History
We’re a very young company with an old soul. We are a group of founders, mentors, entrepreneurs, Angel Investors, dreamers and pragmatists. Our combined experience covers most sectors and the full business cycle from startup to exit and even close. Our business is not our name, or logo’s, or address - our business is the relationships we’ve formed over our many past, continuing and future endeavours. To be frank, we’re hoping you’re interesting and motivated enough to become part of the family.
Individually, we’ve achieved much, lost some and learned more. Together we’re an organisation with many ready answers and even more very good questions.
Practitioners
Managing director
Norm Jenkins
14 years in the military and a lifetime starting, growing and exiting his own businesses. Technically trained in the military, Norm brings skills in robotics, fabrication and maintenance businesses delivering products and services in the Energy, Mining, Defence and Manufacturing sectors.
Norman underpins his leadership of i4 CONNECT with a strong focus on culture, partnering, collaboration and empathy and a mind that just can’t let go of finding ways to better serve his customers and greater cause - innovation.
Education
Swinburne
MEI (2004)
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Company Directors Diploma (2006)
Startup / Experience
7 startups and exits
Business Intermediary on over 30 sales up to $6M in value to ASX listed companies
National General Manager of Customer service - a P&L role with a $20M budget for Pioneer Electronics (a $250M+ multinational consumer electronics company)
Founder & CEO of i4 Australia Pty Ltd trading as i4d (Innovate for Defence) Australia - bringing problems and sponsors from Defence together with talent from University and Industry to rapidly develop solutions
Program Director, X-Lab Ventures Pty Ltd - a startup enabler
Current Government Security Clearance
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Suzanne Paynter
Also responsible for managing the delivery of i4 Connect’s commercialisation program, Suzanne has extensive Government and private sector experience with key portfolio areas including Government relations, defence, industry and trade, mining and resources, automotive and health. This includes experience in providing strategy and policy advice plus experience in corporate communications, stakeholder management, public relations, marketing and events at a local, state and international level.
Education
MONASH UNIVERISTY
MBA, 2019
UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
LLB (HONS) , 2010
COLLEGE OF LAW, VICTORIA
GRAD DIP LEGAL PRACTICE , 2011
Startup / Experience
Practised as a criminal defence Solicitor
CEO of Future Business Council
Director Murrumbeena Community Bendigo Bank
Over 7 years experience with the South Australian Government in a variety of executive and leadership roles including
Ministerial Adviser to the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Industry & Trade
Senior Project Manager, Marketing & Communications Manager
Project Officer - Aerospace & Naval
Executive Officer - Defence Industry Advisory Board