



This Masterclass & Event Has now Concluded!

Sign up Today to Get access to all Masterclasses!


Delivered by a qualified contract law expert and business risk strategist, this session will teach you how to safeguard your business, avoid legal pitfalls, and negotiate contracts with confidence. Followed by networking drinks with industry professionals

.

Led by Kaveer Soni + 

Michael Emerzidis


 Missed the session? Get the digital copy — join Hardnox today. 

JOIN HARDNOX

May 30 - 2025 - Parramatta

May 30 - 2025 - Parramatta

May 30 - 2025 - Parramatta

SOLD OUT MASTERCLASS + EVENT  


Sponsored by Spot on Asbestos Removal


Construction: Business Accelerator Program – Masterclass + Meet the Industry Leaders Networking Event 

Session Time: 3pm - 8pm


This Masterclass & Event Has now Concluded!

Sign up Today to Get access to all Masterclasses!


 Scaling a business requires more than just hard work, it demands smart strategies, financial control, and strong leadership. This course teaches business owners how to scale effectively, manage cash flow, build high-performing teams, Grow with confidence, not chaos. 

.

Led by Anesan Naidoo + Michael Emerzidis


 Missed the session? Get the digital copy — join Hardnox today. 

join hardnox

JULY 11 2025 - Norwest

JULY 11 2025 - Norwest

JULY 11 2025 - Norwest

SOLD OUT MASTERCLASS + EVENT  


Sponsored by Beat my Home Loan


Cashflow in Construction – Build Smart. Stay Ahead.

Industry Leaders Networking Event 

Session Time: 3pm - 8pm

This Masterclass & Event Has now Concluded!

Sign up Today to Get access to all Masterclasses!


Struggling with cashflow? You're not alone. This session is designed specifically for tradies, subcontractors, and construction business owners who want clarity, control, and confidence when it comes to their finances.





Led by Manpreet Singh +

Michael Emerzidis


 Missed the session? Get the digital copy — join Hardnox today. 

join hardnox

AUG 20 2025 - Norwest

JULY 11 2025 - Norwest

JULY 11 2025 - Norwest

SOLD OUT: MASTERCLASS + EVENT


Sponsored by The Perfect Recruit


The Silent Saboteurs – 3 Hidden Gaps Keeping Business Owners From Financial Freedom
Presented by Michael Hazilias — Tech Entrepreneur & Digital Wealth Strategist

Even high-income business owners fall into hidden traps that keep them trading time for money. Michael Hazilias uncovered the three saboteurs holding most leaders back:

  • A misaligned wealth identity
  • Leaky money systems
  • Outdated investment strategies
     

He revealed how modern, automated wealth systems—powered by blockchain and AI—are helping business owners fast-track 


Led by Michael Hazilias + 

Michael Emerzidis



 Missed the session? Get the digital copy — join Hardnox today. 

join Hardnox

Masterclass Session Times

May 2nd 2025 - Parramatta CBD

May 2nd 2025 - Parramatta CBD

May 2nd 2025 - Parramatta CBD

Your legal obligations in Construction Masterclass + Meet the Industry Leaders Networking Event 

Session Time: 3pm - 8pm


This Class has now concluded

For Access to This Masterclass please register as a Hardnox Member



Delivered by a qualified contract law expert and business risk strategist, this session will teach you how to safeguard your business, avoid legal pitfalls, and negotiate contracts with confidence. Followed by networking drinks with industry professionals

.

Led by Kaveer Soni + Michael Emerzidis



 Missed the session? Get the digital copy — join Hardnox today. 


join hardnox

May 30th 2025 - Sydney CBD

May 2nd 2025 - Parramatta CBD

May 2nd 2025 - Parramatta CBD

  Construction Business Accelerator Program – Masterclass + Meet the Industry Leaders Networking Event 

Sponsor - Spot on Asbestos Removal

Session Time: 3pm - 8pm


This Class has now concluded

For Access to This Masterclass please register as a Hardnox Member


 Scaling a business requires more than just hard work, it demands smart strategies, financial control, and strong leadership. This course teaches business owners how to scale effectively, manage cash flow, build high-performing teams, Grow with confidence, not chaos. 

.

Led by Anesan Naidoo + Michael Emerzidis


 Missed the session? Get the digital copy — join Hardnox today. 


join hardnox

July 11th 2025 - Norwest

May 2nd 2025 - Parramatta CBD

July 11th 2025 - Norwest

    Cashflow in Construction – Build Smart. Stay Ahead.

Industry Leaders Networking Event 

Session Time: 3pm - 8pm

This Masterclass & Event Has now Concluded!

Sign up Today to Get access to all Masterclasses!


Struggling with cashflow? You're not alone. This session is designed specifically for tradies, subcontractors, and construction business owners who want clarity, control, and confidence when it comes to their finances.

.

Led by Manpreet Singh +

Michael Emerzidis


 Missed the session? Get the digital copy — join Hardnox today. 


join hardnox

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