HARDNOX ASSOCIATION
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Join the Hardnox Association — Founding members From $290

HARDNOX ASSOCIATION
  • Home
  • About
  • Join Hardnox
  • Business Masterclass
  • Ku-Ring-Gai - Golf Day
  • Business Growth Groups
  • Sponsorship opportunities
  • Meet the Mentors
  • Past events
  • Business Coach Sydney
  • Newsletters
  • Training Programs
  • FAQ

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.

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.


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

Ambassadors

Dr Stephen Gardner PhD

Dr Stephen Gardner PhD

Dr Stephen Gardner PhD

 

Executive Ambassador


 "From apprentice tradie to PhD-qualified executive, my journey through the construction industry has been anything but typical. I’ve copped my share of hard knocks—onsite and off—but I’ve always believed in turning adversity into growth. That’s why the Hardnox movement resonates so strongly with me. 


 This isn’t just 

 

Executive Ambassador


 "From apprentice tradie to PhD-qualified executive, my journey through the construction industry has been anything but typical. I’ve copped my share of hard knocks—onsite and off—but I’ve always believed in turning adversity into growth. That’s why the Hardnox movement resonates so strongly with me. 


 This isn’t just a brand—it’s a mission. A community. A support network for those who’ve taken the hits, learned the lessons, and kept showing up"

Pierre Esber

Dr Stephen Gardner PhD

Dr Stephen Gardner PhD

 

Senior Industry Ambassador


Having served as the Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta (2023–2024) and a Councillor for over two decades, Pierre has been at the forefront of major regional development, advocating for world-class infrastructure, local job creation, and inclusive community growth. 


 Pierre is no stranger to the realities of bu

 

Senior Industry Ambassador


Having served as the Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta (2023–2024) and a Councillor for over two decades, Pierre has been at the forefront of major regional development, advocating for world-class infrastructure, local job creation, and inclusive community growth. 


 Pierre is no stranger to the realities of business ownership. He has a strong background in construction 

Senior Industry Ambassador

Pierre Esber - Executive Civic Leader | Construction Business Owner | Former Lord Mayor of Parramatt

We are Honored to welcome Pierre to the Hardnox Association


With a distinguished track record in both public leadership and private enterprise, Pierre brings a powerful combination of insight, credibility, and lived experience to the Hardnox movement.


Having served as the Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta (2023–2024) and a Councillor for over two decades, Pierre has been at the forefront of major regional development, advocating for world-class infrastructure, local job creation, and inclusive community growth.


Beyond his civic leadership, Pierre is no stranger to the realities of business ownership. He has a strong background in construction, having founded and managed a successful plumbing company that employed over 40 staff and operated across NSW. He understands, firsthand, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, managing teams, navigating industry cycles, and staying resilient through changing economic conditions.


As a Senior Industry Ambassador, Pierre partners with the Hardnox Association to foster leadership, promote industry excellence, and support the next generation of tradespeople and business owners. His role strengthens our mission to provide real-world mentorship, real business acumen, and high-value relationships to those who are building Australia’s future, often the hard way.


We’re proud to have Pierre Esber championing our vision. His presence helps strengthen our cause, and we look forward to the impact we’ll create together across the construction, trade, and small business communities.


Hardnox Association

Executive Ambassador

Dr Stephen Gardner PhD | COO | Construction Industry Leader | Advocate for Real Change

We Are honored to welcome Dr Stephen Gardner to the hardnox Association


Message from Stephen

“From apprentice tradie to PhD-qualified executive, my journey through the construction industry has been anything but typical. I’ve copped my share of hard knocks—onsite and off—but I’ve always believed in turning adversity into growth. That’s why the Hardnox movement resonates so strongly with me.
 

This isn’t just a brand—it’s a mission. A community. A support network for those who’ve taken the hits, learned the lessons, and kept showing up. What Michael and the team are building through Hardnox is something our industry desperately needs: resilience, brotherhood, and brutally honest conversations.
 

As someone who’s climbed the ranks while carrying the scars of lived experience, I see it as a privilege to give back, support others, and help shape a culture that values people, not just productivity.
 

I’m honoured to come on board as a Hardnox Ambassador and lend my voice to a cause that stands for strength through struggle—and the power of backing each other in”.


Hardnox Association

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