30under30 2012

Energetic, unique, crazy, fun, childish. That is how Adrian Rokman characterises the nature of his work. Then again, at Allsportz, kid's play is everything, and as general manager, Rokman is having a blast being the biggest kid around.

A single 'Like' is a great first step toward greater brand awareness, and Abs Elmaz can't understand why more brands aren't on board. The Melbourne entrepreneur founded Social House Media to capitalise on Facebook as a channel for promotional marketing.

What's more auspicious, and fitting, for a budgeting specialist site than being named Shoe String Startup of the Month? Kixup, says Andrew Frahm, comes with tools for beating debt and building savings. "Kixup is all about where your money is going and what the months ahead have in store for you financially," he explains.

Joel Deakin, the director of the online customised menswear business George & King, is issuing a challenge to bricks and mortar shops. "Our suits and shirts combine luxurious fabrics with personalised details to capture your individual character," says Deakin.

Designer furniture shouldn't be limited to luxury budgets, so believes Bill Huynh, the founder of Interior Secrets. Employing a streamlined model and online-only presence, Interior Secrets sells replica model furniture at low prices and delivers it Australia wide.

Asaf Brukarz decided to take on the real estate industry in a big way, and the industry is begrudgingly coming around. The result, PropConnect, is an online system for handling and tracking property sales in high-density developments.

A seasoned academic and scientist, 28-year-old Lachlan Blackhall is also the linchpin of the startup business community in the ACT. And he has the CV to show for it. His current project, 17Dynamics, is a boutique consultancy firm providing growth and innovation solutions for institutions in government, education, technology, energy and engineering.

Rowan Kunz's tutoring enterprise began with a self-published book targeting HSC students. Today, Art of Smart Education employs over 100 exam preparation coaches in NSW, Victoria and the ACT. And Kunz continues to broaden his wingspan.

A co-founder of OrionVM, the developer the CloudDC platform, Yeo relishes the opportunity to beat the deep pockets in the industry at their own game. This year marks his third consecutive spot on Anthill's 30under30 list. And he isn't halfway through his twenties yet.

Michael Morgano strives to make online classifieds more affordable, more accessible, and even more quirky. Car owners who are selling their vehicles can turn to Car Genie for a simplified listing plan that requires only $5 for six months.

Lingerie queen and repeat 30under30 winner Chanel Costabir is branching out with a new service called Sheer Novice, expanding on her conviction that sexy undergarments need not be the exclusive domain of women. Her new service, that is, is tailored specifically for the men who love them.

"The entrepreneur's journey is an incredible way to discover your true self and capacity for success," says Emily Gowor, a best-selling author, motivational speaker and mentor who identifies herself through her own personal brand, the Word Artist. Through every imaginable channel -- print, YouTube, social media, one-on-one coaching -- she reaches out to those in doubt or in crisis, using words to break down the human psyche, carrying the power of inspiration in her work.

OnTheGo manufactures customised sportswear for diverse sporting and fitness activities, and makes it available for government, not-for-profit, and corporate organisations. It's a brand that's philanthropic, adventurous, even risk-taking, and inextricably tied to the personality of its founder, the 22-year-old entrepreneur, avid cyclist and self-described 'Young Life Champion', Mick Spencer.

Couches on wheels with DJ decks, speakers and beer. Dude, it's for real. Mardy Daniel's Festival Couch is the newest attraction at concerts and outdoor events.

The 30UNDER30 Readers’ Choice Index was created to provide an opportunity for Anthill readers to help support young entrepreneurs in one of three ways. Make your vote.

Jessie Larcombe says her brand's appeal relies on the five senses. Certainly, hearing is paramount, because Jesselle PR keeps the Brisbane fashion community in the hum of media buzz.

What is the 30under30? 30under30 is an Anthill initiative launched in early 2008 to encourage and promote entrepreneurship among young Australians. Each year, we invite...

"You know how recruitment is expensive, frustrating and time-consuming for most companies?" asks Michael Overell, to which most companies will reply: "Word." Those with no frustrations to report have likely discovered RecruitLoop, a service that streamlines the hiring process using third-party recruiters and automated video interviews of candidates.

If you're a frequent traveller who is also a concerned cat owner, Ebony Centazzo's retreat is as good as a hotel...for your feline companions, that is. Cat Napping Suburban Retreat opened last year, in a warehouse replete with beds, toys and scratching posts for each individual guest, with a playpen, fish tank, and outdoor viewing to spare.

Liza Shulyayeva offers a refreshing approach to those who fret about web design. The 24-year-old from Perth runs Techalite Web Consulting and offers programming and marketing solutions for small businesses and startups. To market herself, she prefers to work hard and let her results generate the buzz.